Alfa Romeo 2.0L GTV. A future classic!

Advantages: Lovely handling. Beautiful. A lot of car for the price.
Disadvantages: Quirky, unreliable electrics. Badly kept examples will cost you

...I have owned this car for almost 2 years now and I still love it... It's breathtakingly beautiful and I find myself looking at it as I leave it parked. I even crane my neck sometimes. Embarrassing to admit, but I defy anyone who drives one to resist. Seriously. The drive is brilliant, the car really comes alive on a-roads and begs to be driven hard (within legal limits of course) on some nice country roads. However if you don't like firm rides, this may not be the car for you, it can be a little jarring on bumpy surfaces. Most cars I have driven get boring, and sometimes when I drive the GTV in traffic to and from work I find myself taking it for granted. However as soon as the traffic clears I remember why I love it so much. The driving position is also good, with all the dials pointing towards the driver. It sounds selfish, but...

redlandking 18.03.2006 (19.03.2006) · Read review
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Review of Alfa Romeo GTV 2.0 Twin Spark

  Romeo's heart captured mine

Advantages: Looks, performance, that engine sound
Disadvantages: No traction control, M.P.G. interior build quality, rear seats

...search of the one that was to become my Eleanor (remember gone in 60 seconds? I named it Eleanor because it felt like it was impossible to capture) but this was only due to the research I'd put in before hand and not because there aren't plenty of them out there. Some checking is needed to bag a good un. Not being a fan of saloon cars I didn't look at the 156 and 166, both a lot of car for not much money mind, and the smaller hatchback Alfa's didn't have much appeal as I'm a coupe man, so this left me with one obvious choice; the GTV. The GTV for me is one of the best looking Alfa's and while considering which version I should have adorning the drive way I found the first of many surprises that this car was to deliver; the insurance. The three versions that I was aware of are the 2.0, 3.0 V6 and the cabriolet (both 2.0 and 3...

Paid.Ark.Man 07.12.2005 · Read review
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Review of Alfa Romeo GTV 3.0

Alfa 156 - The truth.....

Advantages: Pedigree. Stylish.
Disadvantages: Insurance costs. Depreciation.

...Two years ago I decided to take the plunge and buy something different, and the Alfa had to be the choice. I purchased a 9 month old, low mileage "Lusso" 2.0ltr saloon version. Having still got the vehicle, how`s it stacked up? Read on for a few home truths after 30,000 trouble-free miles..... Initially the style of the car was a great attraction, not to mention the Alfa pedigree of "exclusivity" and relative scarecity (relatively speaking there are few dealers specialising in this marque). The cars lines are unmatched, being very sleek and aesthetically pleasing from all angles - and that front end is so aggesive! My initial impressions upon driving the car were that of a deceptively spacious interior, affording good driving visibility considering its compact and squat exterior looks. I chose the leather trim incidentally which is...

triplenut3 10.11.2005 · Read review
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Review of Alfa Romeo 156 2.0 Twin Spark

Alfa Romeo 147 1.9 JTD

Advantages: Engine, Looks, Leather, Options on my car
Disadvantages: Safety, Reliability Record, Dealership Record

...Alfa Romeo 147 1.9 JTD 3dr Lusso You probably just don?t understand Alfa's and until you sit in one-you never will? Just bought an Alfa Romeo 147 1.9 JTD 3dr Lusso and on first impressions I?m delighted. It?s Navy Blue in Colour which sets the car off great against the Cream Leather, its a top of the range model and comes with SAT NAV, Cruise Control, Telephone, full heated Leather Upholstery, trip computer, 16inch Alloy wheels etc. The options are great, although not a requirement for everyone-however I would recommend the leather upholstery as a MUST its fantastic. I test drove many cars before buying, yet decided on the Alfa 147, because it put the biggest smile on my face, it was the nicest car to sit in and felt the best to drive by a long way. The Golf mk4 GTi felt its age, and although the Golf mk5 1.6s that I...

Azz4711 26.10.2009 · Read review
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Review of Alfa Romeo 147 1.9 JTD

PITY IT WASN'T ALFA RACING RED!

Advantages: Out of the Norm Styling & Performance
Disadvantages: Getting Old Now

...WHAT IS IT? The 147 is Alfa Romeo's compact hatchback, produced in three and five door forms and competing in the Ford Focus / Vauxhall Astra market. This is actually an interesting, diverse and most popular market sector now, outselling all other types of car. The competition is fierce and many of the alternatives, such as the Honda Civic, are new and bang up to date. In 2001 the Alfa 147 was voted European Car of The Year. WHICH SPECIFIC MODEL? The actual car that I am reviewing here is right at the top of the Alfa 147 tree. It is a five door 1.9JTD 150 Lusso. The 1.9JTD 150 has the most powerful two litre version of the now ubiquitous GM (Vauxhall / Saab) engine in it, which was co-developed with Fiat, parent company of Alfa Romeo. IN WHAT CAPACITY AM I REVIEWING THIS CAR? OK, hands up, this is not my own car. This...

RICHADA 11.07.2006 · Read review
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Review of Alfa Romeo 147 1.9 JTD

I am the Alfa male. (My 100th review on Ciao)!!

Advantages: Simply an awesome car and driving experience.
Disadvantages: The running costs will put some people off owning one.

...Over the years since first passing my driving test, I have had dozens of cars and since I turned 21 and could get insurance for them most of them have been sports cars of one type or another. I have owned two convertible BMW`s a VW Golf VR6 and several Alfa Romeo`s, with the Alfa Romeos being my favourite cars by a mile. The Alfa Romeo I am Writing about today is the 156, 2.5 V6 24 valve, I have just sold this particular car on in order to buy the newer model of Alfa Romeo but I am missing it badly. Even though the new Alfa is breathtakingly good it just does not seem to have the character and raw power of my old faithful 156. The Alfa Romeo 156 is a very stylish 4 door saloon and because of its hidden rear door handles it looks like a 2 door coupe from a distance. It oozes Italian style both inside and out, with the unique body...

thebigc1690 23.03.2009 · Read review
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Review of Alfa Romeo 156 2.5

MY ITALIAN STALLION

Advantages: Style, power, speed
Disadvantages: Lack of space, Fuel Economy

...Having grown up surrounded by Italian cars and enthusiasts alike, it seemed inevitable that I too would end up driving a car that truly aroused your senses – an Alfa Romeo. The moment it arrived I knew I had made the right choice, sat there on the back of the lorry waiting to be unleashed from its restraining straps like a caged animal waiting to be released into the wild for the first time. As the car was rolled from the vehicle carrier I could only admire its beauty, its sexy, almost feminine little round headlights and its flowing curvaceous lines that drew my eyes to its broad masculine rear - all complemented by huge 17 inch alloy wheels. My choice of colour could not have been better - Iridescent Nuvola complemented by MOMO hide interior. It seemed like a lifetime before the keys were handed to me. As the driver...

SnotSlut 22.06.2001 (23.07.2001) · Read review
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Review of Alfa Romeo GTV 3.0

You're not a petrolhead until you've owned an Alfa.

Advantages: Fantastic driving experience, high quality finish, that growl
Disadvantages: Bad image regards reliability, some niggles

...I purchased my Alfa 147 in 2005 after falling in love with the noise she makes. Nothing has the same growl as an alfa. When I bought my 147 she was already 3 years old, and is nearly 6 now. I spend a lot of time driving each week for work, around 300 miles a week in fact, so I have experience of her on all kinds of roads and journeys. The first thing to be mentioned when I think of my car is the ride quality. I'm informed by passengers that she is very comfortable in the back, and doesn't make them feel sick. However as a driver she has nearly ruined my back. This is down to the fact that I live in a right hand drive country, and the car was designed to be left hand drive. Because of this nothing quite lines up correctly. Most importantly my seat is not straight on to the steering wheel, meaning my back is wrapped around the outer edge...

Dinah93 19.11.2009 · Read review
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Review of Alfa Romeo 147 1.6

Nothing but Fun

Advantages: A lot of fun
Disadvantages: Lack of space

...The Alfa GTV is great fun but don't expect any form of creature comfort. I think the best way to describe it would be compact. The front is actually quite spacious, but try getting in the back and you can suddenly feel claustaphobic. The lack of space is accentuated by the fact the rear seat is nothing more that a bench with a small amount of leather covered padding on it. The front seats are quite comfortable and supportive, despite being low to the ground which you'd expect with a sports car. Once the car is moving, any form of comfort disappears. The suspension is hard and there is a tendancy for the passenger to get thrown around somewhat. For me this adds to the fun. It took a couple of weeks for me to get used to. My first journey as a passenger was about 4 hours long and I ended up feeling as if I had just had a major...

Nikki.Hellen 04.05.2004 · Read review
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Review of Alfa Romeo GTV 2.0 Twin Spark

Pure Style

Advantages: Great image, generous spec.
Disadvantages: expensive parts

...The GTV coupé is an accomplished performer. Nothing else on the road looks like the Alfa; few create such a 'must-have' feeling. The GTV is one of the sharpest handling cars around, with fabulous grip and incredible steering. However, it is very short on space, even for a sports car. The driving position is great and the seats are very supportive. But the rear seats are tiny and rear visibility is very poor. Standard equipment includes ABS, twin airbags, climate control and alarm/immobiliser. Insurance and servicing costs aren?t too bad but parts can prove expensive....

ionaming 27.09.2000 · Read review
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Review of Alfa Romeo GTV 2.0 Twin Spark