2006 Panoz Esperante Review
2006 Panoz Esperante Review
View more photos
View more photos
View more photos
View more photos
View more photos
+1
Used Esperante for sale
Appraise This CarPanoz Esperante types
- Coupe
- GTLM
- Convertible
See Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Solid structural integrity, balanced handling, aggressive exhaust note.
Cons
- Stability control and side airbags not available, steering lacks road feel, odd ergonomics.
What’s new
A handful of new options debut this year: color-matched brake calipers, painted valve covers, a 10-disc CD changer and a couple of new 18-inch wheels.
Edmunds says
An exotic in the classic sense, the 2006 Panoz Esperante combines quirky ergonomics with sexy lines, thrilling performance and the smug satisfaction that yours will most likely be the only one at the country club.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2006 Panoz Esperante 2dr Convertible (4.6L 8cyl 5M) 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 N/A undefined in California.
Monthly estimates based on costs in California
Not EPA tested for Esperante Base
Esperante Base
vs
$246/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Vehicle overview
Constructed in a small factory in rural Georgia, the Esperante is the realized dream of Daniel Panoz. Frustrated with the fact that exotic high-performance sports cars were the exclusive domain of European manufacturers, Daniel set out to build an all-American sports car that would not only challenge the world's top nameplates, but would do so with a more reliable, easy-to-own package than those often-temperamental Euros.
A marriage of Panoz's chassis expertise and readily available Ford V8 power, the Esperante has a sleek, Jaguar-like style. The body and impressively rigid chassis are hand-built and comprised of aluminum for light weight. Panoz has been a proponent of aluminum construction since the company opened its doors in the late 1980s. The chief benefit of aluminum is its ability to provide the stiffness of steel with less weight. Panoz uses aerospace methods to form the Esperante's body. An all-aluminum space frame serves as the car's backbone and carbon-fiber is used to join the body to the frame.
A 4.6-liter V8, gunning out 320 horsepower, sits under the long hood and drivers can choose between a manual or automatic transmission. Should a 5.1-second 0-60 time and a top speed of 155 (electronically limited) not be sufficient, there is also the GTLM model that ups the ante to 420 horsepower, thanks to a supercharger. The car's lightweight, rigid chassis and growling V8 make for a visceral feel on the road and impressive numbers at the track.
While it may not possess all the electronic wizardry found in the latest German roadsters or the outright performance of a Corvette Z06, the Esperante has something else -- a raw, unencumbered feel that gives it a personality that the competition left behind long ago in search of new customers.
Performance & mpg
A Ford-based 4.6-liter V8 with 320 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque powers the base and GT versions of the Esperante. The GTLM includes a supercharged version of that V8 good for 420 hp. A five-speed manual is standard, with a four-speed automatic available as an option. Panoz claims that the non-supercharged Esperante will run from zero to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds, through the quarter-mile in 13.7 seconds and on to a top speed (limited electronically) of 155 mph.
Safety: Traction control and antilock brakes highlight the safety features list. Side airbags and stability control aren't available. Panoz claims that the Esperante's aluminum intensive and modular construction makes the sports car more crashworthy, especially in side impacts.
Safety
Traction control and antilock brakes highlight the safety features list. Side airbags and stability control aren't available. Panoz claims that the Esperante's aluminum intensive and modular construction makes the sports car more crashworthy, especially in side impacts.
Driving
With its bellowing exhaust and a shifter that moves with the precise action of a rifle bolt, the Panoz Esperante is a blast to rip through the gears. The acceleration doesn't seem to let up as speed climbs. And when the road gets twisty, a balanced chassis and minimal body roll allow rapid progress to be made without having to endure a harsh ride. The demerits are few, but include a touchy steering rack that's down on road feel.
Interior
An elegant cockpit features a center-mounted instrument panel, white-faced gauges, real wood trim (carbon fiber is optional) and a gorgeous aluminum shifter. A few strange elements are present, however, such as a headlight switch obviously sourced from Ford, hidden power mirror controls and a hand brake that can be a knuckle bruiser if care isn't taken when releasing it. Wind buffeting with the top down is minimal. A plastic rear window is disappointing, given that the Esperante's competitors all have glass in back.
2006 Panoz Esperante models
Both coupe and roadster versions of the Panoz Esperante are offered, each available in base, GT and GTLM trim levels. Standard features include a full leather interior, a power top for the roadster and a Rockford-Fosgate audio system. Optional are carbon-fiber spoilers, a variety of BBS alloy wheels, upgraded Brembo brakes, a 10-disc CD changer, custom-matched luggage and even matching golf bags. The GT adds more aggressive suspension tuning, a lighter body and revised fascias. The GTLM includes all of the GT's equipment plus a supercharged engine.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2006 Panoz Esperante.
5 star(83%)
4 star(6%)
3 star(11%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(0%)
18 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.75 out of 5 stars
Panoz Rocks
dick, 11/17/2006
2006 Panoz Esperante GT 2dr Convertible (4.6L 8cyl 5M)
This car attracts more attention than any car I have owned. It is beautiful in styling and build quality, very functional, and very cool. It handles like a dream and has a great exhaust note. Everyone wants to know what it is and what it cost.
5 out of 5 stars
A high-tech, modern throwback
Jeffthefish, 09/23/2004
2004 Panoz Esperante 2dr Convertible (4.6L 8cyl 5M)
The Panoz Esperante recaptures the
feeling of the old 289 Cobra, which was
always the most exciting streetable
ride there was. There's a fun factor so
lacking in the other cars available
today. Some are faster, most quieter
and ride better, some are surely better
put together and use prettier
materials, but the Panoz gives
something else-those intangibles the
Cobra … gave, the perfect feedback, the
complete involvement, the roughness
around the edges, the classic style,
the exclusivity and the performance
that feels better than it actually is.
The Esperante, an American made toy,
w/high-tech, expensive components that
knocks your age back 25-35 years
4.75 out of 5 stars
danny's esperante
dw simp 48, 11/10/2002
2003 Panoz Esperante 2dr Convertible (4.6L 8cyl 5M)
i have had my experante for about 6
months now and i love it. i cant go any
where without it drawing a crowd. i
have had the new maserati, a 360 modena
and a 911 porsche and this car is my
favorite. it drives great on a long
trip and its quiet with the top down. i
would highly recommend it
3.63 out of 5 stars
panoz esperante
djbutter, 06/08/2004
2004 Panoz Esperante GT 2dr Convertible (4.6L 8cyl 5M)
the esperante has good handleing and
great power but the ride is terrible.it
is an overpriced auto that drives
terrible and i am not thriled by it.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2006 Panoz Esperante, so we've included reviews for other years of the Esperante since its last redesign.
2006 Esperante Highlights
Coupe
Base
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $98,229 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Seating | 2 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 11.6 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the Esperante include:
- Alarm
Consider these recommendations
Related Used 2006 Panoz Esperante info
Vehicle reviews of used models
- Used INFINITI QX 2010
- Used INFINITI FX35 2012
- Used Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class 2015
- Used Nissan NV200 2013
- Used Audi S5 2010
Popular new car reviews and ratings
- Cadillac Lyriq
- 2023 Chevrolet Camaro
- 2023 Lamborghini Huracan
- 2024 RX
- RX450H
- Dodge Hornet Car
- 2023 Nissan Frontier
- 2023 Ram 1500
- 2025 Lexus RX News
- 2023 Jeep Gladiator
Other models
- New Volkswagen Jetta for Sale in Ashland, KY
- Used Toyota Mirai in Stanford, IL
- Used Lincoln Mark-Viii in Mequon, WI
- Used Porsche 718-Cayman in Cape Girardeau, MO
- New BMW M4 for Sale in Manitowoc, WI
- Used Ford Mustang-Mach-E in Ocoee, FL
- Used Mclaren GT in Mason, OH
- Used Maserati Levante in Elizabeth City, NC
- Used Lexus GS-F in Glastonbury, CT
- Used Toyota Highlander in Redmond, WA