2002 Alfa Romeo 156 Veloce 2.0

Summary:

A great (in all respects) sports executive car that rewards if looked after.

Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

Fantastic engine, sound and performance.

It is absolutely ESSENTIAL to check the oil after each 300 miles approximately since the engine uses a lot (approx 0.5 litre per 500 miles). This is a result of the type of performance and race-derived engine. I have spoken to the dealer and other enthusiasts and this is normal. I think oil starvation is possibly the cause of many reliability issues owners have as it is not normally an issue of many other 'normal cars'. Watch the oil and you will be fine.

The seating position for is still slightly high for 6'2 drivers even after adjustment and the steering wheel obstructs the very top view of the dials. But head doesn't touch the ceiling.

Still a fantastic looking and performing car and I'm very happy with it after initial concerns before buying it due too bad reports.

The dealer I use is an official dealer and from the sounds of it must be the only good one there is in the UK!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 6th April, 2004

21st Apr 2004, 09:23

Totally agree with you - check the oil regularly and you'll be fine. Indeed my 2.0 JTS 156 enjoys the odd litre every 1k or so. Great car though!

13th Feb 2006, 01:39

I think is not normal that engine, almost new, burn oil. If you know what is the way of lubrication in engine, you know what am I talking about.

17th Feb 2006, 01:48

Actually any engineer will tell you that during the beginning of an engine life and until the piston rings (among other things) wear in and "settle", a slight oil consumption may (and I say MAY) be seen. That was particularly true some years ago, when breaking in an engine was absolutely necessary, as opposed to the current situation where it's far less essential (but, nevertheless, I do it everytime)

2002 Alfa Romeo 156 Lusso 1.6

Summary:

A modern classic

Faults:

In 18 months, only one significant fault: one of the rear electric windows stopped working; repaired under warranty.

One minor fault (though important to resolve!) : petrol filler cap came apart in my hand.

General Comments:

Well, a couple of minor faults aside, I love this car.

Performance: the 1.6 is hardly fast by Alfa standards, but it is a joy to drive hard. Using the gearbox and keeping the revs high it certainly does no harm to the Alfa reputation. The engine is so willing, it almost begs you to red-line it at every (safe) opportunity. And as it's not especially powerful (120hp), you can do that a lot without breaking the law!

Handling/ride: Steering is so sharp when driving quickly, and the overall levels of handling and grip are very good, but it is not difficult to reach its limits, even in this 1.6 guise. The ride is fairly hard/harsh: comes alive on country roads, but can be tedious on the motorway.

It's hard to talk about this car without referring to its looks. Suffice to say that every time I see it, then get into the drivers' seat, it makes me grin. It is surely the most stylish saloon on the market, and does not look dated even after several years on the market.

If I were a rich man I think I'd buy two: one to drive now and one to keep under wraps for posterity.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 5th February, 2004

2002 Alfa Romeo 156 JTS Salespeed Veloce 2.0 JTS

Summary:

Sexy, Sleek... A Beast! I love it!

Faults:

Minor Electrical Errors - Nothing Costly as yet.

I was initially a little concerned by Alfa's reliability reputation, but I've been proved wrong so far...

The seating feels a little uncomfortable at first, but your seating position is racy.

General Comments:

I truly love this Car! It's sleek, sexy and a Beast all at the same time!

The Red leather interior is unbelievable. I'd never have requested this by choice, but from the moment I saw it I was in love.

Performance wise it's a dream and the Salespeed Tiptronic is wicked. It reaches near 100mph in 3rd gear with little effort and acceleration is brilliant!

The Bose sound system is LOUD and I've had no need for any upgrades.

The dash board and center column is very very nice, but I've kinda come to expect this from the Italians.

I've previously had a BMW 232 and I've not missed it one bit and the performance of the Alfa is more than comparable. The growl is pretty cool!

In terms of the exterior I truly do love this car and the sleek Italian design is obvious. From the front grille the sexy lines flow down the vehicle to the very back and sweep up to the Spoiler! Beautiful!

The rear door handles being hidden in the window arch is really kewl and the front door handles in obvious chrome to draw your attention really does make it look like a Coupe.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 3rd February, 2004

4th Sep 2005, 08:23

How anyone can find these cars beautiful is beyond me. The front end is a mess. It's a mish-mash of shapes. Hideous!