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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  East Texas at high speeds - 2001 Porsche Boxster
  By Josh - December 21 - 10:00 am

  All I can say is wow! I purchased a used Porsche Boxster for 10k in Feb/Mar 2010, and could not have been happier. The car now has over 108,000 miles on it, and runs like a champ. It easily got up to 122 mph while passing cars driving down that middle lane* (stupid thing to do, but it was just too easy) without realizing how fast the car was going. Driving country roads in East Texas at high speeds (90 mph around 40 mph curves and 120 mph ++ on straight-aways) is a breeze.* apparently there are 2 radiators and it holds 7 gallons of coolant. My water pump went out while I was on the freeway and all that extra fluid saved my motor. *I no longer drive like I mentioned above, but had to share

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  What a blast to own and drive - 2005 Porsche Boxster
  By Terry - November 29 - 9:20 am

  My wife and I purchased this car for her recently from a friend of ours who collects sports cars. Its "her" car but I just cant seem to keep my hands off of it. Its so much fun to drive Im looking at buying another one just so I dont have to beg her for the keys. Its cool looking, sounds great, handles like its on rails and is like riding a bolt of lightening when you push it hard through the gears. Just plain love it. Thanks Porsche!

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  One test drive - 2008 Porsche Boxster
  By RonB - November 12 - 12:36 am

  Experienced BMW owner including the Z-4. On a whim, test drove the S and could not rest comfortably until I bought it. Made the Z-4 feel like a go-cart. Gas prices or not, I make up reasons to drive somewhere.

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  A great ride - 2003 Porsche Boxster
  By ray daquilante - November 10 - 1:46 am

  Wow. Its the car Ive always wanted the style and character are there. Just hoping that the reliability is there cant comment too early. Will be a car that I will keep for years to come.

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  Worst car I ever owned! - 2002 Porsche Boxster
  By Ken - October 29 - 3:36 pm

  OK, so the Porsche Boxster S is a great car if you set aside the weekly trips to the dealer, rattles, an interior that looks like a Ford Taurus, nasty sound system, and deadly blindspots. This is the first Porsche I ever owned and the last! I should have bought a BMW Z4, Audi TT or even a Chevrolet Corvette!

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  2005 Porsche Boxster - 2005 Porsche Boxster
  By T Grippo - October 28 - 5:00 am

  As a former Corvette fanatic I carefully researched and tested both the C6 Vette as well as the Boxster 987, both are extremely good cars but the Porsche has better handling and comfort as well as storage space, not to mention the acceleration and power. The S model Boxster is even faster! Also insurance premiums are much better than the vette which has a high theft rate. I own the regular version, not the S version and it is without a doubt the best car I have ever driven! Gas mileage is in the range of 22 mpg average. After owning 3 Vettes, Porsche made a believer out of me!

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  If you can afford one, buy one - 2008 Porsche Boxster
  By Jeff - October 26 - 1:36 am

  I have owned my 2008 Boxster S for about 8 months and I am truly impressed. I cant believe the handling, power, styling and just how much fun it is to drive at any speed! I will sometimes just walk out into my garage and stare at this beautiful car. I have a black model with the tan interior, gorgeous. It is a real head turner when clean and shined up. The red calipers on the S are worth the price from a "wow" factor. I just walked through a Porsche showroom again last week and cant really see the reason to pay for more than the Boxster S delivers unless you are a professional driver.

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  Poor Boy Rich Car - 2004 Porsche Boxster
  By richard calhoun - October 24 - 10:00 am

  Acceleration is great. Cornering, as we al know is the best. Did have trouble getting brake light to go off even after having it worked on twice by the dealer. Few cars can get a head to turn while driving down the road like a Boxster S. You don’t have to race around town, but the power is always there when you want it.

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  Great Car - 2003 Porsche Boxster
  By grantlax - October 5 - 10:00 am

  The 2.7 Boxster is a great value. When ordered with optional 17" wheels it can be purchased for close to $40,000. My car has performed very well. It is one of the best balanced cars I have ever driven.

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  Took the Plunge - 2000 Porsche Boxster
  By GuyC - October 5 - 10:00 am

  After a Merc, BMW, Corvette an S4 I was fed up with high cost motors. I waited for the Crossfire, although it looked great, the cost was high the dealer wanted 10k over MSRP not to mention resale value. Here I am a proud owner of a 2nd hand Boxster. The car has legs, an amazing ammount of room, feels solid and the fuel economy is a dream. This is a safe buy, good resale value, high performance, low insurance commuter vehicle. Why risk it, get a second hand porsche and live the life !