Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC)
Every generation
Power
0–62 mph (0–100 km/h)
Top speed (295 km/h)
Combined, EPA 1999
What owners say
Our take, from owner reports
Extremely positive sentiment regarding the car's design, driving experience, and emotional appeal, but this is heavily tempered by a very strong and consistent consensus on prohibitively high and complex maintenance costs.
7 problems reported (1 very frequent, 3 recurrent, 2 isolated) · high confidence
Problems owners report
- Very frequentGeneral reliability niggles
Described as having "a myriad of things that go wrong," with a high likelihood of multiple issues in poorly maintained examples.
- RecurrentExhaust header failures
Headers can melt through, evidenced by fiberglass dust in engine bay; catalytic converters can come loose and rattle.
- RecurrentValve guide failures
A known issue requiring inspection via compression test.
+ 4 more issuesShow fewer
- RecurrentSticky interior buttons/controls
Rubber-coated interior components degrade and become sticky over time.
- IsolatedConvertible top mechanism problems
Can be problematic, with seat controllers failing.
- IsolatedAir conditioning system failures
Noted as frequently non-functional or ineffective.
- Prohibitively expensive maintenance
Engine-out service required for timing belt replacement, cited as costing $15,000-$20,000+. Very frequent.
The version owners recommend
Manual Transmission (Gated) models are strongly preferred over the F1 electro-hydraulic semi-automatic transmission, with the manual cited as a key part of the pure, analog driving experience. The Berlinetta (coupe) and GTS (targa) are both highly regarded, with the Spider (convertible) sometimes mentioned as the least desirable body type, especially in undesirable colors. There is an isolated mention of a "Fiorano Handling Pack" as a track-focused factory option for final-year models.
Competitors to consider
Owners compare it most often with the Acura/Honda NSX, Porsche 911 (993 Turbo, 996), Dodge Viper RT/10, Lotus Esprit S4/S4S and Ferrari 360 Modena.
Is the F355 right for you?
Get an answer for your year, mileage and budget.
Full owner reportHide full owner report
Overall sentiment
Extremely positive sentiment regarding the car's design, driving experience, and emotional appeal, but this is heavily tempered by a very strong and consistent consensus on prohibitively high and complex maintenance costs. The F355 is widely praised as one of the most beautiful and elegant Ferraris ever made, with its V8 engine sound frequently cited as one of the greatest of all time. It is described as the "best analog Ferrari ever," offering a visceral, rewarding, and nimble driving experience, particularly with the gated manual transmission. However, owner discussions are dominated by warnings about its reputation as the most expensive Ferrari to maintain. The car is characterized as "tragically flawed" and a "bottomless money pit" for regular driving, with major service intervals requiring an engine-out procedure. The sentiment is one of deep admiration for the car as an object of desire and a driving machine, coupled with a pragmatic caution that ownership is a significant financial commitment best suited for those with substantial means or high mechanical aptitude.
Positioning vs competitors
Positioned as a pinnacle of analog, driver-focused supercars from the 1990s. It is frequently compared to the Acura NSX, with the NSX acknowledged as being more reliable and cheaper to maintain, but the F355 is considered the more emotionally engaging and prestigious vehicle. Compared to its successor, the Ferrari 360, the F355 is viewed as the more pure, analog, and aesthetically classic car, though the 360 benefits from a timing chain (eliminating the major belt service) and is generally seen as more reliable. Within the Ferrari lineage, it is seen as a significant step forward from the 348 and a beloved last-of-its-kind machine before the more digital era began. Its value appreciation is noted as strong, with prices rising significantly from a low point.
Recommended configurations
Manual transmission is the overwhelming recommendation. A comprehensive pre-purchase inspection is considered absolutely critical, with specific advice to check for valve guide issues via a compression test, inspect for melted exhaust headers (look for fiberglass dust), listen for rattling catalytic converters, verify all dashboard warning lights function, and test the convertible top mechanism (if applicable). Purchasing from a knowledgeable, caring enthusiast owner is emphasized as more important than finding a cheap example. An extended warranty is suggested if available for the model.
General recommendations
Suitable only for enthusiasts with significant financial resources who understand and are prepared for very high maintenance costs. Ideal for collectors or drivers who value analog feedback, iconic design, and emotional engagement over modern reliability and convenience. Strongly recommended for those with mechanical skills and access to a lift, as the ability to perform the engine-out service personally can make ownership feasible. NOT recommended as a daily driver or for owners on a tight budget. NOT recommended for those seeking a low-hassle, reliable supercar experience. Essential to budget $15,000-$20,000+ for major service intervals (timing belt). Purchase should be based on the quality and history of the specific car and its owner, not just the listed price.
Remarks
The F355's notorious maintenance costs are the central theme of all practical ownership discussions. The major service, requiring the engine to be dropped from the car to replace the timing belt and seals, is a defining characteristic. This procedure was historically a source of significant dealer expense, though some owner-mechanics now perform it themselves. The car's value proposition has shifted dramatically; it was once considered the cheapest entry-point Ferrari (with prices as low as $40,000-$45,000) but also the most expensive to maintain, creating a barrier to ownership. Prices have since appreciated strongly (into the $115,000-$385,000+ range), moving it further into collector territory. There is a noted divide between the car's flawless reputation as a driving icon and its challenging reality as a complex, aging Italian exotic. Analysis based on approximately 60 substantive owner discussions and comments.
Generation by generation
Owner insights per generation and US complaint/recall records (NHTSA).
Complaints and recalls by model yearSource: NHTSA (US)Show table
Recall notices7 on record · Source: NHTSA (US)Show recalls
1998 · steering: steering wheel/handle barcampaign 98V132000
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE TORQUE ON THE POWER STEERING COLUMN NUT IS INSUFFICIENT.
1998 · fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assemblycampaign 98V223000
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSSENGER VEHICLES. FUEL TANK DAMAGE COULD HAVE OCCURRED DURING INSTALLATION OF THE SCREWS ON THE SOFT TOP MECHANISM COVERS.
1998 · fuel system, gasoline:delivery:hoses, lines/piping, and fittingscampaign 98V058000
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE FUEL INJECTION LINE CAN WEAR DUE TO INTERFERENCE WITH THE WATER HOSE CLAMP ON THE COOLANT PIPE.
1998 · fuel system, other:delivery:hoses, lines/piping, and fittingscampaign 09V447000
FERRARI IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 1995 THROUGH 1999 FERRARI 355 AND 355 F1 VEHICLES. INDEPENDENT AUTOMOBILE REPAIR FACILITIES MAY HAVE IMPROPERLY INSTALLED CERTAIN SCREW CLAMPS THAT ARE LOCATED IN CLOSE PROXIMITY TO THE FUEL LINES AND THAT FASTEN THE WATER SLEEVE TO THE THERMOSTAT CONNECTION. THE IMPROPER INSTALLATION OF THESE SCREW CLAMPS MAY DAMAGE THE FUEL SUPPLY PIPES.
1996 · service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slipcampaign 97V013000
THE ELECTRIC MOTOR WHICH DRIVES THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) HYDRAULIC PUMP DOES NOT FUNCTION AFTER A PERIOD OF OPERATION.
1996 · fuel system, gasoline:delivery:hoses, lines/piping, and fittingscampaign 98V057000
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES FITTED WITH SINGLE FUEL PUMPS. THE FUEL INJECTION LINE FITTING CAN FRACTURE IF THE ALUMINUM NUT ATTACHING THE LINES IS TIGHTENED EXCESSIVELY.
1996 · fuel system, other:delivery:hoses, lines/piping, and fittingscampaign 09V447000
FERRARI IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 1995 THROUGH 1999 FERRARI 355 AND 355 F1 VEHICLES. INDEPENDENT AUTOMOBILE REPAIR FACILITIES MAY HAVE IMPROPERLY INSTALLED CERTAIN SCREW CLAMPS THAT ARE LOCATED IN CLOSE PROXIMITY TO THE FUEL LINES AND THAT FASTEN THE WATER SLEEVE TO THE THERMOSTAT CONNECTION. THE IMPROPER INSTALLATION OF THESE SCREW CLAMPS MAY DAMAGE THE FUEL SUPPLY PIPES.
Specifications
3.5 V8
3.5L 8-cylinder · 380 hp · RWD · manual
Built 1995–1999