The performance of AlGaInP visible vertical-cavity laser diodes fabricated using selective oxidation is reported. At room temperature, the lasers exhibit-continuous wave operation from 678 to 642 nm, with 642 nm being the shortest wavelength attained to date. In addition, these lasers possess the lowest threshold currents (660 mu A) and voltages (150 mV above photon energy) reported for visible vertical-cavity lasers.