Overview & Reviews

When you're talking about machines built for speed, they don't get much faster or sexier than those from Ferrari. Founded more than 60 years ago, the Italian brand has secured a berth at the top of the heap with its high-dollar, high-performance sports cars.

Ferrari's roots lie in Scuderia Ferrari (which means "stable of Ferrari"), an outfit founded in 1929 by Enzo Ferrari for the purpose of organizing amateur drivers for participation in racing competitions. Ferrari was an accomplished racecar driver, with numerous wins under his belt. The company's prancing horse symbol was originally seen on the fuselage of a plane flown by a heroic Italian pilot; Ferrari was invited to use the emblem by the pilot's mother, as a good-luck charm for his vehicles.

By the 1930s, Ferrari had begun laying the groundwork to build a vehicle of his own. Two cars were produced in 1940, but they did not bear the Ferrari name. The cars participated in the Mille Miglia race, but soon after, World War II put a halt to their time on the racetrack. In 1943, Ferrari began constructing a factory on a plot of land he owned in the village of Maranello; it suffered bomb damage, but was completely rebuilt by 1946. By the end of the decade, the first Ferrari vehicle, the 125 S, had been unveiled, as had the 166 Barchetta.

The marque scored its first world championship Grand Prix win in 1950 at the British Grand Prix. Throughout the 1950s and '60s, Ferrari continued to distinguish itself on the racetrack, racking up win after win under Enzo's solid leadership while also producing beautiful road cars such as the 250 California, 275 GTB, 365 GTB4 "Daytona" and "Dino" 246 GT, named to honor the founder's deceased son Alfredino (Dino).

By the 1970s, Ferrari sold 50 percent of his company to Fiat. Luckily, Fiat was very hands-off in its role as part owner. The sale didn't impact Ferrari's focus, and the brand continued on its path of producing exclusive, high-end machines. New models like the 308 GT4, 308 GTB and 365 GT4 BB (Berlinetta Boxer) were introduced.

The 1980s saw Fiat's stake in the company rise to 90 percent, with the remainder being owned by the Ferrari family. Enzo's son Pietro was named vice president. The decade also saw the death of the company's founder, as Enzo Ferrari passed away in Modena in 1988. During this decade, models like the Mondial, 288 GTO, F40 and Testarossa were launched.

Ferrari welcomed the Maserati brand into its family in 1997; Maserati had previously been acquired by parent company Fiat. The Ferrari team had lost some of its luster on the racetrack since the death of Enzo, but all that changed when it ushered racetrack legend Michael Schumacher into its ranks in the mid-'90s. Schumacher was responsible for several notable wins, and helped restore much of the legendary brand's glory on the track. A new V12 grand touring model, the 550 Maranello, was launched, as was the F355 sports car and F50 supercar.

The first decade of the new millennium saw Ferrari launching a variety of models. Highlights included the  F430, Enzo, 599 GTB Fiorano and 458 Italia. Today, Ferrari continues to reign atop the short list for buyers with a thirst for high-priced, high-powered and highly styled Italian metal.

User Reviews:

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  WOW! - 2006 Ferrari F430
  By F.SALA - October 22 - 9:43 am

  I love my F430 Spider. It is by far the best Ferrari Ive ever driven and owned. It is as smooth as a luxury car and handles like its on railroad tracks. When you drive this car at full pedal to the metal the sound is out of this world. The best feature: no more timing belt and valve ajustments services. Im going for another ride, caio!

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  F430 Spider F1 - 2006 Ferrari F430
  By Ernesto - October 21 - 11:12 pm

  After I had experienced the Ferrari Testarossa in 1999 I also purchased the Maserati Spider 2002 as a companion. Then one day I noticed the F430 in the lot at the dealer while picking up the Maserati after service. I fell in love with this new Ferrari car. I had to go and purchased it the following week and I have no regrets since. It is a blast of fun, expecially when driving thru a tunnel, the experience and feeling is the same as if I was driving a Formula One. The shifting of gears is so quick and the engine responds immediately, the noise is phenomenal. The acceleration is exhilarating. This is the best car in my stable.

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  Incredible Car - 2006 Ferrari F430
  By PERRIE - June 14 - 10:30 pm

  I love my new F430 spider. It is an incredible improvement from my 2003 F360. Its much more luxurious, has a better ride, acceleration etc. The biggest difference is how smooth the shifting has become and the ride quality. It looks fantastic and has the best interior I have seen on a sports car. While I certainly wouldnt drive it everyday I find I am using it much more than the F360. I cant wait to take it out whenever I have time. My wifes biggest complaint is that everyone looks at the car. It is expensive but worth every penny.

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  Amazing Car - 2006 Ferrari F430
  By Jack - April 22 - 5:12 am

  The Ferrari F430 Challenge is the best car that I have ever driven and I have had them all. It is so smooth and light to drive! Wow! It is expensive, but well worth it!

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  2006 F430 - 2006 Ferrari F430
  By ferrarifan - February 14 - 7:43 am

  I am more than satisfied with the 2006 F430. Although I loved the Modena 360 I used to have, the F430 is much better than the 360 in many ways. It is far smoother and faster. Its design is more aggressive and modern, although one could argue that the 360 had more artistic lines. They are both beautiful, but different. The interior is covered with the finest leather you will see in any car with beautiful stitchings. Its instrumentation is functional and elegant. The HiFi version is terrific with clean sound and base. Its handling, speed, agility, and feel are second to none. It is one of the most beautiful cars ever created with its presence noticed on any road with admirers everywhere.

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  2005 Ferrari F430 - 2005 Ferrari F430
  By gonzalo moran - January 29 - 4:25 am

  The 2005 Ferrari F430 is an excellent performance vehicle, close to the supercars such as the Enzo or F50, but with lots of comfort, for a fraction of the price. The electronics are amazing, but a little fuzzy at first.

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  2006 F430 - 2005 Ferrari F430
  By Ferrari Admirer - January 20 - 8:48 am

  The 2006 F430 is a product of art and technology at their finest. It is by far one of the most beautiful automobiles ever made. The drive is sensational and incomparably satisfying. Compared to the Modena 360 I had, its looks are more modern and aggressive. Its interior is exquisitely detailed with soft leather and stitching with its feel and smell that only a Ferrari delivers and better than even an Louis Vuiton handbag. The F1 is much more smooth than a Modena 360. The handling is razor sharp, superior to the 360, a world apart from almost any other vehicle on the market. A true appreciation of a Ferrari can only come from actual ownership and prolonged driving experience.

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  575 Maranello F1 - 2002 Ferrari 575M
  By Pacino - January 17 - 6:37 pm

  The 2002 Ferrari 575M Maranello Coupe has more power than you could ever ask for, at 515 hp. Ferrari got it right with the F1 transmission. It is super smooth and has lightning fast shifting. All this with the comfort of a Bently!

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  F430 - 2005 Ferrari F430
  By ferrariman - December 26 - 6:50 am

  The F430 is an amazing car--more so than virtually any other car on the market. Its performance is spectacular. Its shape is more beautiful than any other car in the world. On the road, it commands a presence of mystique and prestige that only a Ferrari delivers. I had a 360 Modena before this model. The F430 is sharper and more modern in appearance. The shifting of F1 is more smooth, and the overall handling is far superior.

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  F430 - 2005 Ferrari F430
  By Benny - December 17 - 2:51 am

  This is car is one of the most beautiful cars ever created. Its design and workmanship can only be really appreciated after actually owning it. Its the symbol of legendary Italian artistry and passion. Its sound is sexier than any car on the road. The drive is awesome in every aspect. Its handling is unsurpassed. Its fantastic acceleration does not even need to be mentioned. The attention you get from others around you when drive the F430 is something you need to get used to if you dont like attention. After all, a ferrari is not a car: its a ferrari.