Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC)
Power
0–62 mph (0–100 km/h)
Top speed (320 km/h)
Combined, EPA 2011
What owners say
Our take, from owner reports
Positive sentiment among owners, with a strong consensus that it is a highly capable and underappreciated grand tourer.
8 problems reported (7 recurrent, 1 isolated) · medium confidence
Problems owners report
- RecurrentTFT display failure/flicker
A common failure point leading to other electrical issues.
- RecurrentSticky switches and dash leather pulling
Common interior wear issues.
- RecurrentF1 pump failure
A known wear item for the automated manual transmission system.
+ 5 more issuesShow fewer
- RecurrentClutch wear
A wear item, particularly on early single-plate transmission cars.
- RecurrentHigh fuel consumption
Reported as "awful," with one owner citing approximately 32 L/100 km (7.4 MPG) in town and 16 L/100 km (14.7 MPG) on the highway.
- RecurrentChallenging dimensions
Very long wheelbase and nose create poor front visibility, a large turning radius, and difficulty parking in tight spaces.
- RecurrentCam belt service
A major, costly scheduled maintenance item.
- IsolatedBall joint wear
A noted wear item.
The version owners recommend
The later "One to One" (OTO) model (2008+). This iteration is consistently recommended for its revised dual-plate F1 transmission with faster shifting, glass roof, and revised engine and suspension ECUs, which owners describe as making a "very dramatic" improvement over early cars. The handling package (HGTC, HGTS, or HGT2 on OTO cars) is also highly recommended to enhance the sports car feel. The Sessanta limited edition is noted as rare and underappreciated but with insufficient owner data for detailed comparison.
Competitors to consider
Owners compare it most often with the Ferrari 575M, Ferrari 599, Ferrari FF, Ferrari GTC4Lusso and Aston Martin DB9.
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Overall sentiment
Positive sentiment among owners, with a strong consensus that it is a highly capable and underappreciated grand tourer. It is frequently described as a "goldilocks car" that is "big enough for 4 adults," "fast enough (but not too fast) to enjoy on public roads at full throttle," and a favorite among owners who have had multiple Ferraris. The vehicle is praised for its genuine four-seat capacity, with rear seats noted as usable for adults due to deep scallops in the front seatbacks. The V12 engine and grand touring character are highly valued. However, its exterior styling is a significant point of contention, with many in the broader community finding it unattractive or awkward from certain angles, though several owners note it looks better in person. The car is recognized as rare, with a total production of approximately 3,025 units.
Positioning vs competitors
Positioned as a more practical, four-seat grand tourer compared to the two-seat Ferrari 575M and 599. Seen as a more elegant and less controversial design than its direct successor, the Ferrari FF, though the GTC4Lusso is often noted as a more aesthetically successful follow-up. Compared to contemporaries like the Aston Martin DB9, the 612 is viewed as offering superior rear-seat usability and a more modern platform. It is considered a usable, "low-key" Ferrari that attracts less attention than mid-engine models like the F430 or 488.
Recommended configurations
One to One (OTO) model for the improved transmission and electronics. A car equipped with a handling package (HGTC, HGTS, or HGT2) for better suspension tuning and ECU responses. Optional parking sensors and backup camera are strongly recommended due to the car's length, long nose, poor front visibility, and challenging low-speed turning radius. Ceramic brakes are suggested for regular driving and performance use, as the car's weight makes the difference noticeable. Exterior colors in gray, black, or blue are preferred by owners over red. A battery tender is recommended to prevent electrical issues from voltage drain.
General recommendations
Suitable for buyers seeking a usable, front-engine V12 Ferrari grand tourer that can genuinely accommodate four adults. Ideal for owners who appreciate a more discreet Ferrari experience. A comprehensive pre-purchase inspection (PPI) from a dealer or specialist is mandatory. Key checks should include: cam belt service history (a scheduled, expensive maintenance item), clutch wear (especially on early single-plate cars), F1 pump condition, and the state of common failure items like the TFT display and sticky switches. Verify completion of recalls (transmission for early cars, brake reservoir cap). The market is noted as having bottomed and begun to appreciate, with good early cars around $80,000 USD and excellent OTO examples commanding $120,000-$130,000 USD. It can be used as a summer daily driver, but owners note "awful" fuel efficiency.
Remarks
Owner feedback is primarily derived from a small number of detailed, high-quality owner discussions, which provide strong consensus on key attributes but represent a limited sample size. The broader community data consists largely of stylistic opinions and spotting posts, which heavily influence the noted divisiveness on exterior design. The vehicle underwent a significant update with the One to One model, making model year a critical differentiator in driving experience and value. The car's rarity (3,025 units) is frequently mentioned, contributing to its unique status and emerging collectibility. Analysis based on approximately 8 substantive owner discussions and numerous stylistic commentaries.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 1 | 1 | steering |
Complaint counts come from owner reports filed with the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Higher-selling years naturally accumulate more complaints.
Recall notices1 on record · Source: NHTSA (US)Show recalls
2008 · service brakes, hydrauliccampaign 22V536000
Ferrari North America, Inc. (Ferrari) is recalling certain 2005-2009 430, 2019-2020 488 Pista, 2016 F60 America, 2005-2011 612 Scaglietti, 2010-2011 612, 2018-2022 812, 2020-2022 F8 Spider, 2020-2022 F8 Tributo, 2021-2022 Roma, 2009-2017 California, 2015-2017 California T, 2013-2017 F12 Berlinetta, 2017 F12 TDF, 2012-2016 FF, 2017-2020 GTC4 Lusso, 2018-2020 GTC4 Lusso T, 2013-2015 LaFerrari, 2017 LaFerrari Aperta, and 2019-2022 Portofino vehicles. The brake fluid reservoir cap may not vent properly, creating a vacuum inside the brake fluid reservoir, and resulting in a brake fluid leak that may lead to a partial or total loss of brake function.
Specifications
5.7i V12 48V
5.7L 12-cylinder · 540 hp · RWD · manual
Built 2004–2011