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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  Happy 65th - 2004 Porsche Boxster
  By crick - November 21 - 10:00 am

  Outstanding birthday gift from my son. Will never part with it.

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  oil and coolant mixing - 2001 Porsche Boxster
  By Bruce Gray - November 18 - 11:43 pm

  My car at 8 years of age, but only 39,000 miles developed mixing of oil & coolant. There is no fix except a rebuilt engine ($14,000) from Porsche. One mechanic stated ran into problems needing parts on teardown that Porsche wouldnt supply. Turns out my problem not unique, Could not find one mechanic (coast to coast) or PCA or other tech advisers who had any other fix. Do your own research before buying any Porsche with M96 engine family which includes all Boxsters and 911s from 1999 through 2008. Bruce Gray, Roadrunner Region PCA

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  Fun, fun, fun, fun.......... - 2006 Porsche Boxster
  By FurnitureGuy - October 24 - 6:36 pm

  I traded in my BMW 330 for this great machine - passing up the BMW Z4. All it took was one test drive and I was hooked. Driving the twisties is as fun in this car as it is on my motorcycle! Top down, wind in my hair, the sweet music of the exhaust - could you ask for more? The BMW was comfortable, but this car rocks! We get a little bit of rain here in Oregon, so not having to stop to put up the top when it sprinkles is a plus.

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  Boxster - 2002 Porsche Boxster
  By Scooby-Doo - October 24 - 10:00 am

  This is my 1st Porsche and the car and service from the dealer is great! If you are shy do not buy a boxster, you get a lot of looks and coments when driving this car - ALL GOOD! Got rid of a chrysler sebring conv to buy my boxster - best thing I ever did! The quality of the fit and the manufacturing of the Boxster is totally different to any USA car I have ever had. If you can afford the 18" wheels it makes the look and handling better. Also heated seats makes driving with the top down at night nice. They have 2 settings - hot gets really hot all the way up the back of the seat.

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  Fun in the sun, but lacks torque - 2000 Porsche Boxster
  By Dave Kalz - October 24 - 10:00 am

  My Boxster has been a great car. The most confidence inspiring and best handling car that Ive ever owned. I also have a Viper GTS and the Boxster instills much more confidence - though it doesnt have the torque or sex appeal of the Viper. Still, its a fun car - very useful for every day driving. I used to own a Miata - which was a great car, but was frustrating to drive because of its lack of power. Think of the Boxster as a better Miata. It goes faster and can handle the turns faster - but the over-all driving experience is very simiilar to the Miata. Whether the Boxster is worth the extra 20K over a Miata could be well argued, but hey, its a Porsche.

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  Simply the Best - 2005 Porsche Boxster
  By todd - October 4 - 1:40 pm

  I have a VW Touareg, an Audi TT and a 03 Porsche Carrera and the new Boxster is the most fun to drive and the best of the lot. The fun of the TT Roadster with the legendary Porsche quality and performance. Its like I mated my Carrera and my TT and the 05 Boxster S was Born!

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  Great car! - 2007 Porsche Boxster
  By Cindy - September 27 - 2:33 pm

  It handles like a sports car, but has a very smooth ride. I still cant believe the power in acceleration. I traded in a Mazda Miata, so this is quite a step up. It functions very well as an everyday car, and the storage space is a bonus. This is certainly a car you can take on a weekend with luggage. There are so many features including an onboard computer that it may be months before I know the full potential of this vehicle. The downside (or upside depending on your perspective) is Ill probably never buy any other car than a Porsche.

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  Now this is a car - 2003 Porsche Boxster
  By jpcourt - September 6 - 2:00 am

  I’ve now had this car for a couple of months and have put on about 1200 miles. I love this car, it handles great stops on a dime and all and all is one terrific sports car. I drove just about every sports car in this price range and I kept coming back to the Boxter S, in my opinion you can’t go wrong with this car.

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  Boxster - 1997 Porsche Boxster
  By JimmyDHarrell - August 23 - 2:00 am

  Trouble free car with no mechanical or cosmetic wear problems. Good fuel milage for a high performance car.

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  Fun! As Soon As You See It - 2003 Porsche Boxster
  By blindguy27 - August 13 - 10:00 am

  Black/Black/Black....Fun, Fun, Fun! I know the "S" is faster, bigger wheels, etc. How much more did I really need? This was a great decision and for a first timer, even more than imagined. Excellent handling, turns heads at every light - in other vehicles as Im blowing by them...the only ones that seem disinterested are 911 owners (imagine that)...now to dream of the GT.