Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC)
Every generation
Power
0–62 mph (0–100 km/h)
Top speed (300 km/h)
Combined, EPA 2003
What owners say
Our take, from owner reports
Owner sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, characterized by deep affection for the car's understated design, grand touring character, and surprisingly robust mechanical nature.
6 problems reported (5 recurrent, 1 isolated) · medium confidence
Problems owners report
- RecurrentBronze valve guide wear
Some engines were fitted with suboptimal bronze guides leading to potential failure; requires compression and leak-down test during PPI.
- RecurrentSuspension accumulator and seal failure
The early adaptive suspension system's hydraulic accumulators and seals are a known wear item and will eventually need service or replacement; parts are becoming harder to source new.
- RecurrentCooling system vulnerabilities
Can be an issue; updated fans, harnesses, radiators, and hoses are available as solutions.
+ 3 more issuesShow fewer
- RecurrentWindow mechanism/alignment failure
The frameless door windows use an actuator that frequently fails, causing poor alignment when opening/closing the door; a third-party fix has been developed.
- RecurrentInterior component degradation
Sticky buttons, leather shrinkage, and poorly fitting windows are common age-related issues.
- IsolatedAlternator failure
A known point of failure, but the OEM part is shared with John Deere equipment and can be sourced at a significantly lower cost.
The version owners recommend
Insufficient owner data available to declare a definitive best version (GT vs GTA, pre-facelift vs 456M). A single owner noted the pre-facelift 456 has a three-mode adaptive suspension (soft, normal, hard) compared to the two-mode (normal, sport) system on the 456 M and 550, but the performance implications of this are not discussed. The manual transmission (GTA) is highly prized for its gated shifter, contributing significantly to the driving experience.
Competitors to consider
Owners compare it most often with the Ferrari 550 Maranello, Ferrari 575M Maranello, Ferrari 612 Scaglietti and Aston Martin DB9.
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Overall sentiment
Owner sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, characterized by deep affection for the car's understated design, grand touring character, and surprisingly robust mechanical nature. It is consistently described as a subtle, refined, and epic 2+2 grand tourer that offers a different, more usable experience compared to more extreme contemporary Ferraris. The front-engine V12 layout is praised for its reliability when properly maintained, and the car is noted for being a practical Ferrari suitable for long-distance touring, with owners reporting using it for family trips with children in the back and luggage in the trunk. The consensus positions it as an under-the-radar, gentleman's Ferrari that delivers a classic driving experience without the constant drama of mid-engine models. Enthusiast feedback indicates high satisfaction among long-term owners who appreciate its unique place in the marque's history.
Positioning vs competitors
Positioned as the more subtle, practical, and understated predecessor to the Ferrari 550 and 575M Maranello. It is considered a "gentleman's Ferrari" with a focus on grand touring comfort over outright sportiness. Compared to the 550 and 575, the 456 is seen as having a more classic, less aggressive aesthetic and an earlier, more complex adaptive suspension system. It is frequently mentioned alongside the Aston Martin DB9 as a comparable front-engine, V12 grand tourer, though direct comparisons of driving dynamics are not detailed in the available data. The 612 Scaglietti is noted as its direct successor and an "updated 456," sharing a similar front-engine V12 2+2 layout.
Recommended configurations
Manual transmission (GTA) is strongly implied as the preferred choice for enthusiasts, with the gated shifter specifically praised. The car is recommended for regular use, with owners advising that "the more I drove it the happier it was." It is presented as a viable car for DIY maintenance for knowledgeable enthusiasts, with standard home tools and community support cited as sufficient for many tasks.
General recommendations
A comprehensive pre-purchase inspection (PPI) is considered essential, with a specific focus on compression and leak-down tests due to known issues with bronze valve guides in some engines. The car should not be viewed primarily as a financial investment, especially examples with higher mileage; it is better purchased to be driven and enjoyed. Prospective owners should engage with dedicated owner forums (specifically mentioned) as a critical resource for knowledge and support. For DIY-inclined owners, many maintenance tasks are reportedly manageable, including oil changes, brake work, transmission service, and coolant flushes. Be prepared for expected issues related to age, such as interior wear (sticky buttons, leather shrinkage) and suspension component fatigue.
Remarks
The available data is limited but includes one highly detailed, first-hand ownership account that provides deep insight into long-term reliability, maintenance, and ownership experience. This is supplemented by general enthusiast commentary on the car's character and place in the Ferrari lineage. The 456's V12 engine is noted in broader discussions as being capable of lasting several hundred thousand miles with proper, albeit potentially very expensive, maintenance. The automatic transmission (available on the GTA model) is described as reliable for its type, with a recommendation to use "3" for city driving and "D" only for high-speed cruising. Analysis based on a small number of substantive owner discussions, with confidence derived from the exceptional depth of one primary account.
Generation by generation
Owner insights per generation and US complaint/recall records (NHTSA).
Complaints and recalls by model yearSource: NHTSA (US)Show table
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 1 | 0 | fuel system |
Complaint counts come from owner reports filed with the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Higher-selling years naturally accumulate more complaints.
Specifications
GT 5.5 V12
5.5L 12-cylinder · 442 hp · RWD · manual
Built 1998–2003