2001 Ferrari 550 Review
2001 Ferrari 550 Review
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Used 550 for sale
Appraise This CarFerrari 550 model years
- 2001
Ferrari 550 for Sale
- 2001
Ferrari 550 types
- Convertible
- Coupe
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Legendary V12 engine design, luxurious interior, stunning looks.
Cons
- Heavy for a performance car, 360 Modena offers superior performance for less money.
What’s new
The 550 Maranello carries over unchanged for the 2001 model year.
Edmunds says
A glorious return to Ferrari's two-seater with a front-mounted V12 school of sports car design.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2001 Ferrari 550 Maranello 2dr Coupe (5.5L 12cyl 6M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.49 per gallon for premium unleaded in Maine.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Maine
$573/mo for 550 Maranello
550 Maranello
vs
$186/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Vehicle overview
Introduced to the U.S. market in 1997, the 550 Maranello was an instant hit with both the Ferrari faithful and the general American public, due in no small part to its striking appearance. As a replacement for the outgoing 512M, itself an evolution of the '80s icon, mid-engine Testarossa model, the 550 signaled a return to Ferrari's legendary V12/front-engine/two-seat design philosophy that had endeared earlier models, such as the 365 Daytona and 275 GT, to fans of the prancing horse.
This time around, Ferrari had lofty goals in mind for their highest-performing GT car. Specifically, they wanted a car that could meet the driving needs of their most demanding customers while simultaneously providing a level of comfort and convenience previously unavailable in a Ferrari.
Named after the town from which all Ferraris originate, the 550 Maranello combines high-tech luxury features with a powerful 485-horsepower V12 engine to create the ultimate Gran Turismo automobile. The Bosch Motronic fuel injection system feeds into four-valve-per-cylinder heads while other engine components, like titanium connecting rods and forged aluminum pistons, contribute to light weight and durability. Power travels to the rear wheels via a six-speed transmission that is operated by a classic Ferrari gated shifter topped by an aluminum knob. This transmission is incorporated into the rear differential for improved weight distribution.
Riding on a high tensile steel tube frame, the 550 sports such performance aids as speed-sensitive steering, adjustable suspension (with normal and sport modes), Brembo four-piston brakes with four-channel ABS, stability control, and lightweight, five-spoke 18-inch wheels with Z-rated tires.
But, as stated earlier, performance is only part of the 550 equation. Creating an environment of pure bliss, even when lap times aren't a primary concern, meant addressing luxury and comfort issues as well. The Maranello answers with eight-way adjustable seats (five of which are even power!), a tilt/telescoping steering wheel, bright analog gauge displays, and automatic climate control with sun radiation sensors for improved accuracy. Behind the seats is a large shelf with room for golf bags and even leather straps to keep them from scuffing the interior panels during high G turns. A trunk-mounted CD changer is standard, as are automatically sealing windows for an airtight cabin at triple-digit speeds.
Yes, the 550 Maranello offers performance to impress the yacht club guys and convenience to keep the better half happy. But if the performance aspects of a Ferrari interest you more than luxury accoutrements, keep in mind that a 360 Modena stickers for over $50,000 less than the Maranello while offering superior performance.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2001 Ferrari 550.
5 star(50%)
4 star(50%)
3 star(0%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(0%)
4 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.75 out of 5 stars
Performance and luxury
teachdna, 06/07/2003
2001 Ferrari 550 Maranello 2dr Coupe (5.5L 12cyl 6M)
I consider this a fortunate choice. I
shopped around for along time and
got extensive seat time in a number
of exotics. But nothing compared to
the 550. It has not disappointed!
Superb build quality, wonder
performance and, unlike the
Edmunds experience, I have had no
real glitches.
5 out of 5 stars
look at this before you buy
ted, 03/02/2002
2001 Ferrari 550 Maranello 2dr Coupe (5.5L 12cyl 6M)
it is like a dream
4.13 out of 5 stars
Ferrari 550
Cars4me89, 08/22/2002
2001 Ferrari 550 Barchetta 2dr Convertible (5.5L 12cyl 6M)
Very Fast!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Great car but was extremely expensive
and should be cheaper.
3.75 out of 5 stars
Why I'm selling my 550
Alexander Schilling, 02/11/2004
2001 Ferrari 550 Maranello 2dr Coupe (5.5L 12cyl 6M)
The engine mounts in my 550 failed at
15,000 requiring a $1,500 repair.
Ferrari's customer service rep
explained that this is normal for the
550. I have owned many cars and
have never had to replace engine mounts
before. The customer service rep.
told me that at 15,000 miles I have put
more miles on my 550 than most owners.
In fact he said, "let's face it 90% of …
our cars are driven less than 2,000
miles per year - and then only to the
country club". If you drive your car
this much I can't tell you what else
will go wrong".
2001 550 Highlights
Convertible
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $248,500 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 9 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $573/month |
Seating | 2 seats |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Warranty | 2 years / unlimited miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the 550 include:
- Alarm
- Stability Control
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