The 2006 Aston Martin DB9 ticks so many boxes for an average gearhead. Let's see if it also ticks the reliability box.

Aston Martin's DB9 is a high-performance ultra-luxury coupe and convertible that debuted in 2006. The DB9 is regarded for having one of the most distinct exhaust noises of any sports vehicle, and it is also lauded for its precision handling. The Bridge of Weir leather upholstery of the DB9 seats four people. It comes in coupe and convertible versions. The 6.0-liter V-12 engine produces 450 horsepower. The transmission is a ZF six-speed automatic with paddle shifters and a manual mode. A six-speed Graziano manual transmission is also available. Side-impact airbags, front airbags, Dynamic Stability Control, all-disc anti-lock brakes with brake force distribution, and braking assist are all included as standard safety equipment. The standard features on the Aston Martin DB9 for 2006 were kept to a minimum.

The topless body of the DB9 Volante, according to Aston Martin, lacks the rigidity of the coupe. The Volante is only half as rigid as its hardtop sibling, yet this is enough to change the car's personality. The suspension system of the DB9 has been modified to compensate for the reduced stiffness. As a result, the Volante drives more like a cruiser than a sports car.

Overall, the 2006 Aston Martin DB9 is a compelling option for anyone seeking an exotic that combines GT and sports car traits. It's a lot lighter and more fun to drive than the Bentley Continental GT or Mercedes CL65 AMG. It's also far less expensive than the Ferrari 612 Scaglietti. The DB9's main serious flaw is the lack of a rear seat. True, it has one, but the seat is rather small for a car that aspires to fit into the traditional GT pattern. This is something that potential buyers should keep in mind if they want to transport more than one passenger on a regular basis.

Related: Aston Martin DB9: Everything You Need To Know

With a Cosworth-designed 6.0-liter V12 under the hood, the mechanical motive of the 2006 Aston Martin DB9 follows classic lines. According to Aston Martin, the silky-smooth engine produces 450 horsepower and 412 pound-feet of torque, allowing the DB9 coupe to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds and reach a high speed of 186 mph. Transmissions are offered in both manual and automatic versions.

A six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic transmission are also available. Push-button controls and steering-wheel paddle shifters are standard on the automatic transmission. A cast-alloy torque tube and carbon-fiber prop-shaft connect the engine to the transaxle and differential, which are contained in a single unit. Massive four-piston brake calipers grab grooved rotors and provide stopping power.

Related: Here's What We Expect From The 2021 Aston Martin DB11

The DB9 excels at handling, clinging to the road with zeal through tight corners and providing a refined ride. The level of confidence is far above that of a sports vehicle. Despite the fact that the suspension closely follows road curves, the ride comfort is satisfactory.

There are a lot of controls on the dashboard. The majority of the marks are legible, but the gauges aren't. The V-12 produces a deep exhaust note. The dashboard selector buttons and steering-wheel paddles make changing gears a breeze, and automatic mode performs admirably. The DB9 rushes ahead with uncontrolled force after a brief reluctance to downshift.

Although rear headroom is limited and legroom is almost non-existent, the front compartment is spacious enough in a cramped, partitioned cockpit. Although the front fenders are difficult to see, the back glass provides a useful perspective. Even with 450 horsepower on tap, the engine is still relatively tractable in city traffic. The riding quality of the DB9 is a mix of strong control and supply response. This automobile excels at high-speed cruising. The DB9 won't be able to properly demonstrate its capabilities due to American speed constraints; too bad, for this car is perfectly content to whoosh around at speeds well in excess of 100 mph.

Aston Martin's DB9 has broad stretches of luxurious leather and distinctive wood trim inside the cabin. It includes Bridge of Weir leather upholstery in a 2+2 configuration. Trim is offered in walnut, mahogany, or bamboo wood. There are a few Volvo and Jaguar parts in the handcrafted cabin, but they are cleverly hidden. The milled-aluminum instrument panel and unique wood finishing are very stunning.

There is a back seat, however it is basically worthless due to the lack of legroom and headroom. The trunk of the coupe can store up to 6 cubic feet of cargo. The driver must press a clear glass button to start the engine. The tachometer features a counterclockwise rotation and no traditional redline. Instead, depending on the ambient temperature and engine mileage, a red warning indicator flashes at various engine speeds.

Side strakes are situated in the front quarter panels, and a tall aluminum hood rests atop a classic Aston Martin grille. The body panels are made of aluminum or lightweight composites, while the steering column and inner door frames are made of magnesium. A full under-tray minimizes lift and drag, while placing the gearbox towards the back helps achieve 50/50 weight distribution. The DB9's rear haunches are large and curvy, and it has a pronounced trunk in its silhouette. Swan wing doors rise at a 12-degree inclination to provide better access.

The fabric top folds beneath a rigid tonneau cover that is flush with the bodywork on the Volante. When sensors detect a potential rollover, twin roll-hoops are deployed. The windshield pillars, according to Aston Martin, can bear double the car's body weight.

Hey there, I'm Wyse and I've been churning out stellar automotive articles for over three years. HotCars my domain and I'm looking to stake a major claim. Ciao!