Maserati goes mainstream with a modern lineup of impressive luxury-focused daily drivers.
It’s difficult to think of a more passionate automotive culture than Italy. From their headquarters in Modena, Italy, Maserati has handcrafted some of the most impressive machines ever created. From the early days of producing the achingly beautiful 1957 3500 GT to legendary supercars like the MC12 and sedans like the Quattroporte, you’ll find a lot to like about Maserati. Owning a Maserati isn’t all Tuscan villas and great pasta though, some of their vehicles might cause you to think twice about a long-term ownership experience. However, it’s not quite as bad it sounds.
Maserati: A Brief History
Maserati‘s automotive stories began like several others–including Dodge and Bentley–with petrol-loving brothers. In this case, it was five of them: Alfieri, Bindo, Carlo, Ettore, and Ernesto Maserati. They founded an Italian manufacturing company called Diatto and got to work building successful race cars.
Way back in 1914, three of the brothers opened a car workshop in Bologna called Società Anonima Officine Alfieri Maserati. By 1926, they had created their first car, the Tipo 26, and Maserati was born. By the late 1930s, the company was sold to a wealthy industrialist, who moved the company to Modena, where it remains today.
After World War II, Maserati returned to the automotive world, building a road car dubbed the A6, and by the 1950s, they solidified their racing heritage by picking up a racing driver named Juan-Manuel Fangio. In the late 1950s, they built the incredibly beautiful 3500 GT, which was powered by a 3.5L inline-six adapted from Maserati’s 350S racer. In the early 1960s, the 3500 GT became the Sebring and Maserati added a new sedan dubbed the Quattroporte. Next, the Ghia-designed Ghibli coupé arrived in 1967, and Maserati’s lineup was as robust as it had ever been.
After a late 1960s takeover by the French company Citroën, Maserati produced the Bora, their first mid-engine car. That was followed by the mid-engine Merak, and Maserati was able to develop a more modern image among buyers. More corporate owners came, including former race car driver Alejandro De Tomaso, and eventually, the company was sold to Fiat, which began the modern-day version of Maserati.
Maserati Does the Grand Tour: 2002-2008
As evidenced by its lineage, Maserati built its reputation on speed and engineering. If you are in the market for a Maserati of your own, you’ll find a lot of two-door Gran Turismo options–also known as Grand Touring (GT) cars–built for long-distance comfort and performance.
The Maserati 3200 GT (1998-2002) featured a 3.2L twin-turbo V8 engine, but unfortunately, the car was never available in America. However, the follow-on replacement Maserati Coupé and Spyder (Tipo M138, 2002-2007) can be found in good numbers on the domestic used market. Also known as GranSport (2004-2007) and GranSport Spyder (2005-2007), it was part of Maserati’s triumphant return to the U.S. market. Built during a new era with close technical collaboration with group partner Ferrari, the Coupé and Spyder were designed by Italdesign, and initial versions were powered by a naturally aspirated 90-degree 4.2L V8 engine. The 32-valve, double overhead camshaft, dry-sump engine–part of the Ferrari/Maserati F136 engine family–produced a robust 390 horsepower. Maserati updated the car in 2004 with a modified version producing an even 400 horsepower.
If you like to row your own gears, you can still find them equipped with a 6-speed manual, or you can opt for the F1-style 6-speed automated manual. The manual is called the “GT” and the automated model is dubbed the “Cambiocorsa.” Top speed is a lofty 171 mph, and you can find 2002-2007 models on the “classic” market at an average nationwide price of just under $21,000.
As mentioned earlier, Italian car ownership is not all top-down passione en route to an amazing dinner on the Riviera. Buyers report that the paddle-shifted automated manual can be clunky, particularly in sport mode. Additionally, the 6-speed manual is mounted a bit too far forward to make it usable, and shifts are not very smooth until the vehicle has warmed up. Look for the 2004+ model, which featured a much-improved Cambiocorsa gearbox.
Meanwhile, the 4.2L V8 is actually known for good overall reliability, with just some basic issues reported. Keep an eye out for minor issues with catalytic converters, excessive oil consumption, electrical connectors, and mass airflow sensors. Other minor leaks around the water pump and other fluid reservoirs have been reported, but all of these issues can be mitigated through regular maintenance.
The Gran Turismo Evolves: 2008-2019
The impressive grand touring tradition continued in 2007 with the introduction of the Pininfarina-designed GranTurismo. Like the GranSport before it, the gorgeous new GT was offered in both coupe and in “GranCabrio” convertible (2010+) versions. Across its production run, you can find either a 4.2L or 4.7L V8 engine once again developed with stablemate Ferrari. Early models with the 4.2L engine were rated at 399 horsepower and came with a 6-speed ZF automatic transmission, and rear-wheel-drive. The 2+2 GranTurismo is derived from the Maserati M139 platform, which is shared with the Maserati Quattroporte V.
If you need a bit more oomph, look for the GranTurismo S, offered from the 2008-2012 model years. It comes equipped with a larger 4.7L V8 shared with the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione. Rated at 434 horsepower at 7,000 rpm and 361 lb-ft of torque at 4,750 rpm, it will hit 60 mph in 4.9 seconds with a top speed of 183 mph.
If you want your Maserati experience to take place on the track, you can find quite a few reasonably priced GranTurismo MC models on the used market. MC stands for Maserati Corse, which designates a model that is “intended to compete in a racing series”. Power is elevated to 444 horsepower, and the MC features a host of go-fast upgrades including bigger brakes, lighter wheels, a stiffer chassis, and carbon fiber parts throughout. Maserati upped the ante with the GranTurismo MC Stradale (2011+) with the same basic specs, but its curb weight was reduced by another 110 lbs.
If you want the power, without the race car ride, look for the GranTurismo Sport and GranCabrio Sport (2011–2019), which was also offered featuring a 454 horsepower 4.7L engine (444 hp in the GranCabrio) with some improvements in handling and aerodynamics, but not quite to MC levels.
Average prices for used GranTurismos from 2008 until it ended production in 2019 hover between $40,000 and $50,000, but you can find fairly decent options in the $20,000 – $30,000 range. A bargain price for such a thoroughbred.
As far as maintenance issues, the GranTurismo carries on the reasonably reliable engine tradition from its predecessor and only occasional oil leaks have been reported to occur. Oil typically can be found around the upper and lower front covers (check crankshaft oil seals and cam covers), so make sure you check recall status and do a solid pre-purchase inspection before signing any paperwork. Also, exhaust manifold failures have cropped up on the Ferrari F430, which shares numerous drivetrain components with the GranTurismo.
Enter the Quattroporte (2003-2013)
Maserati isn’t just about lunch in Monaco and dinner in Como, they also produce some impressive people movers. Yes, you could endure your daily drive (assuming you leave the house these days) in a V8 Maserati sedan.
The Quattroporte is likely the Maserati you are most likely to come across on the road today. The car dates way back to 1963 (Tipo AM107), but the fifth generation of the Quattroporte (Tipo M139) debuted in 2003 and was another part of Maserati’s return to the States. Dubbed the Quattroporte V, it was powered by a 32-valve 90° V8 with dry sump, double overhead camshaft, and a transaxle. Sound familiar? The 400 horsepower V8 has the same 4,244 cubic inch displacement as the one found in the Maserati Coupé and Spyder of the same era.
At two tons, the five-seat Quattroporte is no sports car, but if you are looking for a very well-appointed cabin with a brash Italian V8 under the hood, this might be the car for you. Early models of the Quattroporte V came equipped with the six-speed automated-manual DuoSelect transaxle. This particular transmission is described as “jerky” in full-automatic mode, thus the updated Quattroporte Automatica (2006-2008) which introduced a new 6-speed ZF-supplied automatic transmission, is a better option if you are shopping for a fifth-generation Quattroporte.
Starting in 2008, the Quattroporte was updated with new styling and the option for an “S” trim with a more powerful 440 horsepower wet sump 4,691 cubic inch 4.7L V8 engine.
Fifth-generation Quattroporte models can be found at very reasonable prices, many under $20,000. Just like the Maserati coupes and convertibles of the same era, both the 4.2L and 4.7L engines are quite reliable. The DuoSelect cars were mated to dry-sump engines, whereas the updated ZF cars had a wet sump.
Similar to the previous Maseratis on our “best of” list, listen for weird knocks during startup and look for oil and water leaks around the engine bay. Inspect brake discs for wear as they don’t last long. Also, the “Skyhook” dampers are fitted to most Quattroportes (except Sport and GT S) and are quite expensive to replace. Also check battery condition, as the Quattroporte packs a lot of electric-powered tech.
Quattroporte Evolved (2013-Present)
Unlike the GranTurismo, which is soon to be replaced by the Alfieri coupe and convertible (named after one of the five Maserati brothers), the Quattroporte lives on today. Fully updated in 2013, the sixth generation Quattroporte (M156) is full of tech, luxury, and of course big power under the hood.
The latest Quattroporte now comes with a variety of engine options beyond just a V8. Base engines at launch included a 3.0L, 2,979 cubic-inch, twin-turbocharged V6 engine with 345 horsepower. Ramp up to the “S” trim and you’ll get a 404 horsepower. Fear not, the V8 still lives. Find yourself behind the wheel of a Quattroporte GTS and you’ll experience a 523 horsepower V8 with an overboost feature that can raise torque from 479 lb-ft up to 524 lb-ft and features cross-plane crankshaft and wet-sump lubrication.
Starting in 2018, the Quattroporte got more powerful engines all around. The base trim (now the “S”) bumps up to 404 horsepower and the all-wheel-drive “S Q4” nets 424 horsepower, both powered by twin-turbocharged V6 engines. The GTS was replaced by the Trofeo as the top-spec trim for the 2021 model year, and now comes with a massive 580 horsepower 3,798 cubic inches twin-turbocharged V8. All engines are still designed and assembled by Ferrari in Modena, Italy.
Sixth-generation Quattroportes can be found on the used market under $30,000 in good condition. There is not a list of significant issues for the car, but keep an eye on 2014 models, which have had several recalls. From a trim perspective, take a long test drive and make sure you find the right model for your needs. Sport-focused versions are known to have a bit of a harsh ride, particularly when equipped with 20” and 21” wheels.
Ghibli Midsize Sedan
If the GranTurismo is too small, and the Quattroporte is too big, consider the Ghibli. It may be just right. The midsize sedan, whose Maserati nameplate dates back to the late 1960s, was intended to throw some serious heat at the German luxury competition. Reviews on the latest generation (M157) have been mixed, but most love the sonorous base 3.0L twin-turbo V6 engine.
That engine puts out 345 horsepower in base form and 424 horsepower in “S” and “S Q4” trim. Like the Quattroporte, the Ghibli also got a V8 Trofeo version for 2021 with a bombastic 580 horsepower that makes the car good for over 200 miles per hour. That is if you can tackle the new car’s six-figure price tag.
Early 2014 models can be found under $30,000, while 2015-2016 models are generally under $40,000 on the high end, and prices go up from there.
The Levante SUV
Look at me almost forgetting Maserati’s latest offering, the Levante luxury SUV. Produced from 2017 to present, and named for a Mediterranean wind, the Levante (Tipo M161) is Maserati’s attempt to cash in on the luxury crossover craze. Assembled in Maserati’s Turin, Italy plant, the Levante shares much of its DNA with the latest generation Quattroporte.
It features the same standard turbocharged 3.0L V6 that produces 345 horsepower in base trim and 424 hp in the “S” trim. You can also find a 550 horsepower V8 in GTS guise (2019+), or 580 horsepower in Trofeo spec (2019+).
The ticket to a Maserati SUV doesn’t come cheap, average prices for the base 2017 model start around $40,000 and steadily rise. Still, if you need a family hauler that won’t get lost in a crowd, this might be your steed.
So, Which is the Best Maserati?
Ah yes, you came here to get that final recommendation for the best Maserati. It’s tempting to just throw all these great options out the window and choose the 2004-2005 Maserati MC12 (pictured below, left), a limited edition V12 hypercar built on the chassis of the Enzo Ferrari. Or perhaps the upcoming 621 horsepower Maserati MC12 supercar.
I wouldn’t do that to you though, the best Maserati is…the GranTurismo.
All Maseratis come with some element of that Italian passion and soul, but none of the other modern Maseratis embody the original spirit of the Trident logo better than the GranTurismo. Maserati’s perennial grand touring car further refined the Italian two-door sports car that started with its Maserati predecessors like the GranSport. If you are in the market for an amazing sports car, that also comes with a host of amenities and features, take a serious look at the GranTurismo. It even has four fairly usable seats for an extra level of practicality.
All Italian cars, Maserati’s included, have a reputation for shoddy reliability, but that isn’t necessarily the case with the GranTurismo if you maintain them properly. So, which one should you buy? Let’s take a look at average prices across some of the more popular model years according to KBB.
- 2009 – average price of $26,708 – $31,313
- 2010 – average price of $31,231 – $35,874
- 2011 – average price of $32,547 – $37,190
- 2012 – average price of $35,369 – $40,168
- 2013 – average price of $36,834 – $41,941
- 2014 – average price of $39,430 – $52,256
- 2015 – average price of $49,668 – $60,088
- 2016 – average price of $55,341 – $73,403
Regardless of budget, the sweet spot for the GranTurismo is the Sport trim around the 2012-2013 model year. Available in both coupe and convertible layout, It features the revised 4.7L engine with 454 horsepower but isn’t quite as harsh as the track-focused MC trim. Regardless of which one you choose, you won’t regret firing up that Ferrari-built V8 and hitting the open road.
Also, prior to your Maserati investment, do yourself a favor and get a pre-purchase inspection done at a shop that is familiar with the car you’re considering. You never know what a previous owner may have done with your new prized possession. Go forth and enjoy that Italian passione!
