Overview & Reviews

Porsche cars have a virtually untarnished reputation and are considered among the finest performance vehicles in the world. It's a reputation that's well-deserved. With razor-sharp handling and power aplenty, Porsche vehicles offer a driving experience like no other. It's little wonder that, for many, the marque has come to define the sports car category. For years, the only Porsches available were sleek sports cars, but the manufacturer recently expanded its lineup to include other types of vehicles.

The brand has its roots in the Porsche Engineering Office, founded in Stuttgart, Germany, by Ferdinand Porsche in 1931. Porsche brought with him years of experience as an automotive engineer; in the '20s, while employed with Daimler, his skill was tapped to create Mercedes' iconic SS and SSK sports cars. Porsche has long had close ties with Volkswagen, and the first Porsche vehicles were small two-seat sports cars that were largely based on VW chassis. From 1948-'50, most of these early Porsche cars (the brainchild of Porsche and his son Ferry) were actually built in Austria before production was switched to Zuffenhausen, Germany. Ferdinand's first real production car was the VW Beetle, so it was no surprise that his sports cars used those components and had their air-cooled engine mounted in the rear.

The 1950s saw the birth of two icons, the 356 Speedster with its low-cut windshield and the lightweight, midengined 550 Spyder. Both cars helped Porsche rack up a multitude of wins on the racetrack. In the mid-'60s, the 356 made way for the revered 911. Powered by an all-new six-cylinder engine, the coupe scored two consecutive wins at Monte Carlo. Following in the footsteps of its predecessors, the 911's air-cooled flat-six engine was located in the rear of the vehicle.

By the time the '70s rolled around, Porsche had introduced the 914 (the "affordable" Porsche with a midengine design and a targa top), the mighty 911 turbo, the disrespected 924 (powered by a weak front-mounted, water-cooled inline four) and the flagship 928 (front-mounted V8, four-seat coupe). The '80s saw the birth of the 956, a car that went on to become the most successful racecar of all time. The twin-turbo, all-wheel-drive 959 was also launched; it became the first sports car to win the Paris-Dakar Rally and the street version could hit nearly 200 mph. The athletic 944 debuted in 1983, as did a convertible version of the 911, something that had been missing for some years. The '80s also saw the rebirth of the 924, now with some muscle courtesy of the 944's strong-for-the-time (147-horsepower) inline four.

By the early 1990s the 928 had been discontinued and the 944 was replaced by the similar 968. Because of a lack of dynamic product and a tough market climate, Porsche was suffering financially. The company's savior, the Boxster roadster, debuted in 1997 and brought back the spirit of the old 550 Spyder. In 2003, Porsche committed what purists considered a sin as the company brought the Cayenne SUV to the market. However, once those enthusiasts discovered the Cayenne's sporting performance (especially in 450-hp turbo form) all was forgiven. The following year, Porsche brought out the ferocious (605-hp) Carrera GT supercar.

Today, Porsche's lineup is quite broad for a specialty automaker and now even includes a luxury super sport sedan, the Panamera. Throughout its history, Porsche has exhibited amazing resilience, weathering changes in consumer tastes and the economic climate. As such, it's safe to assume that this ever-robust company will continue to be known for making vehicles that excel at performance, luxury and usability.

User Reviews:

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  The Porsche Myth? - 2000 Porsche Boxster
  By empty99 - February 22 - 10:00 am

  Can it be that good and different and cost so much to justify owning one? For me the answer is a resounding YES! Its fun, fast, superlative handling AND extremely reliable (After 4 yrs, always once start and drive). No other cars feel like it, the combination of speed AND comfort, it gets downright luxurious cruising the 2lane country byways, utter smoothness and quiet top down/side windows up. Simply amazing, truly one of lifes great pleasure.

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  911 Wundercar - 2002 Porsche 911
  By jbarry - February 21 - 8:10 am

  Having owned a number of sports cars over the years, and having lusted after many others, the biggest downside to the 911 is that you no longer lust for anything better. The car does almost everything unbelievably well. The 911 provides race car acceleration and handling, while offering a fairly comfortable ride and interior, a really usable trunk (so you can drive to the store), a wonderful level of fit and finish, excellent gas mileage and reliable performance. Besides all of the above, its flat out gorgeous.

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  May be close to Perfect - 2005 Porsche Cayenne
  By Steve - February 16 - 6:50 pm

  This may be the closest to perfect car ever built. It has the acceleration of a sports can, and leaves all but dedicated sports cars in the dust. With all that, it is a great off road vehicle as well. It will travel in all kinds of environments, and you dont have to worry about going off road, something you cant do with a sports car. The interior is very nice, and it has available just about any option you want in a luxury car. So, it is a fast as a sports car, as capable as any off road vehicle, and has all the luxuries of a luxury car, all in one car. There is nothing that comes close in any car without significant compromises in at least one of these categories if you want it all in one.

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  Best Car Ive owned - 2004 Porsche Cayenne
  By Lori - February 12 - 4:40 pm

  My Porsche Cayeene Turbo provides great power and handling. It is terrific in the snow (with the correct tires). Service has been excellent at my local dealer. I just drove through a blizzard with no skidding and great control.

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  Love this car! - 2014 Porsche Boxster
  By jhinnant - February 12 - 11:52 am

  Quick, fun and packing serious Wow! factor. Our Boxster is equipped with the DKP auto transmission...uber!

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  One hot drop top - 2005 Porsche 911
  By Jocko - February 10 - 3:53 pm

  This vehicle is like riding a rocket ship. I have an 89 and the obvious diference is performance, style,etc. The sport mode in the new Cab lets you feel the road and all of the great Porsche features ,speed, handling, and the interiors are really boss. Go Porsche!

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  Weeeeeeeeeee! - 2001 Porsche Boxster
  By Impboy - February 10 - 12:10 pm

  When I got this Box 2 1/2 years ago, I had just finished driving a 1994 Honda Civic 220,000 miles from brand new. It was time for a new car. I love my Boxster. Its not the fastest car around but it drools every time we find a twisty back road. This car sticks like glue and I never feel out of control even in forced slides on wet pavement. (Hey, gotta have some fun some times!) Ive taken it on long trips (over 600 miles in a day) and I have no back ache even though Im 62". If youre thinking about getting one, do your research and get one now! Im sorry I waited so long to do it myself.

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  FUN CAR - 1997 Porsche Boxster
  By NICE CAR - February 10 - 10:16 am

  i just bought a 97 boxster with 54k. i must say, boxster always cought my eye and after reading the reviews, i just had to have one. i have 20" rims on mine. triple black. i love this car, its pretty fast and tight. the girls dig it, and you look like a movie star in it. over all, its fun to drive and nice style.

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  accept no subtitute!!! - 1999 Porsche 911
  By zoom20 - February 8 - 2:54 pm

  this is my first porsche,power,looks,braking,wow.just awesome,have owned the car for a year and i just love it.

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  great - 2002 Porsche 911
  By anthony - February 7 - 11:20 pm

  it waz great