You can't be a true gearhead until you've owned an Alfa. So said Top Gear, but, after years of decreasing sales on the continent, many Americans may never the chance to find out why Alfa Romeo is held in such high esteem across the pond. So where did it all go wrong for Alfa in the States, a place in which the company has never truly found sustained success?

In reality, there are a multitude of reasons, but it does certainly appear as if the slump has gotten worse of late. In Europe, sales may not be spectacular for Alfa, but on account of their strong brand recognition, they will always have a share of the market, however small that may be.