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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  model 997 Coupe - 2005 Porsche 911
  By RSLAPPIN - December 17 - 3:03 pm

  Its very new but a lot of fun. Been promising me this car for a while. Love it.

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  Fun Car for the Twisties - 2001 Porsche Boxster
  By Ted Phillips - December 13 - 9:03 pm

  I bought my Boxster used and it is by far the finest handling car I have ever driven, that includes several other Porsches. The steering, balance and brakes permit you to drive turns very fast with no discomfort for you or the passenger. It has required no unscheduled maintenance in 56,000 miles, uses no oil and averages about 27 mpg. The chassis could handle more power (but I could have bought and "S" if that is what I was looking for). There are no water leaks, the top is still like new as are the paint and interior. These are great used car buys because of considerable depreciation compared to a 911. Just be sure to have an experienced Porsche mechanic do a pre- purchase inspection to avoid surprises.

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  Good Car - 2000 Porsche Boxster
  By Dwight - December 8 - 6:30 pm

  The Porsche Boxster is a good automobile. It is fun to drive, easy to maintain, gets great gas mileage, has a good design, and it has plenty of room for two + luggage.

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  The Amazing Porsche GT2 - 2002 Porsche 911
  By N$ane - December 7 - 10:23 pm

  The Porsche GT2 is the second fastest Porsche, only slower than the Carrera GT. I just test drove the 2007 turbo and the GT2 still has it beat. The weight and rear wheel drive make it a quicker car for much less money than the next 2007 Turbo. For the biggest bang for your buck in super car performance, try the GT2. You will be amazed!

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  04 Cayenne - 2004 Porsche Cayenne
  By Porsche - December 5 - 10:40 am

  I have Owned many SUVs over the years and this is by far the most enjoyable ride.

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  WOW - 2003 Porsche Cayenne
  By Qigong88 - November 28 - 10:00 am

  Most fun to drive, from a sports car entuiast

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  2003 Porsche Boxster S experience - 2003 Porsche Boxster
  By Rod S. - November 28 - 10:00 am

  After having owned many sports cars the experience of driving the 2003 Porsche Boxster S leaves you breathless. Mountain driving is a pleasure with sharply grabbed curves and incredible power. And if its looks you want, this is the car. Its is a stop and stare vehicle...everyone stops and stares. Thank you Porsche for putting fun back into driving.

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  First Porsche Macan S- IN LOVE! - 2017 Porsche Macan
  By Angie DB Southlake, TX - November 25 - 8:41 am

  This is my first SUV; previous owner of Audi A5 and a few BMW 3-series cars. Wanted something sporty but higher off the ground. Really happy thus far with purchase. In addition, I purchased tire warranty and 5-year maintenance warranty. It is peace of mind for me. Interesting enough, I saw a nail in my tire just today so the warranty will come in handy inside of my first month of ownership.

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  Better than i could have imagined - 2006 Porsche 911
  By Sweet! - November 23 - 3:53 pm

  Yes this car is everything its made out to be, fast, quick, sexy, bold, stunning, sexy, an ego stroker without compare. EVERYONE looks and looks again. But the real rush is not all the exterior fuss but that feeling deep inside that lets you know I made it! This car is one with the driver, four seats, yeah right! lol This car is an extension of your driving capabilities, an expression of your need to find space and create space on the fly. Own a 745 BMW that I simply adore but sometimes, everyday if I could, you just want it to be about "you"...and nothing else. Driving down PCH on a beautiful California night with the top down and my beautiful wife. Well it doesnt get better. Nice!

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  2004 Porsche Turbo Cabriolet - 2004 Porsche 911
  By cam man - November 22 - 2:00 am

  Very refined automobile, excellent all- purpose car. Drives well in the city but runs quick on the back roads. Very civil when needed yet aggressive when you want to be. Love the way it can exit a corner. Great driver feedback from steering wheel. Super smooth engine with smooth clutch action.