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:
Showing 41 through 50 of 434.00-
Great Car - 2003 Porsche Boxster
By Carolyn Smith - April 29 - 10:00 amGreat car, fun to drive...Nothing more to say other than its a great value for a porsche
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DMD RATES THE BOXSTER - 2003 Porsche Boxster
By DMD55 - April 29 - 10:00 amTHE BOXSTER HAS A UNIQUE EXHAUST NOTE THAT WILL MAKE YOU TURN DOWN THE EXCELLENT SOUND SYSTEM TO HEAR THE SWEET MUSIC THAT THE FLAT 6 MAKES. THE COCKPIT IS LAID OUT PERFECTLY, IF YOU SPEND A LITTLE EXTRA FOR A MIXTURE OF STAINLESS STEEL AND ALUMINUM, THE INTERIOR HAS SPORTS CAR WRITTEN ALL OVER IT. THE STEERING AND BRAKES ARE GREAT AND EASILY THE BEST IN THIS PRICE RANGE. I LOVE EVERYTHING ABOUT MY BOXSTER, AND WOULD RECOMMEND ONE TO ANYONE!!!
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top - 2003 Porsche Boxster
By serrano - April 29 - 10:00 amthis car is fun and very sporty. handlying is great and so is the comfort
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My Boxster - 2003 Porsche Boxster
By VRod - April 29 - 10:00 amThe Boxster is just a fun car to drive. It handles like a dream. It is everything I hoped it would be.
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Fun to Drive - 2000 Porsche Boxster
By derekbatesnyy - April 23 - 10:00 amIt has been 9 months since my purchase and the thrill of driving this vehicle has not faded. What a well build machine. I am loving my 35 mile commute.
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Boxster 2.7 - 2000 Porsche Boxster
By Giulio Roverelli - April 15 - 1:56 amMy 2000 Porsche Boxster S is a fun car. Its great with the top down. It does not have enough power though. the custom 18" wheels make a difference. Its quite a head turner for little money. Its aerodynamics are not great at high speeds. To enjoy speed or racing, it requires custom body kits, which are extremely expensive. I consider it as a charming go-kart with great handling, but poor performance. Dont get the tiptronic transmission. Shiftning makes this car more fun.
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My first car - 2000 Porsche Boxster
By Boxster986alltheway - March 29 - 3:00 amIve driven many sports cars. Though Im only sixteen, my friends and I drive exotic and expensive cars. Such other cars consist of the Honda s2000, Cadillac cts, and the Audi tt Quattro. However, as fun as these cars are, all of them fade in comparison to the boxster. I myself received a boxster 2.7 for my sweet sixteen. The styling is beautiful, and the performance is unmatched for its class. If youre looking for a fun-to-drive, sporty convertible, THIS IS THE CAR FOR YOU.
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Poor Reliability of the Boxster "S" - 2002 Porsche Boxster
By Peter Pattison - March 14 - 10:10 pmMy Boxster "S" purchased new by me in October 2001 has been the single most unreliable car that I have ever owned.The attitude of Porsche Cars GB Ltd and the Porsche Centre Reading has been and is one of unhurried indifference towards their customers.This is my fourth and LAST Porsche. It is little wonder that they rate much lower than Skoda on the J.D.Power survey. The car has had continual warranty problems from day one culminating in the failure or the intermediate gear and bearing, cost to me £3344.79 the parts of £873.71 supplied grudgingly by Porsche Cars GB F.O.C as this is a well documented design fault with this model. Porsche need to take some lessons from Lexus.
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I love my Boxster - 1997 Porsche Boxster
By Chef John - March 11 - 1:36 pmIt is a 1997, I have yet to meet anyone who thinks it is more than three years old. I used to drive a Mazda Miata. The Boxster turns heads on every drive. People think that I am rich or something. Get one that has been loved. Have it checked by an independant mechanic. Look for oil leaks. Mine is dry as a bone. Be aware that the Boxster is a "gateway" Porsche. You will move on to the next level.
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The Porsche Myth? - 2000 Porsche Boxster
By empty99 - February 22 - 10:00 amCan it be that good and different and cost so much to justify owning one? For me the answer is a resounding YES! Its fun, fast, superlative handling AND extremely reliable (After 4 yrs, always once start and drive). No other cars feel like it, the combination of speed AND comfort, it gets downright luxurious cruising the 2lane country byways, utter smoothness and quiet top down/side windows up. Simply amazing, truly one of lifes great pleasure.
