Overview & Reviews

Beloved by enthusiasts everywhere, Lamborghini cars are built for speed and to look the part. Extreme style and extreme performance are the chief characteristics of Ferrari's national rival. Unless your zip code is 90210, you're not likely to see a scissor-doored Lamborghini ahead of you in the Starbucks drive-thru or parked next to you at the mall; these are exclusive automobiles designed to cater to a small, very specialized audience.

During World War II, company founder Ferruccio Lamborghini served with the Italian Air Force's mechanics corps, where he became proficient at working with engines. After the war, Italy was plagued with scarcity; one such shortage involved tractors. Sensing an opportunity, Lamborghini purchased surplus military machines and reconfigured them as tractors. It was a canny move that resulted in a thriving business for the young entrepreneur, one that quickly made him a very wealthy man.

By the 1950s, Lamborghini's business had become even more successful, expanding to include heaters and air-conditioning units. As a car enthusiast, Lamborghini drove the best sports cars of the day. Somewhat disappointed with the Ferraris, he vowed to build a better car. Armed with millions of lira in investment money, he retreated to the small village of Sant'Agata to build a state-of-the-art automotive factory. On his payroll was noted automotive engineer Giotto Bizzarrini, who'd previously worked at Ferrari.

Automobili Lamborghini SpA. was officially founded in 1963. That same year, the very first Lamborghini, the 350GT, debuted at the Turin Motor Show. The car's name came from its engine size, a 3.5-liter four-cam V12. Then came the 400GT, which was produced until 1968. But it was the stunning midengine Miura, produced from 1967-'73, that catapulted Lamborghini to worldwide acclaim.

Lamborghini's tractor business suffered hard times in the early '70s, which led him to sell a controlling interest of Automobili Lamborghini SpA to a Swiss industrialist. The Italian's problems were worsened by that decade's oil crisis, and he wound up selling the remaining amount of his shares. Still, Lamborghini had found the wherewithal to bring out the Miura's replacement, the iconic Countach, for 1974. The company also invested millions in the development of a new vehicle, the military truck-style Cheetah, but its sales were disappointing. By the end of the decade, the automaker had declared bankruptcy.

The company got back on its feet in the 1980s. The key was Lamborghini's over-the-top Countach. Though introduced previously, the Countach was now fully styled with outlandish vents, aggressive fender flares and a huge rear wing that made it the perfect exotic car for that's decade's brash mentality. Perhaps hoping to cash in on the firm's revived popularity, the company's managers sold Lamborghini to Chrysler in 1987.

The '90s started out with the debut of the Countach's successor, the Diablo. Not long after, though, another change of ownership took place in 1994, when Lamborghini was acquired by three Far Eastern companies. Megatech was the largest of the trio and the primary shareholder. By the late 1990s, Lamborghini was in financial hot water once again. As before, the lack of a diversified product lineup was hurting the company's ability to compete globally. It was acquired by Volkswagen (which also owns other luxury marques such as Audi and Bentley) in 1998.

The new millennium saw the debut of the Murcielago, which replaced the Diablo, and the (relatively) more affordable Gallardo. Today, the current German/Italian marriage seems to be quite stable, and the rise in quality and refinement of Lamborghini's vehicles leaves no doubt as to its benefit.

User Reviews:

• 

  Murcielago - 2003 Lamborghini Murcielago
  By Salik - May 17 - 10:00 am

  I love this car at first i didnt think this car was a worthy successor to the Diablo, mostly because of the styling but after looking at it for about 5 min It is an amazing car. This car is defintely a cross between the countach and the diablo but with nextgenration styling. many features like the headlights being higher then the center hood and the fold out "batwings" come from the Countach. I dont give it a high rating in fuel economy (DUH) but who cares! This car is so fun to drive I have tried to keep it in show room condition but its too hard to resist driving! I might even go to the track (someday) My color is Rosso Red w/ black interior

• 

  OH YEAH - 2002 Lamborghini Murcielago
  By huh - May 16 - 11:20 pm

  THIS IS A CAR YOU SHOULD BUY

• 

  Mamma Mia! - 2004 Lamborghini Murcielago
  By Gargani - March 11 - 10:00 am

  This car was my 40th b-day gift...and what a gift it is! impressive design and more impressive performance...so fantastic the performance is that I dont even get upset whean I stop at the gas station.

• 

  joshs diablo - 2001 Lamborghini Diablo
  By diablo boy - July 2 - 10:00 am

  car has great performance but it is often hard to find parts for. it has great style in both the int/exterior but it is not all that comfortable to ride in. not worth the price to me.

• 

  Not the Diablo - 2003 Lamborghini Murcielago
  By dstap - May 14 - 2:00 am

  When I first picked up the car from the dealership after waiting 8 months, I was probably overhyped about how fun it would be to drive. The first week I had it I was dissapointed to find out that my neighbors EVO Lancer could keep pace. The interior is beautiful, the extiorior is unique, but I could have saved a lot of money looking for performance alone. Two months after recieving the car I had already taken the car back twice for mechanical problems.

• 

  Could use some off road tires - 2002 Lamborghini Murcielago
  By Rita J - March 31 - 2:00 am

  Handles okay in snow but could use some 35" swampers and a winch for those off road experiences that leave your 300,000 dollar lamborgini stuck on a cliff in the mud. Great for a work vehicle or pizza delivery wagon. Recomend to all consumers.

• 

  exotic auto admirer - 2002 Lamborghini Murcielago
  By e vivo - January 26 - 12:03 am

  In review of what exotics are availible I found this car to be an excellent choice.12cyl., 580H.P.,all wheel drive,6 speed transmission,excellent sounds and handling. Very comfotable and a real joy to drive. My dreams became reality.

• 

  Baddboyfilms Baddboy Toys - 2009 Lamborghini Murcielago
  By BaddBoyFilms - December 7 - 10:40 am

  Pros: The sleek design and Performance in handling with its sure true liability is what makes this automobile the most talked about throughout the Globe. A sure hit classic if compared against any other auto manufacture in handing, Aerodynamics and Performance . The interior is a fine luxury fit which complements its textures and colors which complements one another making you feel youre in complete control behind the wheel of this fine Luxury Specimen of an Automobile. Cons: The Low Gas Mileage ( M.P.G.)Consumption Rating. Though if you want to save money on gas, go buy a VW Bug otherwise afford Boss Luxury and dont sweat the small stuff !

• 

  Kristens pride - 2006 Lamborghini Gallardo
  By lotus - November 1 - 11:43 am

  This car is the best car ive ever driven its fun, fast, and handles like its on rails. not to mention the reaction it provokes amongst onlookers. Audis design of the interior makes this car a lot more driver friendly. Be prepared for the extra money for proper maintenance and VIP parking.

• 

  An excellent machine! - 2004 Lamborghini Gallardo
  By Exotic driver - December 23 - 9:06 am

  This has been the best handling car Ive ever driven. It is amazing in corners, in the rain, and on the track. Nothing significant has gone wrong in 10,000 miles except for the A/C. People love to see the car out and always compliment it and ask about it.