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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  Great SUV with ONE major flaw... - 2008 Porsche Cayenne
  By jfcpamba - June 30 - 6:52 am

  I bought a used Cayenned S with 50k miles on it. It is a great vehicle as most of the reviewers have noted. However, there is one major flaw which no one has pointed to in their reviews. The front buckets seats are extremely uncomfortable, probably the worst Ive ever sat on. The middle section is only about 16" wide and go up sharply from there to provide support, but it is extremely firm. My bottom side and hamstrings are literally sore after driving for an extended period of time. I am now driving with a pillow. A quick note, I am averaging about 15 MPG in mixed driving and the vehilce is solid. No other complaints other than those seats. Cmon Porsche, you can do better!

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  Cayenne S has been good so far - 2004 Porsche Cayenne
  By cayennes - June 27 - 2:00 am

  This SUV has been no trouble yet.

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  Always fun to drive. - 2001 Porsche Boxster
  By jwulk - June 26 - 10:00 am

  The Porsche Boxster is always a pleasure to get in and drive. Wheather you go for a leasurly drive with the top down or rev up the RPMs to almost 7000 you have the response and controle of a true sports car. Never get tired of getting and driving this car.

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  Not for the Timid - 2006 Porsche Cayenne
  By Steve - June 13 - 6:16 am

  The car is very fun to drive and handles both city and highway very well. Comfortable, its not. The car is very stiff as are the seats, and the steering is heavy. I have had a dipped beam problem that does not seem to go away, and I have had it serviced for that twice. I have also had to replace the rear cup holders twice which inexplicably jammed in the console. If you are thinking of the 6 cylinder, then buy an Acura. Porsches are meant to have 8 cylinders. It costs me about $80 to fill the tank these days, so fuel efficient it is definitely NOT.

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  2010 Cayman S vs. 2014 Cayman S - 2014 Porsche Cayman
  By witchknows - June 11 - 3:17 pm

  I had a 2010 Cayman S, great vehicle, Edmunds is spot on about the steering, it was better in the old model. But the new 2014 model is much more comfortable and forgiving on last distance runs. The NAV / Bose Sound System / Interior much better than previous model. Handling is exceptional and exterior looks greatly improved. My only issue is that I bought a dealer demo with 750 miles. It was delivered to me W/O inspection. Had problems with power seat & unbalanced tires. One of the tires I found a nail in it and cost me $446 to get a new one. Avoid The Collection in Miami.

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  Good but Not Great - 2002 Porsche 911
  By Estrid - May 28 - 10:00 am

  Fun to drive, head turning car. Broke camshaft at 2000 miles after perfect break in. Dealer replaced engine. Engine misses when hot at low rpm and oil pressure can fluctuate at sustained rpm. Dealer says computer diagnostics show everything normal. Alignment was incorrect from purchase date despite dealership review after 200 miles. Alignment now correct and handling is vastly improved. Even after the headaches, it may be the best performance and looks for the money.

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  1999 Porsche Boxster - 1999 Porsche Boxster
  By Ken S - May 25 - 6:20 pm

  This car is fun to drive and has superb performance and handling. This car is "one with the road". Its low center of gravity and mid-engine design are the keys to its stability and agility. I bought this car in Germany and routinely drove it on the Autobahn at 120+ mph. It has solid positive control at all speeds. Likewise, it handles like a jungle cat on the mountain switchbacks. It doesnt have an overpowered engine, but with the proper driving skills, this car will do anything you want it to. The exterior styling is sleek and attractive, suggesting speed and performance.

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  an exhilerating drive - 2004 Porsche Cayenne
  By edward tourtelot - May 22 - 2:00 am

  Drives like an "S Class" Mercedes on the highway (with the air suspension). Mountain off-roading experience is confidence-building on ice, in the mud and over stumps and boulders. Compared to other SUVs,its almost a sports car with all the bells-and- whistles...an exhilerating ride.

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  03 911 twin turbo - 2004 Porsche 911
  By matlock - May 16 - 2:00 am

  within 1500 miles i developed an engine oil leak that took the dealer two months to identify and repair. the car was delivered to me with the radio not working. it took 6 weeks to get the radio repaired. porsche would not simply replace it. how bout that for my $140k

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  Tiptronic S - 2003 Porsche Boxster
  By Raphael Gergi - May 4 - 11:48 pm

  I first bought a boxster 1997 2.5L and was absolutely sad about the performance however sold it and got my Boxster S 2003 3.2L, reliable car yes however been finding some difficulties with the transmission (solenoid, Valve Body etc.), i also feel that the car needed a slight increase in the power.