GM of Canada has given performance freaks a break 2000 by adding a 5-speed manual transmission to the extremely competent Alero models with the 4-cylinder engine.This manual tranny will be standard equipment on the GX and GL trims. The 4-speed automatic will still be available, as a $1,085 option. It's the same axle ratio with either transmission, by the way.
Beyond the addition of the new shifter, there's not much that's new on the Alero for 2000: four new exterior hues and one for the inside, assist grips on upscale trims, and the addition of an optional gold package.
Because of the addition of the new transmission, Alero prices have actually gone down slightly -- to $20,315 for the base GX trim in coupe or sedan, from $20,995. Put the 4-speed in to bring equipment levels even and the price actually goes up about $400.For 2000, the GL coupe and sedan with the 5-speed are $22,630, a drop from $23,295, but they are also more expensive when adjusted for the automatic.
Alero GLS in coupe or sedan gets the 3.1-litre V-6 with the automatic (as it did last year), and its prices have gone up to $27,300 from $26,920.