Alfa Romeo 156 Sportwagon 1.8 TS TI

Advantages: Nice looking sexy car
Disadvantages: customer service for ever ending problems

...As a young driver I always wanted to own and drive an Alfa Romeo. Coming from the nation where the Ferrari originates form you'd think you cannot go wrong. When I was old enough to own an Alfa Romeo, I daringly went for the new 156TS Lusso when it first came out in the UK nearl 2.5 years ago. I have had constant problems with this vehicle but guess when you go for something as new as this you have to bite the bullet and accept recalls - especially the problems you report which orginates the recalls on other vehicles. My real problem is with the lack of Customer Service thats exists in Fiat-Alfa. Whatthey fail to realise is that an Alfa Romeo is aimed for a different market compared to the common Fiat and people should be treated as differently too. I have complained consistently abotsome problems which they failed to find... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Very stylish appearance. Probably the most attractive estate car available on the British market
Disadvantages: 1.6 engine a little under-powered.

...I've owned an Alfa Romeo 156 1.6 Sportwagon for three years and covered almost 100,000 miles during that time. I certainly do not regret my choice of car and would be very happy to repeat my decision when replacing my current car. As with all Alfas, the 156 has a sporty feel, although the 1.6 engine lacks the torque of bigger bore versions. Unfortunately, the 1.6 has been dropped from the Sportwagon range and is therefore only available now on the second hand market, but still provides the fun associated with a car manufacurer whose emphasis has always been more about style and performance than practicality. Indeed, practicality has been overlooked even in an estate. The carrying capacity is rather limited but is probably quite sufficient for most people's requirements. The cabin looks modern and uncluttered with a good quality stereo... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Alfa style!
Disadvantages: not spacious, poor build quality

...Like all Alfa’s, the 155 has that distinctive Alfa style and is an excellent performer. Second hand models represent very good value for money and they hold their price well. However, the 155 suffers from lots of build quality problems, in particular poor panel fit and loose trim. Inside, the interior cloth tends to wear quickly and fittings often come loose. The gearbox is not great, with poor gear change quality and with age suffers from weak synchromesh. Another minus is the brakes which were never very good and suffer from premature wear of pads and discs. The 155 is not very spacious either, and insurance costs can prove prohibitive.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful