1991 Lancia Thema 16V Turbo SE 2.0L 16v turbo IE from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Bargain; wolf in sheep's clothing!

Faults:

Electronic suspension failed; changed to standard struts due to high cost of parts.

Minor electrical faults, mainly caused by poor earthing in the engine bay area.

Electric windows sluggish.

Rust around rear window pillars and rear wheel arches.

Alloy wheel finish very poor and prone to severe corrosion.

General Comments:

Excellent performance for little money compared to similar cars.

Heavy on fuel and front tyres if used hard, but fun to drive.

Anonymous car that surprises all passengers with its performance, comfort and level of equipment for such a low second hand price.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 28th May, 2002

3rd Jul 2025, 17:52

I don't know if the price was similar in all countries, but I don't recall the Thema (during its first generation in the late 1980s and early 1990s) ever being a cheap car. In fact, it was considerably more expensive than the Fiat Croma and was around the same price as the Saab 9000 and Alfa 164, which were cars based on the same platform.

It was a brillant car, enormous, and very fast, but not cheap. At the time, it was the car I liked the most; great years for Lancia that are no longer around.

1994 Lancia Thema Turbo LS 16v 2.0 16v turbo from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Very fast and fun four door motor

Faults:

Minor electrical problems and belt services.

General Comments:

On the whole a wonderful car that's a match for all, but the fastest vehicles.

Enables four adults to travel fast and with complete anonymity, because nobody knows what it is.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 6th May, 2002

15th May 2002, 15:38

I agree about the anonymity, these cars drive and go so well, but just look. well, dull! And I am a fan of them, but at least no-one feels that they have to race you because you have a fast car, mostly only you know that you do and, to my mind, that is enough.

2nd Jun 2002, 18:16

I own a L reg 1994 model thema turbo. I love it to pieces. It's just so fast and so comfortable. I leave BMW'S and Mercs behind, I love the feeling of having over 200BHP at my feet! The only cars that can keep up are Impreza Turbos, but hey, my car cost 1/10th of the price! :)

1988 Lancia Thema LS 2.0 8v turbo from UK and Ireland

Summary:

A genuine Jaguar beater for less than half the cost

Faults:

Gear lever developed rattle at 132,000 miles.

Exhaust manifold gasket failed at 134,000 miles.

O/S rear door lock jammed at 134,500 miles.

Speedometer failed at 144,000 miles.

General Comments:

The car is most impressively fast for it's size. You can carry 5 adults and still out-accelerate most other cars on the road.

The levels of comfort and equipment are very high.

It has been reliable. None of the faults I have experienced have ever stopped me getting home.

Spares can be expensive and, sometimes, difficult to get.

These cars are incredibly cheap to buy, especially when you look at what you are getting for your money.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 21st April, 2002

5th Jul 2005, 03:55

Hi, I like your comments on the Thema. I have had a Dedra, and then a 1992 Thema Turbo (205BHP). They are a very reliable car. I am actually buying a 1993 Lancia Thema VIS tonight from a pal of mine (after four years driving all other carsPorsche/Merc?BMW/Adi/Mazda). Its time to step back into one. It is a 1993, with 59000 miles, has been stripped, fully resprayed, interior has been re-done, engine and gearbox rebuilt, new bushings, all fully re-done. €3,000. Not cheap, but it is like a brand new car.

10th Jan 2006, 07:41

I've had 3 Themas (all at the same time) because they're so cheap to buy and run and I'm yet to find another car that is as good.

I bought my 1988 8v Turbo from its first owner when it was 14yrs old and had 100K miles. The car just got better and better as the miles built up. The acceleration from 30 to 70mph was stunning and I've even had the pleasure of watching a TVR struggling to catch me after exiting a roundabout. Indeed the same TVR, developed a very nasty cloud of smoke when it tried to keep pace.

28-30 mpg, 0-60 in 7.5secs, 135mph, four doors, air con, electric everything and in the last year of ownership all she required was 2 new tyres! All this for a car that cost me £750 in 2002.

And it has no rust on it at 18 yrs old so please stop reciting that old story.

I love them!