Overview & Reviews

The Alfa Romeo story is one of both greatness and mediocrity. Though well known to Americans decades ago for its sporty and stylish cars, declining sales eventually led the company to stop importing cars to the United States. Now, however, Alfa Romeo is set to return stateside for 2014.

Alfa Romeo's history actually started with some French lineage, having initially been founded by French entrepreneur Alexandre Darracq who used Italian investors for capital and based the company in Milan, Italy. Initially debuting as Societa Anonima Italiana Darracq, the company struggled through its first few years. By 1910 a new company debuted under the new name ALFA, which stood for Anonima Lombarda Fabbrica Automobili. These early Alfas quickly earned a reputation for leading-edge engineering and design, key attributes confirmed by many motor racing victories.

Neapolitan Nicola Romeo took over the company in 1915 and his name was subsequently added to the carmaker's brand. Throughout the 1920s, '30s and '40s, Alfa Romeo produced a number of desirable racing, sports and grand touring automobiles. Enzo Ferrari was a racecar driver for Alfa during the '20s before switching to managing Alfa's race team. He left the company in 1937 and ultimately founded his own sports car company in the mid-'40s. As far as Alfa, the company nearly went broke and was taken over by the government in the early 1930s.

Highlights of that era include the P3, the 8C 2300 and the various 6C models throughout those years. Apart from a production interruption in the mid-'40s due to World War II, this pace continued through the 1950s and '60s, with highlights from these decades being the Giulietta, Giulia and Spider Duetto. The latter, a two-seat roadster that continued into the '90s with minimal changes, gained fame in the states via The Graduate movie that bowed in 1967 and starred a young Dustin Hoffman who drove the sleek sports car. Some two decades later, a less expensive, de-contented version of the Spider called the Graduate was sold alongside the Spider.

The 1970s, '80s and '90s, however were not nearly as glorious in the U.S. Although Alfa Romeo was still turning out stylish sports and grand touring cars such as the Spider, spirited GTV (and later GTV6) sport coupe and luxurious 164 sedan, questionable quality control and iffy reliability doomed sales for the company here. Fiat took over the company in 1986 but that didn't help much. Consequently, Alfa Romeo withdrew from the U.S. market in 1995, though the company was certainly still alive and mostly well in Europe.

Things have improved greatly since then, and a fortified Alfa Romeo briefly reappeared in the states in 2008. That year, 84 examples of its limited-production (just 500 total), Maserati V8-powered 8C sports car were made available. As quickly as it had returned, it disappeared again. However, Alfa is set to return to the states for 2014, this time with more than 84 cars to sell to U.S. fans. This more tangible comeback will happen in grand fashion, as it will herald the arrival of the new 2014 Alfa Romeo 4C, a small, midengine sports car. Incredibly light curb weight (about 2,000 pounds), combined with a feisty, 240-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine and a well-balanced chassis all but guarantee thrilling performance. Production of the $70,000-plus road burner will initially be limited to just 1,200 for the U.S. market.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 9 of 9.00

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  Best in it’s class!! - 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio
  By Kru patel - November 15 - 11:13 pm

  I’m a 25 year old man. Before I bought this car I drove Audi Q5, Jaguar Fpace and Mercedes GLC. Stelvio beats all of them in styling something new it’s fresh u prolly never seen something like this on the road. Wherever u go people stare at the car. It’s fun to drive. If u really want luxury feeling get the red interior it’s makes lot of different. Can’t say much about reliability yet since I have the car for only 2 weeks. I would say one thing if u really looking for luxury compact SUV give this one a try and I bet u will take Stelvio home with u. I’m looking forward to Alfa Romeo see what they have for future so I can have another Alfa when this lease ends.

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  There better out there!!! - 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio
  By Mancookey - October 28 - 12:49 am

  It has nice interface with mobile phones. I found the ride rough compared to my Q5. Rear window view is horrible. Youll have to get use to shift stick

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  The New Stelvio - 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio
  By H. Meltzer - February 18 - 8:17 am

  Ive had the car for two weeks now and, so far, I am very satisfyed. It is a very good looking and handling car. The interior is not full of bells and whistles, which I like. Not a lot of buttons. Everything is logically layed out. Comfortable seats and a comfortable ride which could be turned into a sporty ride with the turn of a knob. Some nitpicks: There are only 7 presets on the radio - in total. My last car had over 20 presets. The voice activation does not work for the phone. It seems that the early batches of Stelvios do not come equiped with Apply Play or Android. All phone calls have to be made manually - not through any voice activation. I called Alfa Romeo to ask if when the software became available, would I be able to download it onto my car. They didnt know, so, my feeling is that I wont be able to. Not happy about that. The view out of the back is a bit limited but that is not surprising as the "swooping" design of the rear of the car is one of the things I liked about it. Because of this, the safety package is something you should consider. The dashboard view of the backup camera should be larger and it seems that it should be a bit brighter or have a higher resolution. Again, these are some nitpicks on a SUV that I am very happy with.

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  Love It - 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio
  By howie15704 - May 8 - 7:55 pm

  Have owned BMW x-5s was test driving a Porsche Macan S and finally drove the Stelvio, was blown away and bought it. I am really enjoying this SUV like no other, it performs like a sports car, and rides like a luxury sedan. Never thought I would own an Alpha Romeo, but they really did their home work on these vehicles. I still have a 9-11 Porsche and have owned a couple of them over the past 18 years, this vehicle may be more fun than driving the Porsche, Im torn on this one, it is that good. If any one is thinking of buying a vehicle in this category , you really need to drive this one, it is fast, handles like crazy, solidly made and great looking. A must drive for real enthusiasts.

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  Dont believe some of the so-called expert reviews - 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio
  By TX Stelvio Owner - August 27 - 12:19 pm

  Dont believe some of the online alleged expert reviews. They almost scared me off from the Stelvio. But I bought one and WOW what a vehicle. Its incredible. Skip BMW get an Alfa. No fake leather in an Alfa. Also Im very tall 63" and dont fit in a lot of cars. The Stelvio fits me like a glove even with a sun roof.

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  Most fun car I have ever owned - 2015 Alfa Romeo 4C
  By 4C4ME - February 9 - 12:50 am

  If you love to drive - this is your car. It is fast, corners well, creates conversations and makes you smile! I have never enjoyed driving so much. Until I owned this car I was never a "car guy". Now I am. Best decision I ever made. This is a true sports car, not a GTO, not a family car. It is uncompromising and unapologetic. The best comment I ever heard that perfectly describes the 4C was by a mom who asked if her son could go over and look at my "Hot Wheels" car. That captures the essence of the 4C. It will bring out the kid inside of you!

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  A true exotic that you need to drive to believe - 2015 Alfa Romeo 4C
  By bruinnut - February 25 - 11:47 am

  This car is not for everyone. It is not for those who want to drive a ubiquitous people mover from point A to point B. It is not for those who want to be in a cocoon separated from the road and without feel for the spirit of enjoyment on the road. But if you want a car that inspires, that will keep a smile on your face, that allows you to understand the relationship between road and machine in the most intimate and spirited detail, then the Alfa Romeo 4C is the only car south of $300k that will punch your ticket. The 4C is beautiful and masterful inside and out. The cockpit is made entirely of carbon fiber. The panels are made of high strength and lightweight sheet moulding compound. The engine is a highly tuned turbocharged 4 cylinder mid-mounted masterpiece, that delivers a cacophony of sounds that will let the driver know exactly how much fun it is having. The gearbox is a choice of paddle shifters or automatic, with a driver-selected all weather, normal, dynamic, or race mode. The cockpit is made for the driver. The controls are tilted to the left; the steering wheel is not a joystick with volume controls, bluetooth buttons, navigation, or cruise control. It is made to steer and to allow you to easily shift gears. The seats are firm, comfortable, and supportive. If you want a bunch of buttons to move it up and down, inflate a back bolster, or cradle you with cushions, circulating air, and heat, look elsewhere. If you want simple and comfortable functionality, then this seat is perfect. When on a drive, please plan extra time for taking the long way home, to the office, to the gas station, or anywhere else. Youll want to take that extra turn to stay behind the wheel. And when you park it or stop to get gas or groceries, get ready for folks you dont know to spill out and engage you in conversation as they daydream about driving your car. Yes, it is that amazing.

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  Passionate SUV/CUV - One drive is all it takes! - 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio
  By Woody - February 24 - 8:16 am

  Loyal to Jeep, we found the new GC too big; Cherokee too many compromises-- Stelvio PERFECT for our family. We were ready to pull the trigger on an XC60 but when we looked into the Stelvio, it checked off all of the boxes for both of us in terms of luxury, performance, and ride/features both right-brain and left-brain. Carve a few curves in Dynamic mode and youll see why! Stelvio is well-equipped out of the wrapper and obviously designed with attention to detail and elegant engineering, yet full of surprise and delight features- example memory seats, theater lighting, alarm system, puddle lights, , auto climate (nice, quiet, unobtrusive fan), 290 hp, AWD and more. I appreciated that you arent forced into lots of expensive packages to get the few things you want. She loves the understated luxury and we both flipped for the rich chocolate brown interior. Interior room within inches of XC60 (actually larger cargo area). The joy of ownership to me is more than contrived and emotionless design- this vehicle is truly art in motion and a beautifully and elegantly designed machine!

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  If you like 80s exotics, this car is for you. - 2015 Alfa Romeo 4C
  By bob - December 14 - 11:05 am

  Its been said before -- this car is not for everyone. But, if you love driving a light, tight, awesome looking, sensory overkill fast sports car, this is your vehicle. The 4c is unlike anything else on the road today -- and thank heavens for it. Now, if you want comfort, quiet, listening to your tunes while drinking a latte, and wanting to be unseen when puttering around town, then this is not your car. Enjoy your Lexus. Pros: Just a blast to drive. Its "honest" which in itself is unique today. Nothing is covered up or added simply to fool anyone. Its the real deal, not fake. Its exciting, refreshing and unlike any other car made today. Its obviously hand built and fit and finish is better than most exotics. The beautiful carbon fibre interior will make your eyes water every time you look inside. The noise from the turbo charger waste gates will make you laugh out loud. It sounds a like 80s rally cars and seems to go like one as well. Performance is more than fine for city streets. You can floor it and run it through the gears without being tossed in jail. The F1 style gearbox works remarkably well -- better than a Ferrari F430. Whats also surprised me is how reliable it has been. In a year of ownership, not one thing has gone wrong. To say I was expecting something different is an understatement. And the car is just beautiful, along with being completely unique. If you want people to look at you, buy this car. Between the noise and the looks youll be a rock star on the boulevard. Service is also very reasonable. Yearly service on the car is only $240. Try that in a Ferrari or Lamborghini. Cons: Ok, its noisy, And the wide body and doors do make it difficult to park in a normal parking space. And its a pain to get in and out of. And its a bit difficult to see out the back of. And the trunk is ridiculously small. And the trunk latch is in a silly place. And the seats are tight. And the seats dont move a lot. And the seat belt warning buzzer is annoying. And it has no GPS. And the seat belts rub against your neck. And theres no glove box. And theres these silly wires coming out from under the dash to charge your phone. And the cup holders dont hold larger drinks. And it has some turbo lag. And if you want to put things in the trunk, you have to put them on the ground first because you need both hands to open and latch the rear lid. And it has no power steering so parking can require some actual muscle use. And if youre over 6 foot 3 youre going to say its too small. And if youre too wide the seats are going to be uncomfortable. And it doesnt come with a manual gearbox. And theres no climate control. And the Parrot radio is a complete joke. So if the Cons have turned you off by now, then you know this car is not for you. But if you love the idea of driving an 80s exotic with all of its drama, feel, personality and looks BUT with AC and brakes that actually work in a car that doesnt fall apart before your eyes and is reasonably affordable to own, then this car is for you. I personally love it. You can thrash it unlike you can other more expensive sports cars and it only costs about the same as the 10,000 Corvette C7s you see everyday. Thank heavens for Alfa Romeo. Someone was nutty enough to make a car a real drivers car today that doesnt seem like every other car you drive. I dont think we will ever see anything like it again that us normal folk can afford. Its a modern classic with a classic personality. Now, how cool is that?