[fabioborellini]

Yes, they are maintained as a part of the open kernel source and have been proven to remain usable for long periods.

[frollogaston]

But only the ones that are in the kernel. It's fairly common that you need to install some yourself, for things that Windows would install from partners via this Windows Update mechanism.

[folmar]

There is one class of devices for which you often want manufacturer's out-of-kernel driver: Nvidia graphic cards. Otherwise all drivers are usually already in the kernel.