2008 Aston Martin DB9 Review
List Price Estimate: | $26,116 - $35,312 |
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2008 Aston Martin DB9 Review





+50
Aston Martin DB9 model years
Aston Martin DB9 types
- Coupe
- Convertible
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Seductive styling, V12 power, surprisingly livable for road trips and commuting, beautifully crafted cabin, ample driver space, highly customizable.
Cons
- Useless rear seats, a few ergonomic foibles, convertible's excessive wind buffeting and cowl shake.
What’s new
The 2008 Aston Martin DB9 adds a few welcome standard features, including cupholders, iPod integration, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, a windshield-embedded radio antenna and an upgraded premium sound system. Satellite radio has been added to the options list.
Edmunds says
The 2008 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 loads of unmatched character.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2008 Aston Martin DB9 Volante 2dr Convertible (5.9L 12cyl 6A) 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 $4.15 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$379/mo
DB9 Volante
vs
$184/mo
Avg. Midsize Car
Vehicle overview
A quick perusal of the Microsoft Word thesaurus shows the word "exotic" as being synonymous with striking, interesting, glamorous, colorful and out of the ordinary. If Bill Gates and friends had bothered to plug the 2008 Aston Martin DB9 into that thesaurus, the exact same words would pop up. Like all exotics, the DB9 stands out in its own special way -- defying comparison by catering to the specialized tastes of Aston Martin's devoted clientele and the aficionados who yearn for the keys to one of these instant-classic automobiles.
Under those sexy lines resides Aston Martin's venerable "VH" aluminum platform, which underpins all its models. Although the DB9 is hardly a light car (the heavier Volante convertible tips the scales at 4,000 pounds), this aluminum architecture does manage to keep weight in check. This in turn allows for greater agility and less taxed acceleration from the 6.0-liter V12. By comparison, a Bentley Continental GT weighs 5,300 pounds.
The DB9 is available in coupe and convertible body styles, the latter of which is known as the Volante. With its roof lopped off, the DB9 loses much of its structural rigidity, resulting in cowl shake over rough pavement and the need for Aston Martin to soften the suspension to compensate. As such, the DB9 Volante should be considered more of a boulevard cruiser than a sporting GT, as the coupe is. Folks who are most interested in performance and handling should keep this in mind, knowing that top-down motoring comes at the price of the coupe's taut structure and sharper handling. They'll also want to consider the optional Sports Pack, which includes stiffer springs, shock absorbers and antiroll bars along with an additional rigidity increase and weight savings.
Regardless of body style, though, all DB9s have a few very important aspects in common. First, they are simply breathtaking to look at. Second, their interiors are impeccably crafted and benefit this year from a few welcome additional features. And third, the 6.0-liter V12 is superb. Although 450 horsepower may seem on the low side given the Bentley Continental's 552 horses, the Aston's significant weight advantage produces equal-to-better acceleration.
Among exotics, the fellow Brit Bentley Continental GT is the closest competitor to the DB9 in terms of power and character, but even that comparison is a stretch. To a further degree, cars like the Mercedes-Benz CL600 and SL600, Maserati GranTurismo, and to a lesser extent, Lamborghini Gallardo and Audi R8, are in the general price and performance ballpark, but offer vastly different styles and various degrees of handling acumen. In other words, if you have your heart set on the 2008 Aston Martin DB9, it's highly unlikely you'll care that exotic A is quicker or exotic B has 18 additional yards of Connolly leather. If the DB9 is your definition of exotic, nothing else matters.
Performance & mpg
The rear-wheel-drive Aston Martin DB9 is a powered by a 6.0-liter V12 capable of 450 hp and 420 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed manual transmission and a six-speed automatic with paddle shifters are available. With either transmission or body style, acceleration is prodigious. According to Aston Martin, a manual-equipped coupe gets from zero to 60 mph in a scant 4.6 seconds, while the automatic betters it with a 4.3-second run. The heavier convertible is a few ticks slower.
Safety
Safety equipment on the 2008 DB9 includes antilock brakes, stability and traction control, front seat side airbags (that protect head and torso) and rear parking sensors. Front parking sensors are optional. The Volante convertible comes standard with automatically deploying rollover hoops.
Driving
The DB9's V12 engine is quite tractable while driving through city gridlock, and its low-rpm response is nothing short of thrilling. The DB9 coupe's ride quality is a blend of firm control and supple response. American speed limits don't allow for a true show of the coupe's abilities, which is too bad because this car is perfectly happy to whoosh along at speeds well in excess of 100 mph. Much the same can be said of the 2008 Aston Martin DB9 Volante, though it feels noticeably softer and less rigid at speed, resulting in a busy ride over rough pavement.
As exotic GTs go, though, both Astons are generally exhilarating to drive, as they change direction easily and respond smartly to steering and braking inputs. Still, committed DB9 coupe buyers should make sure they specify the Sports Pack option, as it's only with these modifications that the DB9 really rises to the occasion on back roads. Compared to the standard setup, a DB9 with the Sports Pack exhibits better steering feel, sharper turn-in response and better ride control over midcorner bumps.
Interior
Inside the DB9's cabin, you'll find wide expanses of sumptuous leather and unique wood trim. The milled-aluminum instrument panel and distinctive wood finishing are particularly breathtaking. There are some foibles, however. Aston's penchant for having the speedometer and tachometer needles rotate in opposite directions might not strike everyone as cool, and the speedo features such a huge range of numbers that it's rendered practically useless. Also, the center stack has small, tightly spaced buttons adorned in an unbecoming silver finish. An improved design taken from the new DBS is said to be scheduled for next year.
With regard to practicality, both the coupe and convertible have a rear seat, but the laughable dearth of legroom and headroom renders it useful only to Hobbits and shopping bags. The latter is important since the coupe's trunk can only accommodate 6 cubic feet of stuff. The Volante actually has a slightly larger cargo hold, and its power-operated cloth top retracts in just 17 seconds, stowing under its own body-color tonneau cover.
2008 Aston Martin DB9 models
The 2008 Aston Martin DB9 is available in coupe and convertible (Volante) body styles. Standard equipment includes 19-inch wheels, HID headlamps, rear parking sensors, cruise control, power-folding exterior mirrors, an auto-dimming interior mirror, automatic climate control, power and heated front seats with driver memory settings, Bluetooth, a hard-drive-based navigation system and a premium audio system with six-CD changer and iPod integration. Being an Aston Martin, it offers a high degree of available paint and interior color customization. Options include front parking sensors, differing interior trims and wheels, satellite radio and a Sports Pack (coupe only), which adds firmer spring, shock and antiroll bar settings along with lighter-weight 19-inch wheels.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2008 Aston Martin DB9.
5 star(90%)
4 star(5%)
3 star(5%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(0%)
19 reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.75 out of 5 stars
Superb long distance grand touring car
Richard,07/30/2006
2006 Aston Martin DB9 2dr Coupe (5.9L 12cyl 6A)
I was seeking a distinct and intensely pleasurable driving experience on my road test and wasn't disappointed. The car combines heft and agility with more performance than I need. Both the sound and smoothness of the engine are an experince to be savored and remembered. The fit and finish are exquisite (10+). The seats give great support. Most limitations relate to storage and are: small … trunk space (luggage will be shipped), poor cup holder placement, a miniscule glove compartment. Poor local mile age (11.8 MPG)is also a compromise, but hwy milage is better than promised (21+). It's truly an uncommon beautiful car that makes a powerful and unique impression at any speed. It's worth the money!
4.5 out of 5 stars
Simple fun with refinement
T. Patrick,11/10/2006
2005 Aston Martin DB9 2dr Coupe (5.9L 12cyl 6A)
Great car! Fun to drive for a GT! If looking for sweet ride you can take anywhere, this is it. Comfortable and fun for long distant driving. Loves the road at high speed. Had no problems with car except for an occasional low tire warning and head-lights were replaced. They are automatic leveling and got stuck in down position. Replaced with no cost. Aston Martin Headquarters called to … apologize personally for the inconvenience and gave me another Aston Martin until it was replaced. Interior is first rate with every convenience.
4.88 out of 5 stars
Prettiest Car on the Road
meteoritedb9,06/26/2011
2006 Aston Martin DB9 2dr Coupe (5.9L 12cyl 6A)
I bought my used '06 DB9 about 3 weeks ago with 1890 miles on it. Owning and AM has been a dream of mine & I'm thrilled that I decided to spring for one. I love this car! It is beautiful inside & out. The power is awesome and the experience of driving it is pure heaven. There's not a better looking car on the road.
4.5 out of 5 stars
This is not a car ... it is a Dream !!
Peter Afeiche,06/25/2005
2005 Aston Martin DB9 2dr Coupe (5.9L 12cyl 6A)
Aston Martins have always had a distinct allure for me ever since seeing the DB5 in Goldfinger and seeing an Astin Martin Lagonda back in the 80's. The DB9 was the dream car for me to own and it took me a good 2- 3 weeks to fully realize just what a splendid car I was driving. Sexy, elegant, powerful, responsive, distinctive and manly are just some of the adjectives I can attribute to … this car.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2008 Aston Martin DB9, so we've included reviews for other years of the DB9 since its last redesign.
2008 Aston Martin DB9 Coupe Features & Specs
- Base MSRP
- $163,900
- MPG & Fuel
- 10 City / 16 Hwy / 12 Combined
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 21.1 gal. capacity
- Seating
- 4 seats
- Drivetrain
- Type: rear wheel drive
- Transmission: 6-speed manual
- Engine
- V12 cylinder
- Horsepower: 450 hp @ 6,000 rpm
- Torque: 420 lb-ft @ 5,000 rpm
- Dimensions
- Length: 185.4 in. / Height: 50.0 in.
- Overall Width without Mirrors: 73.8 in.
- Curb Weight: 3,880 lbs.
- Cargo Capacity, All Seats In Place: 6.6 cu.ft.
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More about the 2008 Aston Martin DB9
Used 2008 Aston Martin DB9 Overview
The Used 2008 Aston Martin DB9 is offered in the following submodels: DB9 Coupe, DB9 Convertible. Available styles include Volante 2dr Convertible (5.9L 12cyl 6A), 2dr Coupe (5.9L 12cyl 6M), Volante 2dr Convertible (5.9L 12cyl 6M), and 2dr Coupe (5.9L 12cyl 6A). Pre-owned Aston Martin DB9 models are available with a 5.9 L-liter gas engine, with output up to 450 hp, depending on engine type. The Used 2008 Aston Martin DB9 comes with rear wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 6-speed shiftable automatic, 6-speed manual.
What's a good price on a Used 2008 Aston Martin DB9?
Shop with Edmunds for perks and special offers on used cars, trucks, and SUVs near Ashburn, VA. Doing so could save you hundreds or thousands of dollars. Edmunds also provides consumer-driven dealership sales and service reviews to help you make informed decisions about what cars to buy and where to buy them.
Which used 2008 Aston Martin DB9S are available in my area?
Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 2008 Aston Martin DB9 for sale near. Simply research the type of car you're interested in and then select a used car from our massive database to find cheap prew-owned vehicles for sale near you. Once you have identified a used vehicle you're interested in, check the AutoCheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the Used 2008 Aston Martin DB9.
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Should I lease or buy a 2008 Aston Martin DB9?
Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.
Check out Aston Martin lease specials
Check out Aston Martin DB9 lease specials
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