Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC)
Power
0–62 mph (0–100 km/h)
Top speed (240 km/h)
Combined, EPA 1995
What owners say
Our take, from owner reports
Owners are passionate about the 164, praising its stunning Pininfarina design, the glorious Busso V6 engine, and its excellent highway cruising ability.
11 problems reported (1 very frequent, 5 recurrent, 5 isolated) · high confidence
Problems owners report
- Very frequentDoor handles break easily
- RecurrentWindow regulators fail
- RecurrentCoolant reservoir can crack at the bottom, causing coolant loss and overheating
+ 8 more issuesShow fewer
- RecurrentClimate control stepper motor can lose teeth (plastic gears)
- RecurrentAutomatic transmission is fragile past 100,000 miles without regular fluid changes
- RecurrentRear main seal can leak onto the exhaust manifold
- IsolatedGas flap hinge is fragile
- IsolatedCar is sensitive to alignment, causing uneven tire wear
- IsolatedEngine prone to overheating (reported on a Twin Spark model)
- IsolatedGearbox issues (reported on a Twin Spark model)
- IsolatedCold-start problems (reported on a Twin Spark model)
The version owners recommend
Insufficient owner data available to declare a consensus. Owners discuss both the 164L and 164LS trims, and the 3.0L V6 (Busso) is the most celebrated engine. The Quadrifoglio Verde (QV) is mentioned as a desirable model, but no single version is declared the definitive best.
Competitors to consider
Owners compare it most often with the BMW 3 Series (E30), BMW 5 Series (E34), Saab 9000, Lancia Thema and Fiat Croma.
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Overall sentiment
Owners are passionate about the 164, praising its stunning Pininfarina design, the glorious Busso V6 engine, and its excellent highway cruising ability. However, this enthusiasm is tempered by widespread acknowledgment of the car's notorious reliability issues, particularly with fragile interior components, electrical gremlins, and the need for meticulous maintenance. The sentiment is one of a rewarding but demanding ownership experience, best suited for dedicated enthusiasts.
Positioning vs competitors
Owners position the 164 as a more stylish and characterful alternative to German rivals like the BMW 5 Series, praising its superior ride comfort and the unique sound of its V6. It is compared to the Saab 9000, Lancia Thema, and Fiat Croma as a platform-mate, but owners note that virtually no parts are interchangeable between them. The 164 is seen as a more engaging and exotic choice than its more practical but less charismatic competitors.
Recommended configurations
Owners strongly recommend the 3.0L V6 (Busso) engine for its sound and reliability when maintained. A manual transmission is preferred, as the automatic is described as fragile past 100,000 miles. The 1995 model year is noted for having dual airbags, a unique feature for US-market cars.
General recommendations
The Alfa Romeo 164 is recommended for dedicated enthusiasts who are handy with tools and willing to perform regular maintenance. It is not a suitable daily driver for someone who needs absolute reliability. Buyers should prioritize cars with a documented service history, especially for timing belt changes on the V6. A pre-purchase inspection by a specialist is strongly advised, and owners should be prepared to address common issues like broken door handles and window regulators. The car is best used regularly to prevent seals from drying out and electrical contacts from corroding.
Remarks
Owners frequently note that the 164 was the last Alfa Romeo sold in the US market until the brand's return in 2014. The car is often described as a "unicorn" on US roads. The Busso V6 engine is universally praised as one of the greatest V6s ever made. The platform was shared with the Fiat Croma, Lancia Thema, and Saab 9000, but parts interchangeability is minimal. The 164's design is by Pininfarina, the same designer as the Ferrari Testarossa. Analysis based on approximately 24 substantive owner discussions.
Specifications
Enthusiast code: 164
3.0 V6
3.0L 6-cylinder · 192 hp · FWD · automatic
Built 1987–1992