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
Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful
Review of Alfa Romeo 156 2.0 Twin Spark

Alfa Romeo 156 - What great fun!!

Advantages: Aesthetically pleasing, stylish, spacious boot, security, quick and knee tremblingly superior!!!,
Disadvantages: can be expensive to run....thats it really!!!

...of its size is the opening is a little small. This of course can hamper putting in awkward items such as a pushchair in - but you soon learn a technique to over come this, so it is not really a big deal. The drive of the 156 is short of exceptional?even the 1.8 model has a quick acceleration and high speed, but the 2.0 has even more grunt. The sound of the engine could be compared to a quiet TVR Tuscan or large Tiger purring, it really is a sweet sound, one which you never get tired of listening to! There has been much said in the press about Alfa's having a tendency to understeer but I have not found this to be the case of the 156, if anything I found it to be spot on, the cornering at low and high speed is responsive and accurate, something one demands these days rather than requests. The tight suspension makes the cornering easier but...

amani_nicholson 12.04.2006 (13.04.2006) · Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful
Review of Alfa Romeo 156 2.0 Twin Spark

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

...it's your car, you don't want to share it! I'm not normally a selfish person, honest. Disadvantages are that perhaps the 2.0 litre engine will not be enough for some people. However now they're stopping production I think it'll turn into a classic. Make sure you get an inspection on second hand purchases and double check the suspension, which is a complex bit of kit and can be costly to replace. Also check the cam belts have been replaced (ideally every 30,000 miles despite what the offical figures suggest). This will avoid potentially expensive engine damage. Other minor disadvantages are that the electrics can be a little unreliable and you have to get used to it's nuances, but nobodies perfect. Electrics aside, Alfa Romeo's are a lot more reliable than they used to be, and do not rust apart anymore. The TS engine is good...

redlandking 18.03.2006 (19.03.2006) · Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful
Review of Alfa Romeo GTV 2.0 Twin Spark

My first Alfa and I'm in Love!

Advantages: Driving experience, looks and style
Disadvantages: A few minor niggles and a little paranoia from negative reviews

...pure class. With a redline at 7,000rpm, you can really push this car into some exciting places, and although yes, it can waver under 3,000rpm, once you're off the 2.0 twin spark engine will pleasantly surprise you time and time again, whether it's accelerating through the gears to reach cruising speed, or overtaking in 5th when you're already at 80-85mph, the 165 bhp comes into its own. And that engine note just makes you smile so much that I rarely use the radio any more. On the subject of the 156 being slow off the mark from the lights, after persevering, I've found just the right biting point at which to deploy the gas so I get a smooth and speedy take-off without slipping the clutch or revving like a boy racer, so this is no longer a problem. Around town, the ride can be a little bumpy, but this is an Alfa, not a 7 series, and rather...

JohnnyMaher123 19.05.2004 · Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful
Review of Alfa Romeo 156 2.0 Twin Spark

A real drivers car, Alfa Romeo

Advantages: High specification, stylish design, good value used car, sporty performer
Disadvantages: lack of storage space

...I bought my 156 2.0 JTS Veloce as a one year old pre registered car with 10,000 miles and at the time did consider the Diesel JTD 150 version but in all honesty the heart and soul of an Alfa is not a diesel unit and never will be. The 2.0 JTS is a work of art, pumping out 178 Bhp and willing to rev round the clock if desired, which is frequently when I go out. The engine has that beautiful Alfa rip and burble when getting the foot into the pedal it is difficult holding back a smile driving down the country lanes, where the car is very much at home. I can't fault the handling, the turning circle is not too great but who cares it is quick and responsive when asked, point in the direction you want to go and obliges without a fuss. The driving position is superb, it is clearly designed for the driver, it looks good, everything is at hand...

Ralfa156 31.08.2006 · Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful
Review of Alfa Romeo 156 2.0 JTS

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.

...it lacks the raw rough around the edges power of the old 156 and I am starting to think maybe I should have had another year with my 156 before having to let it go, I hope the guy from Newcastle that bought her is looking after her in the manor she was accustomed to and that he is getting all the enjoyment I got. I would recommend the Alfa Romeo 156 V6 24 valve to anyone interested in owning a real powerhouse of a car but as I have said they need lots of TLC and you have to be prepared for hefty running costs. If you want a 156 but do not want the hefty running costs then you can have the style without the power if you go for the 1.8ts or the 2.0ts but as well as power you will lose some of the added extras but never the less you will have yourself a very nice car. The only thing to stay well clear of when buying an Alfa is the semi...

thebigc1690 23.03.2009 · Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful
Review of Alfa Romeo 156 2.5

  Love At First Sight

Advantages: See opinion
Disadvantages: See opinion

...does it drive like? Put quite simply, it goes like hot s**t of a shovel. The performance figures quoted by the manufacture say that this car will shift you from 0 to 60 mph in just a tad over 8 seconds, and take you to a totally illegal top speed of 134 mph. And let me tell you that this is just what the 156 tries to do at every possible opportunity. So much so, in fact, that it can prove VERY difficult to keep yourself from constantly breaking the law, as this car simply sits up and begs you to give it some “welly”! The 2 litre Twin Spark that I drove has a revised version of the old four cylinder engine from its predecessor, the Alfa 155, that develops 155bhp, but the car is available in all sorts of different versions and formats, from the basic 1.6 litre right up to the truly amazing 190bhp 2.5 litre V6. (God alone...

the_mad_cabbie 11.03.2001 (23.10.2001) · Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful
Review of Alfa Romeo 156 2.0 Twin Spark

Thinking about an Alfa?

Advantages: Beautiful looks, fun to drive, gets you noticed!
Disadvantages: service/repair costs

...I bought my Alfa 3 years ago and one thing has never changed - I love the design and feel of the 156! That's what this car is all about. Everyone knows that Alfa's reputation for reliability is not exactly up there with the Japanese cars! However, if anyone tells you that they don't like the look of a 156 then they must be lying! I still look at my car on the drive and feel proud to own it and people are always commenting on how nice it is. OK. So the visuals are great and I love it but how about everything else. The car is lovely to drive, the steering is smooth (although the turning circle could be a little tighter) and the car will accelerate at a decent speed. If you want to get the engine singing a merry tune then it really enjoys the low gears! Space wise, I think the best definition is adequate. The rear seats are not...

smeagle1981 03.07.2007 · Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful
Review of Alfa Romeo 156 2.0 JTS

Alfa Romeo...the emotive choice

Advantages: Beautiful to hear, beautiful to look at.
Disadvantages: Fuel economy, Back seat room, Lack of folding rear seats

...I recently passed my driving test (2nd attempt at age 35). To me this milestone (for a soon to be first time father) wasn't about practicality, fuel economy or any other of the usual considerations you should make when purchasing probably the second most expensive item you own. This is because I'd already seen the car I wanted...The Alfa Romeo 156 TwinSpark. I'd looked at the Which reports and many many other publications and if I was honest with myself (and my wife Emma...sorry dear) I should have purchased a Ford Focus. A car which has great styling, a good reliability record and reasonable servicing. But no...as I say, the decision had long since been made, and I positively drooled at the sight of 156's whenever I saw one. So after a long search I found the model I was looking for...a shiny Black 1.6 litre (Insurance being...

Stevejames 22.04.2004 · Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful
Review of Alfa Romeo 156 1.6 Twin Spark

Alfa Styling Unsurpassed but is that enough

Advantages: cheap when imported , beautifully styled and good standard features
Disadvantages: engine reliability , variator reliability , fuel guage , fusebox covers , suspension squeaks , colour on leather seats , boot accessibility

...I imported my 156 2.0 TS from Rome through a family member when the equivalent outlay would have secured me a basic entry level VW Golf 1.4l with no additional trimmings. The car and I fell immediately in love with eachother and for the best part of one year our relationship was untainted. Once my troubles started it took some time to stabilise the whole debacle. Within 6 months of my 1 year standard warranty which was then the norm for an imported vehicle to the UK, my fusebox cover needed replacing ( what's the big deal you may ask and you'd be right, it cost me a tenner to replace). However, afterwards the fuel guage stopped working apparently requiring the sender unit to be replaced at a cost of £300 for the part alone. Followed shortly by the engine failing for reasons undisclosed by AlfaRomeo UK. I have a squeaky suspension...

splendided 19.03.2003 · Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful
Review of Alfa Romeo 156 2.0 Twin Spark