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:

• 

  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!

• 

  Best Ferrari So Far! - 2005 Ferrari F430
  By ferraristi - December 28 - 11:23 am

  This is my third Ferrari I have owned. A Testarossa, Maranello 550 now this beautiful example of styling, performance and unbelievable driving experience. This is such a vast improvement over the 360 which I also tested. It has the ability to transform from an every day drive, to a full race performance all by simply switching the settings on your steering wheel. The performance is a given, but the exhaust sound alone takes you to the track and turns heads in amazement. The handling is superb. Highly recommend. Live your dream!! this is as close as you get to driving an F1.

• 

  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.

• 

  LOVE IT! :) - 2005 Ferrari SuperAmerica
  By audikrazy - December 20 - 7:28 pm

  This car is amazing, i thought it would be a good investment because it is a rare build. I hope that i am correct. My wife wants to dirve this car 24/7!!! My son wants to take it to prom!!! it shows that everyone wants this car. !!!!!!

• 

  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.

• 

  Cant go wrong with Ferrari - 2005 Ferrari F430
  By enzo - November 16 - 4:16 pm

  The F430 is a great drive around town car, as well as a take on the track car. I have always liked the Pinin Farina style design, which compliments its predecessors.

• 

  Are you kidding? - 2005 Ferrari F430
  By John - November 15 - 12:17 am

  Though this is our first Ferrari, we underestimated what we were actually buying. Our F430 is far and away a better vehicle than either the Lamborghini Gallardo or the Porsche Carrera GT that we were able to drive. Special thanks to dealers that let 30 something millionaires drive before we buy. You earned our business!

• 

  Buy a Gallardo - 2005 Ferrari F430
  By Tifoso - August 20 - 9:01 pm

  This 360 makeover is a genuine disappointment to a true Ferrari fan. The engine, while an improvement over the 360 is light years behind the V10 powered Gallardo. The F1 shifter is still jerky at max revs but is also an improvement over the 360. Reliability is a big issue. In one month air conditioning, paint and trim issues were so bad I sold the car.

• 

  Cool car - 2005 Ferrari F430
  By fred - July 25 - 4:06 pm

  The ferrari F430 is a new addition to my sports car colletion. It is very fast but not yet very comfortable.This is my 5th Ferrari to purchase since 2002. I defenently recommend this car.

• 

  Dream Come True - 2002 Ferrari 575M
  By N.S. Allen - May 26 - 8:23 pm

  The Ferrari 575M Maranello Coupe with the F1 transmission is an automotive performance enthusiasts dream come true. This car does it all. Acceleration, handling, braking, style, sophistication well you name it and the 575 M does it as well, if not better, than any other performance automobile. The 5.8 liter V-12 motor is smooth and docile while driving under normal conditions but under full throttle the motor seems even more powerful than the 515 h.p./ 588 lbs/ft ratings listed by the factory. This motor mated to the F1 transmission provides an awesome powertrain, with the incredible dexterity of the motor and the effortless, instantaneous shifts make the 575 M an absolute pleasure.