• Overall
• Prices
• Performance
• Exterior
• Interior
• Safety
• Reliability

Aston Martin DB9 - What the Auto Press Says

The 2009 Aston Martin DB9 ranks 4 out of 8 Exotic Sports Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 36 published reviews and test drives of the Aston Martin DB9, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

Most auto writers agree that the '09 DB9 conveys power and exclusivity. Its elegant and understated design oozes success.

Introduced in 2004 as the successor to Aston Martin's legendary DB7, the DB9 is admired for its elegant, heart-pounding design, luxurious appointments, and thrilling performance capabilities. "This car was created, not built," writes the Detroit News. "If God needed wheels, they'd be an Aston Martin DB9 convertible." Automobile Magazine adds, "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." While the DB9 isn't as sporty as its competition, auto writers are -- on balance -- impressed.

If you're in the market for an exotic sports car and want to steer clear of "pretentious" and "gaudy" rides like the Lamborghini Murcielago and Audi R8, consider the Ferrari 612 Scaglietti. Not only does it feature an understated, low-profile design, but it can blast from 0 to 62 mph in 4.2 seconds. Sure, there are faster cars in this class, but few handle as well as the Scaglietti. Another great choice is the DB9's sibling, the Aston Martin Vantage.

After receiving a 20-horsepower bump in mid-2008, the DB9 carries on to the 2009 model year unchanged. It's offered in two body styles: coupe and Volante (convertible).

• "So what do you get when you combine the latest and best structural technology, a potent but refined powertrain, a quirky yet extravagant cockpit, and one the most unencumbered body designs ever? You get the all-new DB9." -- Autoweb
• "[T]he new DB9 is an assault on Porsche -- and all other world-class sports car manufacturers, for that matter. It takes Aston's credibility as a sports car builder to a new level and is one of the most exciting cars an automaker has ever produced. It also challenges the iconic styling of a vehicle like the Porsche 911 with drop-dead looks of its own." -- Forbes
• 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
• "It's a lot of money, and it's not especially practical. But if you're looking for the ultimate combination of elegance and performance, this could be the place where you wrap up your search." -- BusinessWeek
• "The 2009 DB9 may not be the ultimate driver's car, but what it lacks in maximum thrills, this sexy Aston Martin makes up for with stunning good looks, V12 power, and a surprisingly comfortable ride and loads of unmatched character." -- Edmunds
• "The new DB9s continue to impress with their engineering and style." -- Road and Track

DB9 Performance - 9.0 (Excellent)

Test drivers find that the powerful DB9 handles wonderfully. "As exotic GTs go, the DB9 is generally exhilarating to drive, as it changes direction easily and responds smartly to steering and braking inputs," writes Edmunds. "Best of all, it still manages to offer a compliant ride that makes it one of the few exotic sports cars you'd look forward to driving cross country." For better performance, reviewers recommend the more rigid coupe over the open-top Volante. Read More

DB9 Exterior - 9.5 (Excellent)

Whether judging the coupe or Volante, critics fancy the DB9's classy exterior design. "Cities like Los Angeles have so many Ferraris, Lamborghinis, Bentleys, and Porsches running around it's very difficult to stand out from the crowd," writes Automobile Magazine. "Anything painted Titanium Silver is bound to blend in with traffic, but the Aston's lines were special enough to alert neighboring drivers of the car's value and there was always a little extra space around us, even on crowded LA highways." A favorite feature among reviewers is the Volante's fabric convertible top. Read More

DB9 Interior - 8.0 (Very Good)

The DB9's cabin is comfortable and luxurious, so long as you're not sitting in the backseat. "Be aware, up front, that the '+2' is a figure of speech," writes BusinessWeek. "The back seat of the DB9 isn't much bigger than a briefcase. The front seats, on the other hand, are surprisingly roomy and comfortable, even for the tallest adult male." Still, the DB9 is tight on cargo space. Read More

DB9 Safety - NA

Though the DB9 has yet to be crash tested, it comes loaded with a long list of standard safety features. According to Forbes, "Dynamic Stability Control, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution and Brake Assist are standard and assure secure cornering and stopping, no matter the weather or road conditions." The Volante adds automatically deploying rollover bars. Read More

DB9 Reliability - NA

The DB9 features a three-year/unlimited-mile warranty. Read More