Overview & Reviews

Porsche cars have a virtually untarnished reputation and are considered among the finest performance vehicles in the world. It's a reputation that's well-deserved. With razor-sharp handling and power aplenty, Porsche vehicles offer a driving experience like no other. It's little wonder that, for many, the marque has come to define the sports car category. For years, the only Porsches available were sleek sports cars, but the manufacturer recently expanded its lineup to include other types of vehicles.

The brand has its roots in the Porsche Engineering Office, founded in Stuttgart, Germany, by Ferdinand Porsche in 1931. Porsche brought with him years of experience as an automotive engineer; in the '20s, while employed with Daimler, his skill was tapped to create Mercedes' iconic SS and SSK sports cars. Porsche has long had close ties with Volkswagen, and the first Porsche vehicles were small two-seat sports cars that were largely based on VW chassis. From 1948-'50, most of these early Porsche cars (the brainchild of Porsche and his son Ferry) were actually built in Austria before production was switched to Zuffenhausen, Germany. Ferdinand's first real production car was the VW Beetle, so it was no surprise that his sports cars used those components and had their air-cooled engine mounted in the rear.

The 1950s saw the birth of two icons, the 356 Speedster with its low-cut windshield and the lightweight, midengined 550 Spyder. Both cars helped Porsche rack up a multitude of wins on the racetrack. In the mid-'60s, the 356 made way for the revered 911. Powered by an all-new six-cylinder engine, the coupe scored two consecutive wins at Monte Carlo. Following in the footsteps of its predecessors, the 911's air-cooled flat-six engine was located in the rear of the vehicle.

By the time the '70s rolled around, Porsche had introduced the 914 (the "affordable" Porsche with a midengine design and a targa top), the mighty 911 turbo, the disrespected 924 (powered by a weak front-mounted, water-cooled inline four) and the flagship 928 (front-mounted V8, four-seat coupe). The '80s saw the birth of the 956, a car that went on to become the most successful racecar of all time. The twin-turbo, all-wheel-drive 959 was also launched; it became the first sports car to win the Paris-Dakar Rally and the street version could hit nearly 200 mph. The athletic 944 debuted in 1983, as did a convertible version of the 911, something that had been missing for some years. The '80s also saw the rebirth of the 924, now with some muscle courtesy of the 944's strong-for-the-time (147-horsepower) inline four.

By the early 1990s the 928 had been discontinued and the 944 was replaced by the similar 968. Because of a lack of dynamic product and a tough market climate, Porsche was suffering financially. The company's savior, the Boxster roadster, debuted in 1997 and brought back the spirit of the old 550 Spyder. In 2003, Porsche committed what purists considered a sin as the company brought the Cayenne SUV to the market. However, once those enthusiasts discovered the Cayenne's sporting performance (especially in 450-hp turbo form) all was forgiven. The following year, Porsche brought out the ferocious (605-hp) Carrera GT supercar.

Today, Porsche's lineup is quite broad for a specialty automaker and now even includes a luxury super sport sedan, the Panamera. Throughout its history, Porsche has exhibited amazing resilience, weathering changes in consumer tastes and the economic climate. As such, it's safe to assume that this ever-robust company will continue to be known for making vehicles that excel at performance, luxury and usability.

User Reviews:

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  Rock Solid - 2007 Porsche Cayman
  By Leo Pappas - December 30 - 7:20 am

  This car is better than I dreamed. It is rock solid and feels like it was carved out of a single slab of granite. It is extemely well balanced and the back end just digs in at virtually any speed. It just wants to run fast and is a joy to drive. It is more immpressive in the corners as I find myself seeking tight curving roads. I get looks and compliments all the time. Well worth the purchase.

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  Best convertible - 1999 Porsche Boxster
  By vadim - December 27 - 10:00 am

  cool car that looks good and is really fun to drive. also a head turner

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  Forever Porsche - 2004 Porsche 911
  By Porschelady2 - December 27 - 5:43 am

  I bought this Porsche second hand after test driving every model from the 993TT, GT2, GT3, Targa 996, and Carerra 997 with everything else in between. Even went to the Porsche Driving School for two days to try out the newer 997s and for the money, this Porsche Rocks!!! She is fulled loaded with everything Porsche could throw into a car plus additional HP with X51 Power Boost. She is a joy to drive with incredible handling, acceleration, and a smooth ride. Beautiful color outside and top quality all leather inside. Downsides, the usual complaints....bad cup holders and the 996 narrow body. Otherwise I have no regrets ever with this purchase!! Test drive one if you can find one!!

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  The True Drivers Car! - 2002 Porsche 911
  By robliski - December 23 - 12:37 pm

  If you want a true sports car that has been designed around the driver, then this is the car for you. The engine performance is excellent, the sound is beautiful when she sings. Handling is very crisp and gives the driver an excellent feel of connectedness with the car. The interior is relatively comfortable with 2 little seats for the kids. The car has to be owned by a person who has basic mechanical knowledge and understands the concept of "Preventive Maintenance", otherwise it can cost the owner very dearly. But dont worry as there is a lot of help out there since this car has a lot of following.

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  Hard to beat! - 2001 Porsche Boxster
  By Rocket - December 22 - 10:00 am

  After driving BMWs most of my life, its a real treat to get my hands on this car. Not knocking the BMWs - the Z4 looks like an incredible automobile but I dont want to buy first year of new model. Besides, every guy should own a Porsche at least once in his life!

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  My car - 2003 Porsche 911
  By "Ali" - December 22 - 10:00 am

  I LOVE IT!!!!!!!!! It is awesomesome and beautiful!!!

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  Dont drive one(unless youre ready to buy) - 2010 Porsche Boxster
  By mrdrama - December 22 - 5:23 am

  Still in honeymoon period/Looking for reasons to drive.My third Porsche and second Boxster,all bought used,which is for me ,the only po$$ible way to go.The upgrade from my early(986) car is night and day:ride,handling,"infotainment"(get the PCM/BOSE)you name it -all superior...The base car is very nice ,but the S,with direct injection and extra urge will sway you.The "S" is for Serious-people who claim the Boxster is not a "real Porsche",are delusional, or simply havent driven a 2009 or later one.

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  model 997 Coupe - 2005 Porsche 911
  By RSLAPPIN - December 17 - 3:03 pm

  Its very new but a lot of fun. Been promising me this car for a while. Love it.

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  Fun Car for the Twisties - 2001 Porsche Boxster
  By Ted Phillips - December 13 - 9:03 pm

  I bought my Boxster used and it is by far the finest handling car I have ever driven, that includes several other Porsches. The steering, balance and brakes permit you to drive turns very fast with no discomfort for you or the passenger. It has required no unscheduled maintenance in 56,000 miles, uses no oil and averages about 27 mpg. The chassis could handle more power (but I could have bought and "S" if that is what I was looking for). There are no water leaks, the top is still like new as are the paint and interior. These are great used car buys because of considerable depreciation compared to a 911. Just be sure to have an experienced Porsche mechanic do a pre- purchase inspection to avoid surprises.

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  The Amazing Porsche GT2 - 2002 Porsche 911
  By N$ane - December 7 - 10:23 pm

  The Porsche GT2 is the second fastest Porsche, only slower than the Carrera GT. I just test drove the 2007 turbo and the GT2 still has it beat. The weight and rear wheel drive make it a quicker car for much less money than the next 2007 Turbo. For the biggest bang for your buck in super car performance, try the GT2. You will be amazed!