Could Alfa Romeo's Giulia Ti Be That Sweet Spot In The Entry Level Segment You Have Been Searching For?

Alfa Romeo has been the butt of jokes for years. Even especially during those years, it hardly sold any cars in the United States. (In 2016, it posted 516 total U.S. sales.)

Older Alfas are known for their propensity to rust and for any number of frustrating mechanical hiccups that happen with no apparent consistency or common theme, while electrical and software “issues” have plagued modern examples in recent years. (Then there was that embarrassing day at the track with BMW and Mercedes, which may have been an isolated event but wasn’t great for street cred.)

But now the humble Alfistis in your life—your cousin, a friend at work—has a strong comeback. They can thank the Alfa Romeo Giulia. This is the car that will receive all the credit for (re) introducing Americans to the 107-year-old brand.

cidflekken - 1/26/2018 2:46:34 PM

+3 Boost

There is just no way I'd want to invest in a car that has proven to leave drivers stranded. It's one thing to have a defect that requires taking a car for servicing. But to leave drivers stranded is unacceptable and a safety risk. All this BS about "unknown reliability". No, we know what the reliability is and it's not. No way this car should have ever appeared on any "Best of..." or "...of the Year" list due to unacceptable operational reliability.

MDarringer - 1/26/2018 9:25:09 PM

-2 Boost

Alfa wants you to believe the demons have been purged. They aren't as frequent, but they are still frequent enough to make this undesirable even as a lease. I know of a number of Giulias where the car has been taken back and the down payment plus severance bribes were given because the cars were lemons.

TheSteve - 1/26/2018 3:46:35 PM

0 Boost

Alfa isn't even on my radar, maybe because I live in North America.

TomM - 1/26/2018 6:17:14 PM

+1 Boost

Yes - if the car was reasonably reliable -it certainly HAS hit the sweet spot directly on - and with the discounts that dealers offer on it - it comes in for less money that a less satisfying 3 series as well (It would have to though).

BUT It is simply not large enough for me today.

valhallakey - 1/28/2018 12:36:20 AM

0 Boost

Are there any reliable stats on reliability out there yet? I don’t like anecdotal evidence alone. If I were picking the least reliable car based on my own anecdotal evidence it would be Honda. We had an Accord and a Prelude that were nothing but trouble, however I Onondaga overall their reputation was quite good. Seems that since most of the major components are shared with other major car manufacturers they should be pretty reliable. I know they had a few issues with their hot rod during major publications testing, however I have seen almost nothing regarding the mid and base models. On paper they seem like a nice alternative to a German brand.

MDarringer - 1/28/2018 8:32:51 AM

-3 Boost

Go buy an Alfa Romeo. They are the epitome of reliability. The widely documented issues in the media are all #FakeNews.

mini22 - 1/28/2018 12:10:44 PM

+7 Boost

I know of people that own Audi's and BMW's that have had major reliability issues with them. One guy I know had an Audi Q5 2.0 turbo that had engine oil leak issues. It took 5 trips to the dealer to get this situation resolved. I would never claim that Alfa is the more reliable than other car makers. Just don't be led into a false narrative that other car makers are the epitome of reliability. Even Porsche had a persistent problem with its IMS bearing issues. Basically it took them 11 years to completely eliminate this problem(1998-2009). The second generation Mini's had engine's that would blow up. I think if you look carefully enough you will find many car makers that have had reliability issues as well.

MDarringer - 1/28/2018 12:15:51 PM

-3 Boost

So by that logic, because mediocrity exists we should just put up with it and pretend all is well?

CANADIANCOMMENTS - 1/28/2018 8:58:19 PM

+1 Boost

To add a point of reference, my 4 Runner will be 14 years old this December. The shocks are original, the AC is too and it works, the windows all work as do the fans. My BMW 3-series dash fan, both front window motors and the struts all went after 5 years. You can buy a Toyota with confidence but lease everything else.

CarCrazedinCali - 1/29/2018 8:53:35 PM

+1 Boost

So cool! I hear stories like this a lot but not so sure the new Toyotas are as safe a bet anymore...

mini22 - 1/29/2018 1:27:00 AM

+2 Boost

Darringer-Mediocrity should never be put up with in terms of reliability. When a vehicle is bought we have the right to expect perfection. However it rarely works out that way. However signaling
out Alfa because of past reputation is simply not accurate in todays buying climate. Alfa may be no better or worse than a number of vehicle's out there. Buying a BMW, Mercedes, Audi, Jaguar, or Volvo does not guarantee you that you will be getting a perfect car with perfect reliability. I've had even Mazda's that were unreliable(RX8).
Alfa falls into the same gamble in my eyes today.

MDarringer - 1/29/2018 8:46:23 AM

-3 Boost

This is your denial talking: "However signaling out Alfa because of past reputation is simply not accurate in todays buying climate." Not only is Alfa Romeo's reliability far lower than the cars it competes against, that poor reliability is well documented. You're trying to make justifications, but you're ignoring facts. If you want to be an Alfa Romeo cheerleader, put on your skirt and pom poms and go for it, but don't cry when you realize you're wrong.

mini22 - 1/29/2018 8:17:39 PM

+1 Boost

And clearly you are rooting for them to fail. Virtually all of the Giulia's issues have been software related. You've bought in to the media BS on Alfa. The thing is the media rarely reports issues Mercedes, BMW, Audi. However they pay special attention to Alfa because of its past history(which was for the most part justified). But lets face it Alfa is an FCA product and you are Ford guy. So I get it.

PUGPROUD - 1/31/2018 4:09:06 PM

+1 Boost

Don't get me wrong I love Alfa's and have owned a few but I've seen as many Giulia's on tow trucks as I've seen on the road.

DecreasingRadius - 2/3/2018 8:42:45 AM

+1 Boost

The Giulia reliability problems are simply overblown. Most of this internet lore stems from some pre-production press cars and early production cars that didn't get a required software update. There is no conclusive data one way or the other yet on long-term reiability. And any issue the Giulia has is amplified and magnified because it makes excellent clickbait.

All-new models from any manufacturer have some teething issues.The 2017s are typical in that respect and mostly just required the software updates, which some dealers flubbed. The 2018s seem to be bullet proof so far.

MDarringer - 2/3/2018 10:57:35 AM

+1 Boost

They are NOT overblown. Talk to anyone at the dealership level and you will know better.

DecreasingRadius - 2/3/2018 5:18:12 PM

+1 Boost

This is simply not conclusive data. Because you talked to a guy who talked to a guy or something like that just makes you sound like another internet poster with an ax to grind.

Since it's so early in the lifecycle of this model, and with still a small number on the road, don't you think it's a little premature to start making sweeping pronouncements?

The owners forums for this car seem to indicate a normal distribution of experiences. This is also not conclusive by any means since forum users tend to be most enthusiastic or most critical. However, it's the one of the best indications we have so far. And it seems like the majority of those owners are very happy overall.

But you could sway me if you could cite some meaningful experience and data. Tell us more.