2008 Aston Martin DB9

• Overall
• Performance
• Exterior
• Interior
• Safety
• Reliability
• Specs

Aston Martin DB9 - What the Auto Press Says

The 2008 Aston Martin DB9 ranks 2 out of 4 Exotic Sports Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 30 published reviews and test drives of the Aston Martin DB9, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

Auto reviewers fancy the DB9 because it exudes class, luxury, and power all in the same breath. It ranks near the top of its class.

Introduced in 2004, the Aston Martin DB9 is the successor to the DB7. "The car was named the DB9 -- rather than the DB8 as logic would dictate, being the successor to the DB7 -- because 'DB8' might suggest that it packs only a V8 engine, rather than a V12," explains Forbes. The DB stands for David Brown, a previous owner of Aston Martin -- though rumors now assert that it stands for Dr. Ulrich Bez, the company's current CEO.

To Dr. Bez's delight, reviewers find that the 2008 DB9 is magnificently engineered to provide owners with raw unadulterated power, as well as lavish exclusivity. According to Car and Driver, "This is the best-sorted, most thoroughly engineered Aston Martin of all time." From its visceral V12 engine to its crystal ashtray, reviewers are impressed -- though their  criticisms do include a useless backseat and skimpy cargo space.

The 2008 DB9 is offered in both coupe and Volante (convertible) body styles.

• "Stunning styling, sumptuous appointments and a brawny V12 engine make the Aston Martin DB9 one of the most desirable cars in the world." -- Forbes

• "The DB9 Volante is almost the perfect Hollywood car-sporty enough for high-speed runs up Mulholland Drive or over Angeles Crest Highway and stylish enough to stand out on Rodeo Drive without looking pretentious or gaudy. That takes class." -- Automobile Magazine

• The DB9's beauty is clear to see, inside and out. It may be the highest-quality Aston Martin ever built; it exhibits jewellike attention to detail and combines high chassis technology and the cachet of a sonorous V-12 engine. Mahvelous. Simply mahvelous." -- Motor Trend

• "This Aston Martin DB9 is a car to be cherished - inside, outside and, more than anything else, while driving it. Judge it as a supercar or sports car and you'll be left looking for more hard-edged handling. But as a proper GT for moving two people cross-country with style, speed and -- always -- poise, the DB9 has few equals." -- Road and Track

• "Viewed on a purely objective basis, the Mercedes-Benz SL600 and the more sporting SL55 AMG are better cars than the Aston. They ride better, they're stiffer, they're more comfortable, they have a proper hardtop, and they're quicker. But in this sector of the market, mere objectivity is not enough. The Aston might not be quite as technically accomplished as the Mercs, but it's much more desirable." -- Edmunds

DB9 Performance - 8.8 (Very Good)

Test drivers find that the DB9 is both powerful and agile, and they especially like its automatic transmission. "While you can order your DB9 equipped with a traditional manual transmission, this is the first high-performance car we'd happily take in automatic form," writes Edmunds. "It offers all the seamless gear changes you'd expect when left in 'Drive,' but it responds instantly when you tap the paddles and even rev-matches with spot-on accuracy when downshifting." Continue with our full DB9 Performance Review to read why reviewers think the coupe is better suited for sports performance than the Volante. continue

DB9 Exterior - 9.4 (Excellent)

Whether describing the DB9 coupe or Volante, reviewers agree that it's a beauty. "It's the sort of car you'd park outside your house as an ornament, and wash lovingly on a Sunday morning," writes Edmunds. "It's automotive art and it's undeniably cool." Continue with our full DB9 Exterior Review to read about the types of reactions auto writers received while test driving it.  continue

DB9 Interior - 7.3 (Good)

Auto writers find the DB9's 2+2 cabin luxurious, but only comfortable for front-seat passengers. Motor Trend writes, "Exotic GT cars have to deliver some semblance of value for dollar even if the back seats in this 2+2 would be a tight fit for dwarfs and hobbits." Continue with our full DB9 Interior Review to read what critics think of its cargo room. continue

DB9 Safety - NA

The DB9 hasn't been crash tested by the federal government or insurance industry, but comes equipped with a long list of active and passive safety features. The Volante receives an extra safety feature. Car and Driver explains: "Occupants are protected in a roll-over accident by strengthened windshield pillars and two pop-up hoops behind those rear seats. They deploy only when sensors detect that the car might be headed for trouble." Continue with our full DB9 Safety Review to learn why drivers planning on whipping the Volante through corners should lower its top first. continue

DB9 Reliability - NA

The DB9 comes with a three-year/unlimited-mile warranty.  Continue with our full DB9 Reliability Review to read about its increasingly positive reputation for quality craftsmanship. continue