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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  Nice car - 2004 Porsche Boxster
  By joe12 - May 22 - 1:23 am

  Ive never deiven a sports car like this before. Ive owned Ferarris, Corvettes, Mazerattis and many more. Nothing has made great driving this affordable.

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  Katz Kar - 2003 Porsche Boxster
  By PRAIRIEKAT - May 19 - 2:00 am

  After many years of owning German sports sedans, driving this car is a revelation, infact it redefines the word "sport".

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  97 Boxster - 1997 Porsche Boxster
  By Lloyd - April 19 - 10:00 am

  Great fun car. Very reliable and tight. Comfortable with great handling. Can be noisy with the top up. Newer models have very noticeable performance improvement. Our 2nd Porsche, both are daily drivers with no bas manners.

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  Cruisin with my Speed Yellow Boxster - 2002 Porsche Boxster
  By Sheilahmarie - April 19 - 10:00 am

  I traded in my 2000 BMW 323CI Convertible for this Speed Yellow Boxster and I was never wrong in doing it. I have so much fun driving it that I missed my exits 5 times in the first week that I was driving it. The handling is superior especially in winding narrow roads. The sound of the engine is very amusing.

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  A Future Classic - 2003 Porsche Boxster
  By pwr - April 19 - 4:56 am

  Ive had this car for almost two years and havent regretted buying it. Great reliability and fun to drive. A used Boxster is a great deal. My only misgiving is that the base model lacks low end torque - it is necessary to wind out the engine to 4000+ rpm to get good acceleration.

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  2000 Boxster S - 2000 Porsche Boxster
  By r1rb - March 27 - 10:00 am

  No problems. I sold an 88 911 targa to get this car and am very pleased with it. I would highly recommended it!

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  2013 Boxster S blue/blue roof/grey - 2013 Porsche Boxster
  By ttibio - March 21 - 6:52 pm

  Took delivery late June to replace a 996. Pretty much fully loaded with PDK, Sport Chrono, etc. It is an excellent looking vehicle - I had ordered it sight-unseen in January but was not disappointed. Maybe a bit fussy versus the 991, but that is too much of a grand tourer now. Not really budget constrained, but do think that at $80k I paid, the base+6spd starts to look GREAT value. The PDK is incredibly snappy, steering/handling super sharp, etc. - its just as the reviewers reviewed it - an excellent driver all round. Not sure the interior is super luxe - bit plasticky if you look around a bit. Anyway it gets an A-. Like it a lot and will keep it a long time I am sure.

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  Our first anniversary gift to ourselves - 2002 Porsche Boxster
  By The Eiserts - March 13 - 8:00 pm

  My DH and I decided to buy something very unnecessary for our one year anniversary, so glad we did! We had been looking at the 2006 Mustang gt, but those are a dime a dozen now. We picked up our new toy for $16K in excellent condition. We love the comfort, handling, and speed. Yeah baby! We actually fight over who gets to drive! On our test drive, we got it up to 120 mph and it was barely over 3000 rpm ! Need I say more! This is one fun ride! Its a dream to drive in town as well as on the open road. Dont hesitate to buy this car!

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  Craven Moorehead - 2002 Porsche Boxster
  By Craven Moorehead - March 13 - 2:00 am

  For everyone who always wanted a sports car but ended up with just a sporty car, this is the real thing.

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  Water Leaks - 1998 Porsche Boxster
  By CrPlater - March 6 - 7:10 am

  Lots of fun to drive but, water leaks into the area underneath the seats. Electronic control box is there and expensive to replace. Once it gets wet its shot. There are drain tubes that have to be kept clean - and even then, a heaving rain will still leak in.