Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC)
Power
0–62 mph (0–100 km/h)
Top speed (235 km/h)
Combined, EPA 1990
What owners say
Our take, from owner reports
Sentiment is polarized, with a clear division between the emotional appeal and the practical ownership experience.
3 problems reported (2 very frequent, 1 isolated) · medium confidence
Problems owners report
- Very frequentGeneral reliability and quality concerns
Described as having "quality/reliability issues," being "among the most unreliable and problematic cars," and requiring frequent, costly preventative maintenance due to tight performance part tolerances.
- Very frequentHigh maintenance and repair costs
Described as having "Ferrari maintenance and repairs," with parts and labor being extremely expensive and knowledge/parts availability being "close to non-existent." Oil changes cited as costing several thousand dollars.
- IsolatedLack of dealer/specialist network
Mentioned as a specific challenge for older models like the 1989 228.
The version owners recommend
Insufficient owner data available. No specific trim, year, or configuration of the 228 is singled out as superior within the provided owner discussions.
Competitors to consider
Owners compare it most often with the BMW M models and Audi RS models.
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Overall sentiment
Sentiment is polarized, with a clear division between the emotional appeal and the practical ownership experience. The vehicle is described as an object of desire, with one owner recounting being "smitten" upon first sight and purchasing a brand new 1989 model, which they kept for seven years and 60,000 miles despite acknowledged issues. The consensus from long-term owner reports indicates that purchasing a Maserati is an "emotional decision, not a logical decision," driven by raw character, fun factor, and a distinct exhaust note that provides a "visceral thrill." However, this is heavily tempered by widespread and severe criticism regarding reliability, maintenance costs, and parts availability. The car is characterized as "unforgiving of neglect," requiring diligent, expensive upkeep. The overarching sentiment is that ownership satisfaction is contingent on accepting and budgeting for high running costs and potential reliability problems.
Positioning vs competitors
Insufficient owner data available.
Recommended configurations
Insufficient owner data available.
General recommendations
Ownership is strongly advised only for those with significant financial preparedness for maintenance and repairs. Prospective buyers are warned that a 15-year-old car originally costing over $100,000 will still incur six-figure car parts and repair costs. It is recommended to budget $10,000-$20,000 annually for maintenance and repairs on Italian exotics, then be "happily surprised on the off chance it costs less." A pre-purchase inspection by an independent specialist familiar with these vehicles is critical to understand likely repair costs. Ownership is not recommended as a primary daily driver unless one has ample backup transportation and disposable income. The car is suitable only for enthusiasts who value character and driving engagement over practicality and cost-effectiveness, and who can accept the vehicle's flaws as part of its charm.
Remarks
The provided data contains limited direct feedback on the Maserati 228 model, with only one substantive owner account referencing a 1989 model. Most reliability and cost discussions are generalized to the Maserati brand or to newer models (Ghibli, Quattroporte, GranTurismo), which have been applied here with caution due to the shared brand reputation for high running costs. The 228 represents an earlier generation of Maserati's sports coupes, and its ownership profile is that of a classic Italian performance car, where passion and tolerance for idiosyncrasies are primary prerequisites. Analysis based on approximately 3 substantive owner discussions directly referencing the 228, supplemented by broader brand sentiment.
Specifications
2.8 i V6 Turbo
2.8L 6-cylinder · 250 hp · RWD · manual
Built 1986–1992