Expert Consensus
Reviewers agree the Ferrari F355 is an exceptional driving machine with stunning design that represents a genuine peak in the marque's evolution, yet they're united in acknowledging that ownership requires serious financial commitment beyond the purchase price. The 375-horsepower V8 engine delivers thrilling performance with sub-5-second acceleration, while the responsive steering and composed suspension create an intuitive, engaging driving experience that critics describe as a "sweet spot" in Ferrari development. The design itself draws particular praise as arguably the most beautiful Ferrari of its generation, with reviewers emphasizing its visual impact and engineering achievement as the last handbuilt model of its era. The tension in these assessments centers on how severely ownership costs should factor into the overall value proposition. While both reviewers appreciate the car's driving character and aesthetics, reliability concerns and maintenance expenses emerge as the defining practical reality: complete engine removal is required for routine belt service alone, with costs ranging from $8,000–$12,000 every few years, and major maintenance capable of exceeding $150,000–$263,000. One reviewer frames these expenses as an acceptable trade-off for an emotionally rewarding ownership experience, while another emphasizes them as a genuine barrier that demands careful consideration. The F355 is best suited for wealthy enthusiasts and collectors who view the car primarily as an investment in a beautiful, visceral driving experience rather than practical transportation, and who have already accepted that maintenance costs will rival or exceed typical annual vehicle budgets. This is fundamentally a car for owners who prioritize the emotional and driving rewards highly enough to embrace—or at least tolerate—the severe financial demands as an inseparable part of ownership.
Score Breakdown
2 Reviews
