Does the alternator have to be a Bosch?

Question

I have a 2003 Oldsmobile Alero 3.4 V6.

I was told that I had to replace my alternator with a Bosch brand because no other brands will work.

Is this true? Do I only have one option and I must get the Bosch because no other brand will work?

Answer 1

No, it doesn't have to be a Bosch.

In fact, it looks like the OEM alternator is made by Delphi.

The website linked also lists the models that share this alternator (model 130D763):

Make        Model       Engine               Model Years 
CHEVROLET   CAMARO      3.8L V6              1996-1999 
CHEVROLET   CAVALIER    2.2L L4 BI-FUEL      1999 2002 
CHEVROLET   CAVALIER    2.2L L4 CNG          2001 2001 
CHEVROLET   CAVALIER    2.2L L4 OHV          1999 2002 
CHEVROLET   CAVALIER    2.4L L4              1996 2002 
CHEVROLET   MALIBU      2.4L L4              1997 1999 
CHEVROLET   MALIBU      3.1L V6              1997 1999 
CHEVROLET   MONTE CARLO 3.8L V6              1998 1998 
OLDSMOBILE  ALERO       3.4L V6              1999 2003 
OLDSMOBILE  BRAVADA     4.3L V6              1998 2000 
OLDSMOBILE  CUTLASS     3.1L V6              1997 1999 
PONTIAC     GRAND AM    2.4L L4              1996 1998 
PONTIAC     GRAND AM    3.4L V6              1999 2003 
PONTIAC     GRAND PRIX  3.8L V6              1998 1998 
PONTIAC     GRAND PRIX  3.8L V6 Supercharged 1998 1998 
PONTIAC     SUNFIRE     2.2L L4 OHV          1999 2002 
PONTIAC     SUNFIRE     2.4L L4              1996 1998 
PONTIAC     SUNFIRE     2.4L L4              1999 2002 

Answer 2

In @Chris's comment, he says it was the guy at the auto parts store who told him that the only alternator he could get was a Bosch brand.

This leads me to believe that what has gotten lost in this question is that the auto parts store was simply out of stock of other brands.

Auto parts stores are not a warehouse and only keep a few of each item on hand. They can usually ship in your needed part within two days for free.