The Maserati Spyder is a two-seater built from 1981 to 2006 over 2 generations. Between 1990 and 2005 it grew 25 cm longer and gained 634 kg. Engines offered: V6. Worth buying? It scores near the top of what we track at 4.5/5 — and the year you pick matters far more than the badge (best and worst years →).
What the Spyder is
The Maserati Spyder is a two-seater that Maserati built from 1981 to 2006 — 26 model years. Our measurements put it at 2 generations, the current one starting in 2004. It has been offered with V6 power. Its closest sibling in the Maserati range: MC20.
Spyder generations, and what changed
These boundaries are not copied from a brochure — they fall out of the measurements. Where the Spyder's length or wheelbase jumps between consecutive model years the platform changed: a facelift moves a bumper by centimetres, a new generation moves the whole car — for the Spyder that gives 2 distinct generations below.
| Generation | Length | Wheelbase | Weight | vs previous | Weight change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1990-1991 | 404 cm | 240 cm | 1086 kg | - | - |
| 2004-2005 | 429 cm | 244 cm | 1720 kg | +25 cm | +634 kg |
Between 1990 and 2005 the Spyder gained 25 cm in length (+6.2%) and 634 kg in weight (+58.4%). Cars did not so much grow as thicken — crash structures, airbags and equipment weigh more than the metal they replaced, and on the Spyder that is 634 kg against 25 cm. Full dimensions by year →
Maserati Spyder tire size, oil type & owner specs
The fitment Spyder owners look up most — tires, wheels, oil and batteries. Exact wheel and tire sizes decode from your VIN or the driver's door-jamb placard; the universal items are listed below.
Exact tire, wheel, oil grade, capacity and battery group are added per trim and model year — decode your VIN above for the factory fitment. Universal items shown as-is.
What engines does the Maserati Spyder have? Power & range
The Maserati Spyder is offered with 1 powertrain — 2.8L 6-cyl. Here's the lineup by engine, transmission and drivetrain — 1 for the Maserati Spyder, against one or two on most rivals.
| Engine | Displacement | Transmission | Drive | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| V6 | 2.8L · 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | RWD | Premium |
Horsepower, torque and fuel-tank size decode from your VIN — exact figures vary by engine and trim.
Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov (engines, drivetrain, range, charge time). Horsepower & torque from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.
The Spyder by the numbers
What the federal and market records say about the Maserati Spyder. Each line opens the full breakdown by year.
| Topic | Spyder | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Recalls | 7 campaigns | NHTSA, all years |
| Reliability | 4.5 / 5 | Best and worst years |
Frequently asked questions
What kind of car is the Maserati Spyder?
The Spyder is a two-seater, built from 1981 to 2006 across 2 generations. Engines offered: V6.
How many generations does the Spyder have?
2 by our measurements, the latest starting in 2004. We draw the boundaries where length or wheelbase jumps between model years — a facelift moves a bumper, a new generation moves the whole car. Over its life the Spyder grew 25 cm longer and gained 634 kg.
What is the Maserati Spyder warranty?
New models carry 3 years / 36,000 miles basic cover and 5 years / 60,000 miles on the powertrain. Worth knowing: across our complaint records the typical car reaches the halfway point of its faults at five years, so most repairs land after the basic warranty ends.
Is the Spyder reliable?
It scores 4.5/5 in our data. The honest answer depends on the year far more than the model — see the best and worst years, and when this car starts to break.
How do I check a specific Spyder?
This page describes the model; it cannot tell you whether that car has an open recall or a branded title. Run its VIN against the records — free, and matched to the exact production run.
More in Maserati
| Model | Years | Recalls | Best MPG | ForCar score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maserati Ghibli | 2014–2026 | 35 | 20 mpg | 3.5/5 |
| Maserati Levante | 2017–2026 | 13 | 18 mpg | 4.0/5 |
| Maserati MC20 | 2022–2025 | 9 | 18 mpg | 4.0/5 |
| Maserati Quattroporte | 1981–2026 | 45 | 20 mpg | 4.0/5 |
| Maserati Granturismo | 2008–2026 | 23 | 87 mpg | 4.0/5 |
| Maserati Grecale | 2023–2026 | 7 | 81 mpg | 4.5/5 |
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