Overview & Reviews

Certain things just sound sexier in other languages, like fancy French perfumes labeled "eau de toilette" and fancy Italian "four-door" luxury sedans called "Quattroporte." But the Maserati Quattroporte is more than a deceptively sexy name; it's a beautiful, performance-oriented Italian luxury car endowed with ample power, sharp handling and two impressive transmissions that make it the closest thing you can get to a Ferrari sedan. The fact that Maserati and Ferrari are sister companies make that more than just a metaphor.

Despite weighing about 4,400 pounds, the Maserati Quattroporte manages to feel like a car half its size with well-weighted steering, limited body roll and a captivating eagerness to change direction. Contributing to this is Maserati's "Skyhook" adjustable suspension, controlled by a button on the dash. Skyhook can be set to the more comfortable "Normal" mode or the noticeably firmer "Sport" setting -- both calibrated on the supple side on the Automatic model to better suit American tastes.

The Maserati Quattroporte isn't the cheapest or fastest performance luxury sedan on the block, but if you like to drive and enjoy ample doses of Italian character, this sexy four-door will speak to you like few other four-doors can.

Current Maserati Quattroporte

The Maserati Quattroporte is a performance luxury sedan offered in base, S and Sport GT S trims. All are impeccably well equipped, but the latter two get a number of sport-oriented upgrades including adjustable suspension dampers (S), fixed sport-tuned dampers (GT S), bigger wheels and brakes, and unique trim. However, the most notable difference is the upper trims' 4.7-liter V8 that produces 425 horsepower and 361 pound-feet of torque -- the base Quattroporte has a 4.2-liter V8 with 400 hp and 339 lb-ft of torque. Both come only with a six-speed automatic transmission that features manual-override shift paddles.

As a low-volume, high-end luxury car, the Maserati Quattroporte can be customized to meet individual needs with a variety of cabin trims and leather colors that can be mixed and matched. Seating is comfortable for touring and tailored for four courtesy of the rear seat's aggressive contours. The handsome dash and console include a touchscreen navigation and multimedia interface. All the modern electronic goodies expected from a high-end luxury sedan (iPod interface, surround-sound audio, digital music storage, satellite radio) are also present.

Most consumers will be best served by the base Quattroporte, which is hardly "base." It still provides more athletic handling than virtually all competitors, while treating its owner to an opulent driving environment. For driving enthusiasts with Ferrari dreams but sedan realities, the S and GT S should be pure automotive nirvana.

Used Maserati Quattroporte Models

After a decade's absence, the latest Maserati Quattroporte debuted for the 2005 model year with a single transmission -- the quirky five-speed automated manual. Dubbed DuoSelect, its automatic mode tended to shift unevenly in traffic and its operation was a bit unorthodox. Even when you were using the paddle shifters to change gears yourself, the car had the tendency to herk and jerk around at low speeds. As such, it didn't suit many American luxury car buyers. The present six-speed automatic became an option for 2007, while it became the lone transmission the following year when DuoSelect was discontinued. This change is the most important factor when considering a Quattroporte.

However, there were other changes. There was originally only one trim level with many optional features that would later become standard. This Quattroporte featured a 395-hp 4.2-liter V8 attached to DuoSelect. For 2006, the lineup was expanded to include the Sport GT and top-of-the-line Executive GT trim levels. Performance hardware like 20-inch wheels, better brakes and sport-tuned DuoSelect were included with the Sport GT, while the Executive GT was essentially Maserati's luxury limo with items like Alcantara upholstery and massaging front seats. All trims were available with DuoSelect and the traditional automatic for '07. The latter featured a different grille and center console design, along with 9 more lb-ft of torque from the 4.2-liter V8 (which increased to 400 hp in all models). For '08, the Sport GT became the Sport GT S.

The biggest changes thus far occurred for 2009 when the current trim and engine lineup debuted. Exterior styling was also tweaked with revised headlights, a new grille and taillights -- although none are so drastic that they would dissuade you from an earlier Maserati Quattroporte. The Bose touchscreen multimedia system might, though, since the earlier system for controlling the navigation and stereo systems was outdated, ergonomically poor and very button-happy.

User Reviews:

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  Id Buy One Again - 2006 Maserati Quattroporte
  By mgold - February 18 - 9:56 pm

  I am a new owner, so my opinion might be tainted by the "new car" excitement, but this is one car that excites all of ones senses. The sound of the Sport GT is spectacular as it reaches the red line. I love my car.

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  My second Q-porte as a daily driver - 2006 Maserati Quattroporte
  By Jay Huffaker - October 8 - 11:56 pm

  This Italian creation is all that style means to the Italians. The car draws admiration from all ages and economic strata. This is my second Quattroporte, the first (84) I drove daily for 8 years. The build quality has improved beyond belief. I drive this car hard and enjoy it the way I imagine it was intended. So far there have been zero problems. The performance is amazing. Once you get a sense of where the limits are you can really have a sports car experience in the morning and enjoy the luxury as you and friends arrive at your favorite 5 star restaurant. that evening. The controls are easy to use and well positioned. But, remember the trany is a standard when on hills.

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  Best on the street... - 2006 Maserati Quattroporte
  By JP Newps - July 17 - 12:56 am

  Ive been searching for a sports car for the last two months. DIve driven everything from the new Bentley Continental GT, Porsche 911 4S, Mercedes S550, BMW M6, etc... Nothing compared to the styling, performance and price of the QP Sport GT. Its the hottest car on the road and turns everyones head, including my friends with Lambos and 430s...

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  absolutely suprising!!! - 2009 Maserati Quattroporte
  By boyce h - March 27 - 9:16 pm

  Ive owned 6 bentleys, somewhere around 30 Mercedes, bmws, audis, jags, & even a jensen intercepter, but Ive never been as surprisingly pleased as I am with my new Maserati quattroporte s! Incredibly quick, quiet, smooth, & gorgeous! Only two minor complaints:1-the lane change lever is too far from the steering wheel and behind too large paddle shifters. 2-accelerator & brake are too close together. We havent been able to activate my bluetooth phone and Im 90 miles from the dealer so were dealing by phone!

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  Maserati... Not Ready for Prime Time! - 2007 Maserati Quattroporte
  By jdt - November 5 - 10:30 am

  I bought my car in May and its been in the shop for a total of 3 out of the 4 months Ive had it. Computer problems, leak in interior (that Maserati cant reproduce but is reproduced every time it rains), bad CD player. The quality of the car is poor and Maserati does not have the maintenance supply set-up to handle mass produced cars. (Theyre used to Ferrari owners whose cars arent needed on a daily basis.) For example, it took 2 weeks just to get the window leak fixed. While the engine and the handling of the car are excellent, Maserati is 5 years behind in terms of electronics and gadgetry that is common on most other mid and high end vehicles. I do not recommend this car!

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  Better than expected - 2008 Maserati Quattroporte
  By Minneapolitan - October 5 - 7:20 pm

  I was very much ready to lease my third S class when I decided that I should at least explore the possibility of a Quattroporte. Now I cannot fathom ever buying from the Germans again. The car was bought for the looks and sporting credentials but I have been surprised by the quality and reliability. Despite the 20 in wheels the car rides well in the city where it spends most of its time. On the freeway there is plenty of power on tap though the car is downright lazy compared to the AMGs of my past. Regardless, the car is so well balanced, I prefer it. Ive always loved cars but now I really love MY car.

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  Maserati Quattroporte Dream - 2005 Maserati Quattroporte
  By jimmy - September 28 - 2:30 pm

  I have put 3,500 miles on my Maserati Quattroporte so far. This car is of lots of fun. It gives you a sense of power, security, elegance, and speed when you desire.

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  A sexy, impresive car; it is a pleasure! - 2007 Maserati Quattroporte
  By Barsallo1 - September 10 - 8:33 pm

  Fantastic driving and engine; really is a four door Ferrari. Interior is super. The sound of the engine is like music! Great car to own.

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  Love it - 2006 Maserati Quattroporte
  By Mark - August 28 - 5:20 am

  It takes a little while to learn how to drive it. Once you do, you will love it.

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  Impressive Performance and Quality - 2017 Maserati Quattroporte
  By Ken - July 3 - 11:35 pm

  Although the purchase was recent, Im impressed with the performance, solid build, overall design and impressive interior.