Alfa Romeo GT (2004 – 2010) Review
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Alfa Romeo GT (2004 – 2010) At A Glance
Head-turning looks, the option of a hearty Busso V6, plus a decent range of other options to suit more budgets, and plenty of feel-good factor.
Corrosion and suspension issues pop up, so tread carefully, while meticulous upkeep of those all-important engines is a must.
At the turn of the millennium, Alfa Romeo showrooms were already graced by the handsome 156 and perky 147. But what if the platform and mechanical make-up of both cars could be turned into a coupe that really caught the eye?
The resulting Alfa Romeo GT, launched at the Geneva Motor Show in 2003, was quite the highlight reel for Alfa at the time. Calling on Bertone one last time, the GT got the dramatic looks the brand’s reputation is built on, but with a decent dose of reliability and practicality from the proven platform.
The Alfa GT could be had with the petrol and diesel engines from the Alfa 156 that meant running costs were kept under control. The proven underpinnings also meant that the looks were matched with decent reliability, while the GT was even a genuine five-seater at a push, adding practicality to the car’s list of many talents.
Importantly, the iconic 3.2 Busso V6 engine was also an option, tugging equally at heart and purse strings.
As a feel-good modern classic, the GT’s well proportioned exterior is always going to demand a second look no matter where you’ve just driven. No, it probably isn’t quite as good to drive as a contemporary rear-driven German rival, then or now, but the looks, badge and feel-good factor of the GT are in a league few rivals can manage at the price.
Alfa built over 80,000 examples of the GT at its Pomigliano d’Arco plant, alongside its 147 and 156 brethren. That means that its not as rare as something like the later Brera and should mean there’s a GT out there to suite most reasonable budgets. That said, as with all Alfas, it pays to take your time with your search and only buying a GT that you’re sure has been loved and looked after.
Reviews for Alfa Romeo GT (2004 – 2010)'s top 3 rivals
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Alfa Romeo GT (2004 – 2010) handling and engines
- Engines range from 1.9 JTDm 16V to 3.2 V6
- Readers report Real MPG to be between 20–55 mpg
When new, the Alfa Romeo GT essentially offered a much more stylish version of the Alfa156 driving experience, including - whisper it - that the diesel engine probably offered the best all-round trade-off between performance and economy.
Fast forward to today and it’s likely that an Alfa GT is being considered as a fun modern classic to take for a spin on sunny days. That means it’s hard to look past a V6 in good condition, as it benefits from the best noise, albeit drinking quite heavily in the process.
The GT rides pretty comfortably, although stirring the V6 just to hear it working harder might shatter the ambiance somewhat for less enthusiastic passengers. The steering and gearbox aren’t the most communicative, but it’s probably for the best, as you’re more likely to find the GT sweet spot in heading out for a cruise just because, rather than attacking a twisty B-road.
It’s also worth a mention that the GT has a pretty large turning circle and isn’t the easiest to see out of at the front or back, so manoeuvering in town can prove a little tricky.
| Engine | MPG | 0-62 | CO2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.9 JTDm 16V | 46 mpg | 8.2–9.6 s | 165 g/km |
| 2.0 JTS | 33 mpg | 8.7 s | 207 g/km |
| 3.2 V6 | 23 mpg | 6.7 s | 295 g/km |
Real MPG average for the Alfa Romeo GT (2004 – 2010)
Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.
Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.
Average performance
97%
Real MPG
20–55 mpg
MPGs submitted
132
Alfa Romeo GT (2004 – 2010) interior
- Boot space is 320–905 litres
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4489 mm |
| Width | 1763 mm |
| Height | 1355–1366 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2596 mm |
If you’ve driven an Alfa Romeo 147, the GT’s interior will feel remarkably familiar, as it shares much of the dashboard and tech with its smaller brother. Up front it’s comfortable and feels appropriately sporty in a way that only an Alfa can, helped by little touches like the Italian script on the heavily coweled dials. The seats are nice to look at and sit in too, especially as most GTs were specified with leather seats.
Unconventionally, the GT is a proper five-seater, rather than offering a squished 2+2 rear seat. It’s still a bit of a squeeze in the back though, although two adults could take on a trip without too much trepidation.
Equipment levels were good, so it’s well worth taking some extra time to ensure that things still work, or, if not, budgeting for a fix. Things like climate control, heated seats and electric windows are known to occasionally give up the ghost, so well worth ensuring they work, while the odd era-appropriate rattle and squeak is probably to be expected and just part of the car’s enduring character.
Alfa Romeo GT (2004 – 2010) models and specs
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4489 mm |
| Width | 1763 mm |
| Height | 1355–1366 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2596 mm |
| Miscellaneous | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight | 1320–1410 kg |
| Boot Space | 320–905 L |
| Warranty | 3 years / 60000 miles |
| Servicing | 12000 miles |
| Costs | |
|---|---|
| List Price | £20,400–£26,400 |
| Insurance Groups | 32–34 |
| Road Tax Bands | G–M |
| Official MPG | 22.8–45.6 mpg |
| Euro NCAP Safety Ratings | |
|---|---|
| Adult | - |
| Child | - |
| Pedestrian | - |
| Overall | - |
On sale until April 2011
| Coupe | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 1.9 JTDm 16v Q2 2dr | £22,995 | 45.6 mpg | 8.2 s |
On sale until January 2010
| Coupe | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 1.9 JTDm 16v | £22,990 | 45.6 mpg | 9.6 s |
| 1.9 JTDm 16v Lusso | £24,830 | 45.6 mpg | 9.6 s |
| 1.9 JTDm 16v Q2 | £25,550 | 45.6 mpg | 9.6 s |
| 2.0 JTS | £21,760 | 32.5 mpg | 8.7 s |
| 2.0 JTS Lusso | £23,600 | 32.5 mpg | 8.7 s |
On sale until February 2007
| Coupe | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 1.9 JTDm 16v Turismo | £21,600 | 45.6 mpg | 9.6 s |
| 2.0 JTS Turismo | £20,400 | 32.5 mpg | 8.7 s |
| 3.2 V6 24v Lusso | £26,400 | 22.8 mpg | 6.7 s |
Model History
April 2004
Alfa GT launched
Good looking and surprisingly roomy Bertone styled coupe on updated 156 floorpan. Full five seater with plenty of luggage space too. 4,489mm (14' 9") long x 1,763mm (5' 9") wide.
Four engines and three versions. Engine choice is 150 bhp 1.9 litre MultiJet 16v turbodiesel; 165 bhp 2.0 JTS direct injection petrol, and 240 bhp 3.2 litre 2.0 petrol. Prices: Alfa GT 1.9 JTD 16v M-JET £20,995; Alfa GT 2.0 JTS £21,495; Alfa GT 2.0 JTS SS £23,545; Alfa GT 3.2 V6 24v £26,695.
April 2007
Alfa GT BlackLine launched
Has unique 18-inch alloy wheels, metallic black paint and interior sports styling. 2.0 JTS £19,980. 1.9 JTDM £20,980. Features include satin effect wing mirrors, chrome exhaust, black leather sports seats and steering wheel with red stitching, aluminium sports pedals, an aluminium gearknob with red stitching on the gaiter, and a Bose sound system.
October 2007
150bhp JTDM engine in the Alfa GT can be specified with a new limited slip diff. This offers a more sensitive set-up that maintains traction, roadholding and stability during hard acceleration in low grip conditions, and notably when exiting corners. It splits torque between the two front wheels constantly and dynamically in response to changing driving conditions and road surfaces; ensuring that effective grip is maintained at all times.
Q2 models also feature a satin finish on the ‘whiskers’, grille and mirror housings plus special 18-inch alloys – a rear spoiler, chromed exhaust, lowered suspension and a Q2 boot badge. Inside, red dials and white lighting, plus leather upholstery and red stitching on the steering wheel, gear lever and handbrake gaiter. Other neat touches include grey anthracite trims on the steering wheel spokes and console, and special Q2 kick plates and aluminium pedals. Also steering wheel mounted controls for the Bose stereo, cruise control and the VDC system.
July 2008
Cloverleaf on sale. 1.9 JTDM 16V Cloverleaf Q2 170bhp, features Q2 limited slip differential, along with a sport button that varies the mapping of the throttle to give a normal or sporty accelerator response. All Alfa GT Cloverleaf models come with exclusive 18-inch double spoke alloy wheels, red brake callipers, satin-effect front grille and door mirrors.
Three versions sport a subtle Cloverleaf badge on the boot lid, while the 170 features the Cloverleaf inside a white triangle above the front wheel arch. Three individual exterior colours – Carbonio black, Alfa Red and Atlantico blue. Inside has leather sports seats, aluminium sports pedals and sports dials with a red background, Bose RDS radio with CD and MP3 reader sound system. 170bhp 1.9 JTDM does 0-62mph in 7.9 seconds, top speed 134mph; 150bhp 1.9 JTDM does 0-62mph in 9.3 seconds top speed of 130mph. 2.0JTS does 0-62mph in 8.4 seconds, top speed of 134mph, while the 1.8 petrol has a top speed of 124mph and does 0-62mph in 10.3 seconds.
ALFA GT CLOVERLEAF 1.8TS £18,980
ALFA GT CLOVERLEAF 2.0 JTS £19,980
ALFA GT CLOVERLEAF 1.9 JTDM 16V 150bhp £20,980
ALFA GT CLOVERLEAF 1.9 JTDM 16V Q2 170bhp £21,980
What to watch out for
On 1.9 JTDM timing belt drives waterpump and waterpump failure can fling it off in as little as 40k miles, wrecking the engine.
Problems with July 2005 3.2 V6 GT received 27-9-2009: 1. Corrosion on radiator and bottom steel pipe, causing loss of coolant. 2. Clip securing clutch pedal pivot pin came off - pin dropped out. No clutch. Replaced last week. (I've been informed subject to recall in Sept '06 for this problem) 3. Roll bar and drop link bushes worn. Will need replacing. 4. Front brake discs worn unevenly. 5. Parking brake cable outer sheaths split.
1.9 diesels can be delightful to drive, but give a lot of problems: Failed inlet manifold swirl flaps (and the flaps can beak and be ingested by the engine). Failed EGRs. Choked DPFs. Failed timing belts, often because the waterpump seized. Belt, tensioner, pulleys and waterpump need replacving every 40,000 miles. Failed oil pumps. Failed dual mass flywheels. Failed turbos.
