Car and Driver Aston Martin Vantage: What the Long-Term Road Test Revealed

Car and Driver Aston Martin Vantage: The Full Long-Term Verdict

Car and Driver spent months behind the wheel of an Aston Martin Vantage to find out whether its striking looks and thunderous V8 translate into a usable grand tourer. The short answer is yes, with caveats. Visibility remains tight, the infotainment feels dated next to newer German rivals, and the ride can be firm on broken pavement — but on a sweeping coastal road or canyon pass, the Vantage delivers a level of engagement that few cars in this price bracket can match.

The car tested was the latest-generation Vantage, launched with a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 from Mercedes-AMG, reworked by Aston Martin to deliver a more exotic character. Car and Driver's instrumentation recorded a 0–60 mph time in the mid-3-second range, with the manual-shifted variant offering a more deliberate, mechanical feel than the automatic. Over thousands of miles of mixed driving — highway cruising, mountain passes, and stop-and-go city streets — the Vantage proved surprisingly capable as a daily, provided you accept its compromises.

What Car and Driver Liked About the Aston Martin Vantage

The driving experience is the Vantage's core strength. Steering weight is perfectly weighted, not artificially heavy, and the chassis communicates road surface changes through the seat and wheel with clarity. The exhaust note, especially with the sports exhaust option, is a deep, crackling bark that makes every pull on the throttle feel special. Car and Driver praised the rear-seat space for a car of this size, noting that adults can manage short trips without feeling entirely crushed. The interior design, while polarizing in its choice of materials, feels purposeful and driver-focused.

Where the Aston Martin Vantage Disappoints

Visibility is the car's most frustrating trait. Thick A-pillars, a high beltline, and a tiny rear window make parking and lane changes stressful, a fact Car and Driver's testers noted after the first week. The infotainment system, still built around an older-generation architecture, lags behind competitors from Porsche and Mercedes in responsiveness and map detail. Build quality inconsistencies — squeaks and rattles on rough roads — appeared over time and were not fully resolved during the test period.

Performance and Powertrain Details

The 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 produces 503 horsepower in the Vantage, paired with an eight-speed automatic or a six-speed manual. Car and Driver's dyno runs confirmed output figures within a few horsepower of factory claims. Fuel economy averaged around 16–18 mpg in mixed driving, a number that will sting owners who use the car daily. The manual gearbox, while offered on limited trims, remains the preferred choice for enthusiasts who want the most connected driving experience.

Ownership Costs and Reliability

Routine maintenance on the Vantage is expensive by any standard, and Car and Driver's long-term budget reflected that. Oil changes, brake jobs, and tires cost more than twice what a comparable Porsche 911 would demand. Aston Martin's warranty covers three years with unlimited mileage, but extended service plans are costly and must be factored into ownership calculations. Reliability over the long term remains unproven; the latest generation has not yet been on the road long enough for Car and Driver to issue definitive conclusions.

How the Vantage Compares in Car and Driver's Testing

Against the Porsche 911 Carrera S and the Mercedes-AMG GT, the Aston Martin Vantage wins on drama and emotion, but loses on practicality and technology. The 911 offers better visibility, more rear cargo space, and a more modern interior. The AMG GT matches the Vantage's performance numbers but costs more when similarly equipped. For buyers who prioritize driving feel and exclusivity over everyday convenience, the Vantage remains a compelling choice.

The Car and Driver Aston Martin Vantage Bottom Line

The Aston Martin Vantage is a car that makes you feel like a driver, not a passenger, and that is its greatest triumph. Car and Driver's long-term test confirmed that it is fun, beautiful, and memorable — but also expensive to own and demanding to live with. If you can accept those trade-offs, the Vantage delivers one of the most engaging grand-touring experiences on the market today.