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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  Love this car! - 2014 Porsche Boxster
  By jhinnant - February 12 - 11:52 am

  Quick, fun and packing serious Wow! factor. Our Boxster is equipped with the DKP auto transmission...uber!

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  Weeeeeeeeeee! - 2001 Porsche Boxster
  By Impboy - February 10 - 12:10 pm

  When I got this Box 2 1/2 years ago, I had just finished driving a 1994 Honda Civic 220,000 miles from brand new. It was time for a new car. I love my Boxster. Its not the fastest car around but it drools every time we find a twisty back road. This car sticks like glue and I never feel out of control even in forced slides on wet pavement. (Hey, gotta have some fun some times!) Ive taken it on long trips (over 600 miles in a day) and I have no back ache even though Im 62". If youre thinking about getting one, do your research and get one now! Im sorry I waited so long to do it myself.

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  FUN CAR - 1997 Porsche Boxster
  By NICE CAR - February 10 - 10:16 am

  i just bought a 97 boxster with 54k. i must say, boxster always cought my eye and after reading the reviews, i just had to have one. i have 20" rims on mine. triple black. i love this car, its pretty fast and tight. the girls dig it, and you look like a movie star in it. over all, its fun to drive and nice style.

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  A little slice of heaven - 2008 Porsche Boxster
  By new porsche lover - January 23 - 12:50 am

  I have never had a more enjoyable car. Never having owned a sports car, as I drove it off the lot I wondered if I would grow tired of the sports car feel and handling. After half a year, the answer is a resounding no! Never have I been behind the wheel of a more responsive, powerful, or elegant machine. Aside from initial confusion over the radio controls, I have no complaints. The handling is magnificent, and she brakes on a dime. What you want, she does. I have had no major problems from a reliability standpoint, and for my purposes, the amount of storage is more than adequate for a car of this type. Heaven, indeed, and worth every Penny.

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  Wondering if I made the right decision - 1998 Porsche Boxster
  By SADinGermany - January 10 - 10:00 am

  Yeah a Porsche, I thought I was getting a great deal with a 98 and less then 25k miles. Thank goodness I didnt pay that much, because the first trip to the dealer for a tuneup set me back $1500 and was told that I would need a new starter soon. Then a week later, I was putting the roof down and the back window split down the middle. The Porsche dealer said it was my fault for putting down the roof in cold weather- it was 10C. This is a great little car really fun to drive! But had I known that the quality of the parts were that crappy I never would have bought it. I would have gone for the BMWZ3.

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  My Dream car - 2004 Porsche Boxster
  By mysterem - January 10 - 10:00 am

  I love my porsche boxster! No corner can escape me now! Im very confident driving this car on tight cornered roads or knowing that I can speed up in an instant. The porsche technicials at Barrier porsche in Bellevue WA are always so helpful! My porsche is always a big hit whereever I go, and it suits me perfect considering my mom drove a porsche when I was a baby and my first words were ruuunnnruuuunn, I constantly begged her to rev the engine! I thank Porsche so much for making a porsche that the 20 somethings can afford to buy!

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  Expensive but worth it - 2004 Porsche Boxster
  By Spursrok226 - January 10 - 10:00 am

  This car is expensive, but what car isnt these days??!! These types of cars are made by special people that are trying to help us out in the world. When we buy cars like this we need to not think about what cool of a car it is about the people who made it and thank God for them. The reliability of this car is excellent and so is the designs.

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  There is no substitute!! - 2002 Porsche Boxster
  By MikeG - January 8 - 5:30 pm

  Ive owned more sports cars over the past 40 years than I care to remember including Corvettes, "Z" and even a Firebird 400. None come close to as much fun to drive as my 02 S Boxster. The acceleration and handling are as much as I need at this point in my life. Ive wanted a Porsche for as long as long they have been producing the 911 but never could justify the cost. The Boxster fit my budget and has given me everything I could have wanted in roadster. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a really fun car to drive.

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  Go get one - 2010 Porsche Boxster
  By Surfinjoe - January 1 - 8:36 pm

  Wow, always wanted one and finally took the leap and its well worth it. Handles well, PDK is just plain fun and with the top down, well, the skys the limit. Just an outstanding vehicle.

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  boxsterS - 2003 Porsche Boxster
  By mikelange - January 1 - 2:00 am

  Hands down most fun Ive ever had.previously owned 96M3.