Overview & Reviews

When it debuted for the 1997 model year, the Porsche Boxster ushered in an era of the more affordable high-end sports car, not to mention the more affordable Porsche. Featuring a finely balanced midengine layout and keenly responsive handling and steering, the Boxster quickly became one of the best-selling sports cars on the road.

Now in its third generation, the Boxster formula remains the same, yet Porsche has made evolutionary changes to better compete against its recently redesigned rivals. Comfort, improved build quality, classier styling and an increased number of convenience features all make the Boxster considerably better than before. If you can swing a sometimes pricey bottom line, there's no more compelling choice for a sports car, new or used.

Current Porsche Boxster
There are three models of the rear-wheel-drive Boxster. The base car gets a 265-horsepower 2.7-liter flat-6 engine that's mounted amidships for superior handling characteristics. The Boxster S features a 3.4-liter flat-6 good for 315 hp, while the GTS gets an upgraded version rated at 330 hp. All three are matched with a six-speed manual transmission by default, while a seven-speed dual-clutch automated manual (known as PDK) is optional. A hill-holder function is included with either transmission choice to facilitate launching on a hill without inadvertently rolling backward.

This is the most comfortable and spacious Boxster yet, although standard equipment is a bit stingy -- particularly the base car's wimpy four-speaker stereo. Of course, Porsche will be happy to double the price with options, including multi-way adaptive sport seats and an upper-crust Burmester audio system. In any specification, however, the Boxster remains a pure driver's car, arguably more so than the Porsche 911. With its midengine layout and finely tuned chassis, few cars can deliver the same easily accessed driving joy as the Boxster. As long as you don't need more storage space than the small front and rear trunks provide (good luck transporting a golf bag or two), the latest Boxster is bound to please.

Used Porsche Boxster Models
The current, third-generation Porsche Boxster debuted for 2013 in base and S trims, with the sporty GTS and the optional Burmester audio system arriving for 2014. Its styling is crisper than that of the previous two generations, with relatively angular headlights and a unique full-width fin spoiler that bisects the more mature-looking taillights. The sumptuous cabin is larger and features the tall center console that has been adapted from the Panamera for the whole line of Porsche models. Although the newly added electric-assist steering isn't quite as telepathic as its predecessors, it's still sublime.

The previous, second-generation Boxster was introduced for 2005. This generation featured evolutionary but significant styling changes from its predecessor, including separate roundish headlights in place of the previous integrated headlight/turn-signal clusters. The interior underwent a major overhaul, receiving a cleaner dashboard design and richer materials. In addition, the torsional rigidity of the chassis was improved, resulting in noticeably better balance and control.

Originally, the base engine was a 2.7-liter flat-6 that produced 228 hp, and the Boxster S model's bigger flat-6 displaced 3.2 liters with an output of 258 horses. Transmission choices were a five-speed manual (base), a six-speed manual or a five-speed automatic. For 2007, the 2.7-liter was upgraded to pump out 245 hp and the Boxster S received a 3.4-liter engine with 295 hp. There were a few minor equipment upgrades made during this time period as well.

A more extensive refresh was implemented for 2009, starting with further upgrades for both engines. The base model now featured a 2.9-liter flat-6 good for 255 hp, while the Boxster S got a 3.4-liter flat-6 good for 310 hp. Both came standard with the six-speed manual, while PDK debuted on the Boxster's options list. Prior to this refresh, the optional navigation system was an older design, with a smaller screen and poorly designed controls. Items like ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, an iPod interface and satellite radio were also not available. The exterior styling was also slightly different.

For 2011, the Boxster Spyder was introduced. For this specialized lightweight model, Porsche removed the sound system and air-conditioning (you could add them back as options) as well as the power-operated top. The latter was replaced by a manually operated two-piece soft top that was more tarp than roof, and about as easy to erect as a tent. But what the Spyder lost in creature comforts, it gained in other areas, notably 10 hp and even sharper handling.

While the later Boxsters of this generation are obviously a little more appealing, there's really not a bad apple in the basket. Regardless of engine or equipment level, we'd happily take one on a spirited back road run, or utilize its double trunks on a weekend getaway up the coast. Moreover, prices have come down to quite appealing levels on the used-car market, particularly for pre-refresh examples.

The original Boxster debuted for the 1997 model year. At the time, it was considered to be a key release for the brand. Porsche had been struggling financially through the early and mid-1990s, and the Boxster's simplicity, affordability and sweet driving dynamics made it a huge hit.

The first-generation Porsche Boxster came with a power-operated soft top and a 201-hp, 2.5-liter flat-6 engine. In 2000, the big news was the addition of a second, even sportier S model. The Boxster S featured 250 hp, larger wheels and brakes and a more stiffly tuned suspension. For 2001, the tweaks mostly involved interior refinements in layout and materials quality. But underneath, the sophisticated Porsche Stability Management system was made available for both models. For 2004, Porsche increased the power output of both engines slightly.

First-generation Boxsters have a significant following in online forums, with many common maintenance procedures outlined in detail for those inclined to do their own work. You can pick one up for less than a new economy car these days, so the temptation has never been greater. If you do your homework and have a thorough pre-purchase inspection performed, an original Boxster could make for an excellent weekend toy on a budget.

User Reviews:

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  Sensual Porsche - 2004 Porsche Boxster
  By Racerxm - March 11 - 10:00 am

  My Porsche Boxster "S" model is the hottest, best performance vehicle Ive ever owned. Ive always driven sports cars with a manual transmission, but this six-speed is the fastest 250 hp, especially for the money. Brake system is superior, and suspension is tight and precise. Drives even better in the rain, but sunny days with the top down is the most thrilling.

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  Fantastic! Quick and well built! - 2003 Porsche Boxster
  By meiroco - March 2 - 2:00 am

  I moved from an Audi TT Roadster 225 Quattro to a Porsche Boxster. The Boxster feels more solid on the road, feels quicker off the line than the TT (even though they are both rated at 225hp.) and is considerably quieter with the top up. The instruments are well placed! Quality is fantastic! Overall an excellent sports car.

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  Any Porsche = Great Sports Car - 2010 Porsche Boxster
  By KS - February 26 - 7:43 am

  I had my Boxster 2.9 for about a month and I enjoy it with every drive. There is really something special about driving a Porsche considering its racing heritage and legendary 911 roots plotted in the Boxster, its just a great fun cruiser Not a racing machine. In my opinion the manual 6spd transmission is the only way to go and the clutch/shifter feel is very precise, the gas pedal has way too much resistance for my taste, I am getting used to it though. Hill start assist is also something that takes getting used to, I prefer not to have it because on uphill traffic it could be very annoying. My previous car was 2007 Infiniti M45 and I really wanted a drivers car with style, Boxster was it!

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  Awesome, Awesome Car - 2006 Porsche Boxster
  By jcntsl - February 14 - 6:10 pm

  I just bought an 06 Boxster with the six speed transmission... and I have to say I have never driven anything as balanced as this car. I will tell you the ride is stiff with the optional 19 inch wheels, but well worth the look and the price. The handling is like nothing I have ever driven. Prior to this car, I had an Audi TT convertible, and before that I had a Porsche 911 coupe. Overall this is the most fun Ive had in a convertible. I would highly recommened getting the base Boxster with the optional six speed transmission. The acceleration difference is almost negligable over the S model, and the price savings is substantial. Overall I paid $54,500 for a Boxster with similar performance to the Boxster A.

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  Xlnt sports convertible - 2003 Porsche Boxster
  By GF - February 13 - 1:56 pm

  Great choice for sports car convertible; very pricey new (keep options list down !) but worth the xtra money in the long run. More comfortable and useful size than it looks. Bought mine new and have used it as daily driver/only car for a number of years. Out of warranty repairs expenses can be high, but maintenance is just once a year for low mileage cars. Hard to give this car up, makes for a great 2nd car keeper once its past its prime.

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  M96 engine class cars - 2001 Porsche Boxster
  By Bruce Gray - February 12 - 10:56 pm

  Great car. Owned Porsches for 35 years until this car began to mix coolant and oil. NO FIX except rebuilt engine. Discovered not unusual. I will perhaps buy a Porsche again but NOT with M96 engine (1999-2008). NO help from PCNA or Porsche even for car with only 39,000 miles. Since average Porsche owner drives 6,000 miles a year, cars are usually out of warranty when the trouble strikes. Problem seems that no mechanic wants to take the engines apart, so only fix is $15,000 factory rebuilt engine. There are estimates out there suggesting 20% of this engine group cars will fail before hit 100,000 miles. Kind of like playing lottery to buy one. Ask a few mechanics about this!!!

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  one FINE car! - 1998 Porsche Boxster
  By Erez - February 1 - 10:00 am

  the boxster... one of the funest to driver car in the world! i enjoy every sec in it!

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  Easy to drive quickly - 2003 Porsche Boxster
  By soccercoach99 - January 9 - 2:23 am

  We have seven cars, including a Honda S2000, Jaguar XJ8, and the American muscle classic 96 Impala SS. The Boxster is amazingly balanced, and really easy to drive quickly -- with the tiptronic, its my wifes favorite drive now, and she goes "top down" on all suitable days. I like the Jag for traveling, and enjoy the motorcycle like qualities of the S2000, but have to marvel at Porsches little roadster!

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  Boxster - 2001 Porsche Boxster
  By angy - December 27 - 2:00 am

  I bought it used with 18K miles and have put over 20K miles in a year. It has been very reliable, comfortable, has plenty of luggage space and gets 24 mpg. Buying used, I saved about $10K and I get an extra year of warranty and did not have to deal with the teething problems it appears a brand new one has. Overall, it has been a fun wonderfull experience which the dealer has been a big part of.

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  Fun car - 2000 Porsche Boxster
  By madtrader - December 26 - 10:00 am

  Flawless thus far, has been more reliable than my Lexus.