Dozens of Avanti "Road Tests" have been published over the decades. Most are predominately technical evaluations by the staff of automotive magazines. Preproduction analysis tended to be speculative and frequently expressed excitement and praise for the new GT from South Bend. In the spring of 1962 when the Avanti had been displayed at the New York International Auto Show, but before the first cars reached the showrooms, interest in the car was high and public reaction was positive. During Studebaker production, many more road tests followed. Avanti II also received considerable attention when launched in 1966. The car continued to be reviewed through the 1970s. In the early 1980s Stephen Blake revived interest in the car and more road tests followed.

Canada Track & Traffic called it "A bold, fresh concept with an undeniable feeling of motion that makes Avanti's competitors seem decidedly old-fashioned."

Sportscar World said "Studebaker's startling Avanti has caused raised eyebrows among diehards in the American motor industry, who have already nicknamed it America's 'Ferrari'."