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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  Awesome Car - 2002 Ferrari 575M
  By mitsuFTOfreak - September 13 - 2:00 am

  I love this car. but the problem is it gets a little clausterphobic on the long rides but the car was worth every penny

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  Scotts 575M - 2003 Ferrari 575M
  By Acepilot - August 23 - 2:00 am

  This car is blindingly fast and is the perfect car for any automotive enthusiast. Everything about this car is perfect. This is by far one of the greatest cars ever made and looks like it is going to stay that way for a while. The interior is as sharp as the exterior, giving the driver the maximum amount of pleasure. This is the coolest car I have ever seen and it is well worth the money...this is definately a keeper.

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  For enthusiasts only - 2008 Ferrari 430 Scuderia
  By ccmd75013 - August 1 - 4:33 am

  The Scuderia is a serious racing car which happens to be street legal. I traded my Lamborghini Galardo for the Scuderia and what a difference! The Scuderia comes with no radio, floor mats or any creature comforts. The acceleration is neck snapping and the exhaust note changes loudness depending on the pedal pressure becoming extremely loud at above 5000 RPM. The steering is extremely light (big difference from the Lambo)and controlling this light car in hard acceleration takes a bit of getting used to. The ceramic brakes are extremely touchy and again take a while to get used to. The seats are very hard and even short drives can be hard on the back. Wouldnt recommend this car to first timers

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  car review - 2003 Ferrari Enzo
  By garner - July 26 - 2:00 am

  i loved it, i hit a strait away and got it up to 210 with no problem...

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  owner - 2003 Ferrari 575M
  By maggellano - July 24 - 2:00 am

  This is one of the best car that I have ever drove! It is just amazing, the car has great performance whit an excellent comfort.

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  Italian Exotic - 2003 Ferrari 575M
  By Corp. Executive - July 23 - 2:00 am

  The name of the new 575M Maranello provides the clearest indication of its most characteristic feature. The key to the name lies in the engine, which has been denominated 575. The balanced lines and sober design that have made the Maranello an instant classic have remained intact. When it came to looking at the style of the vehicle, the thinking behind it is to retain the balance and sober looks, which invested it with the status of an instant classic, fitting in perfectly with Ferrari’s return to a front engine high performance car.

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  Wonderful Car - 2003 Ferrari 575M
  By Achmed - July 12 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car three months ago. I had it modified by Koenig. It now tops out at close to 220mph and the 0-60 is about 3.8 seconds. I love this car. It is abslutely amazing.

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  9.5 - 2003 Ferrari Enzo
  By cow - July 5 - 2:00 am

  Its fast, it looks good, its got great handling,and in my opinion its near perfect.

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  Amazing - 2003 Ferrari Enzo
  By Yagoogalie - June 15 - 2:00 am

  This car is specatcular to drive, the technological advancements to this car are amazing. The car is amazingly stable, i dont even know why i am not calling it a rocket. It is stunning in person. This car has no lack in anything, the only complaint i have with ferrari is that the mclaren F1 is many years older and it took them this long to beat it...that just shows the quality and craftsmanship put into the design and bmws engine....if you have the money but this stunner!!

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  Ferrari ENZO - 2003 Ferrari Enzo
  By Richard Losee - June 13 - 2:00 am

  I think that this car is very well made and it goes very fast.