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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  Boxster S - Great product - 2000 Porsche Boxster
  By JulBox - December 21 - 2:00 am

  Car has never not started. Always fun to drive. Ride is a little rough, but thats a choice for the handling - which is superlative. The only drawbacks are: 1) for a tall person (over 6) the seat adjustment results in ones head being capable of hitting the roll bar in an accident. 2) Those non-glass rear windows (not in current model) are difficult to keep looking perfect.

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  My Boxster S - 2007 Porsche Boxster
  By hts - December 16 - 1:33 am

  Coming from a BMW 330i, a daily driver that Ive adored since 2001, I wasnt expecting to enjoy this car as much as I do. I still only have 250 miles on it (picked it up with 6), but it puts a smile on my face every time I start it up. The car draws plenty of attention, and even though its far from broken in (Im trying my best to keep the RPMs under 5,000), the car is a real blast to drive. I even enjoy it on my lousy commute up/down the congested Rt. 7 here in N. Virginia, and if you know anything about Rt. 7 during rush hour, that should tell you something about the car!

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  This Boxter is a champ - 2005 Porsche Boxster
  By mgallina - November 23 - 4:06 am

  Greatly improved ext/int. Good responsive acc & handling

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  Great 2nd Car - 2001 Porsche Boxster
  By jdwm - November 21 - 10:00 am

  As anyone who has drien one will know, this is not a great primary car. If you must drive it aruond every day, expecially on long distances, it may not be for you. If you are able to pick up a second car, definately consider the Boxter. I am most impressed with the handling and pickup. I could not be happier.

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  All round Porsche - 2006 Porsche Boxster
  By keith - November 8 - 10:20 pm

  Excellent all around car. Fun to drive. Great performance with good gas mileage. No maintenance issues whatsoever in three years of ownership.

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  A Great Car Just Got A Lot Better - 2005 Porsche Boxster
  By Body Imager - November 7 - 12:33 am

  Two days ago, the dealership that I have purchased several cars from within the past two years, brought my new Boxster S arctic silver with black top. I had to drive it off of the flatbed and as soon as I sat down, I instantly realized how much better the seat was than the 2004 model. Instant comfort! The interior is dramatically improved and much more comfortable. I traded an Audi A8L which had comfortable seats, but to be honest, the Boxsters fit my bottom much better with less lateral pinch from the lower seat sides. The new Boxster seems much more civilized, but with a better exhaust note. It, as well as the previous Boxster, are much more fun to drive than the 2004 Carrera 4S!

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  Not a "Pretender" Sports Car... - 2006 Porsche Boxster
  By the car guru - October 21 - 12:30 am

  What can be said about the new Boxster? Its top of world handling capabilities, more than decent power, elegant German design, and superior build quality make this sports car THE car to measure all other "pretenders" by! This is my second Boxster...we owned an 04 and enjoyed that one before getting this new model. All of the improvements Porsche has made were for the better...except for their BOSE audio system...which was cheapened for some reason? My old cars BOSE system sounded much better by comparison. But who cares? Turn off the radio and listen to the exhaust note! Thats what Im talkin about!

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  As good as it gets - 2004 Porsche Boxster
  By Dromq - October 15 - 10:13 am

  This is my 4th Porsche (356B, 356SC, Boxster) and they just keep getting better. How many cars make you smile when you turn the key and, at the same time have two trunks? Of course, it is all about the driving experience and this one has it all: Sports care manners in a car that you can use everyday. I know that some will find it outlandish, but I have a hard top and ski rack and I really use them. Handling in the snow can be exciting, but that is what driving this car is all about. The plain interier is very Teutonic and quite fitting in a real sports car--this isnt a Lexus or Mercedes after all. Just drive it!

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  After One Full Year of Driving - 2006 Porsche Boxster
  By TomK17 - September 26 - 2:26 am

  Just completed one full year of driving my 2006 Boxster so here is a quick assessment. Car is not a daily driver for me so miles are limited. Car drives very well, not as harsh as you might think. I have the 17" wheels which may add to that. To me, the 17s offer a more "big rubber" back tire look as opposed to the 18" wheels with a short sidewall. Handling difference is negligible. Build quality has been very good, no problems, no squeaks / rattles just like you would expect with a new car! Long maintenance terms, factory says first oil change at 20K miles so even if you chicken out and go 15K its still a long time. Car gets a lot of looks - hopefully resale will be good as well.

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  Love the Boxster - 1997 Porsche Boxster
  By blueboxsterlover - September 11 - 10:00 am

  Great car! Very fun to drive and handles beautifully. Its hard to drive my SUV after driving the Boxster--I have to slow down for the corners in the SUV. Easy to drive and maintain. Its a very classic car also--the body style has remained basically the same and its beauty is timeless. Lots of admiring looks when I drive this car around town.