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

Ferrari F430 - What the Auto Press Says

Reviewers find that the Ferrari F430 has little to no faults. It's exotic, fast, luxurious and drop-dead gorgeous. What's not to like?

Upon its debut in 2004, the Ferrari F430 was met with resounding praise. Five years later, admiration for this supercar hasn't faded one bit. In fact, some test drivers still claim that no car can match its Formula One race technology wrapped in a drool-dripping, yet purposeful, exterior design.

The Ferrari F430 carries on to the 2009 model year unchanged. In addition to coupe and Spider (convertible) body styles, it's also available as an even more capable Scuderia trim, which Automobile Magazine explains is "Italian for stable. That's stable like a home for a powerful prancing horse, not like the state of mind that is constantly eluding Lindsay Lohan."

If you're in the market for an exotic street machine, consider the Lamborghini Gallardo -- the F430's primary competitor. It provides faster off-the-line performance, but still can't handle corners as seamlessly as the F430. However, at this level of performance, that's just nit-picking.

• "There's always been much more to Ferraris than just phenomenal performance -- their styling, exclusivity and sheer presence all play a part in their allure." -- Edmunds
• "Downsides to owning an F430 include resulting mailings for hair-replacement services and hanging out with fellow owners who wear bespoke race suits with matching shoes at Ferrari-club track weekends but then turn numbingly slow laps. Downsides to driving an F430? Don't be ridiculous." -- Car and Driver
• "It's the totality, the greatness of the entire package that mesmerizes here. The Pininfarina-styled aluminum bodywork looks stunning from every angle, the aluminum space-frame chassis forms a rigid base for the suspension to operate with utmost precision, and the 4.3-liter 483-bhp V-8 revs to a rarefied 8500 rpm. The angry cry of stressed metal and most high-strung exhaust note this side of Formula 1 leave an indelible impression." -- Road and Track
• "This thing must cause meltdowns in the mainframe at Kelly Blue Book. Used-car appreciation? Does not compute!" - New York Times

F430 Performance - NA

The F430 offers loads of power and superb drive technology, which leads some test drivers to proclaim it the best handling car on Earth. "The car is so chuckable and nimble that you can fool yourself into trying to drive it as if it were a formula car, at which point it will start plowing," writes Automobile Magazine. Aiding the F430 achieve such great levels of performance is its unique F1 Trac system. Read More

F430 Exterior - NA

Wherever it may roam, the 2009 Ferrari F430 commands respect. "Everywhere we took the F430 we got smiles, waves and thumbs up," writes Edmunds. "But the most unexpected response came on the curly canyon roads when encountering slower traffic People pulled off to the side of the road to let us by!" For an even more unique look, consider the high-performance Scuderia trim. Read More

F430 Interior - NA

Reviewers praise the F430's interior cabin for its quality build and comfortable seats, though its cabin is snug. For increased character, Ferrari offers the "Carrozzerie Scaglietti" personalization program. Read More

F430 Safety - NA

Neither the federal government nor insurance industry has crash tested the 2009 Ferrari F430. Read More

F430 Reliability - NA

The 2009 F430 carries a three-year/unlimited-mile basic and powertrain warranty. Read More