Aston Martin Vanquish (01-07) - Review Review by Simon Harris on 09 January 2008 Last Updated: 16 January 2009 While the styling bore similarities to the older DB7’s this was the first of the truly modern Astons. Based on the earlier Vantage concept car the aluminium and carbonfibre bodied Vanquish debuted in 2001. The launch of the roomier, cheaper and still V12-powered DB9 in 2004 made the hand-made Vanquish appear questionable value to some, however Aston unveiled the Vanquish S, the company’s first 200mph road car. With more power, subtle spoilers and the previously optional sports suspension kit now fitted as standard, the S sold alongside the Vanquish at first but the standard car was soon dropped. The final Vanquish was built in 2007, its place taken in the range by the DB9-based DBS. 3.5 out of 5 Other Aston Martin reviews Summary Facts & Figures Equipment Driving & Performance Comfort Costs Safety & Reliability Buying & Selling Also Consider Company Car Info Owners' Reviews Gallery 2.5 out of 5 Safety The Vanquish shows its age here by only offering traction control to prevent the wheels from spinning and not a full stability system that can brake individual wheels to prevent a collision. There are dual front airbags fitted as standard but no side or curtain bags and although the Aston’s sophisticated carbonfibre and aluminium chassis is likely offer good protection in a crash, like most low volume exotic cars it was never put through a Euro NCAP test. Unless the rear seat package was ordered seatbelts were only fitted to the front seats. Euro NCAP Provides motoring consumers with a realistic and independent assessment of the safety performance of some of the most popular cars sold in Europe. Visit Euro NCAP for more info 3 out of 5 Reliability Unlike Aston's newer cars which are made at a state-of-the-art facility at Gaydon, the Vanquish was handmade at the old Newport Pagnell factory in tiny numbers and isn't known for its reliability. Chief culprit is the semi-automatic paddle-shift gearbox whose clutches fail early at the hands of unsympathetic owners. Car check problem points Body No problems reported. Engine/Gearbox No problems reported. Other Clutch vulnerable to wear in traffic. Car Valuations Find used car prices with Parkers accurate car valuations. Find out more Cars for Sale Search well over a hundred thousand new and used cars for sale across the UK. Find out more Previous: Costs Next: Buying & Selling