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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  A GT3 SUV - 2009 Porsche Cayenne
  By bgsntth - April 17 - 3:23 am

  Will reiterate everything the pulluru already stated. This is an amazing vehicle. Very hardcore. Im 64", and have ample room in the front and rear seats. The cargo capacity in the rear is compromised, however (i.e, very small for an SUV). The ride is really good, even with 21" wheels, even in San Francisco. Sports-mode transforms the vehicle. Handling is ungodly, with cornering speeds being higher than my 2007 Cayman. PDCC is a must, though I would pass on the variable steering, as it is very artificial and "weird" in 20- 50mph city driving.

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  Never Knew an SUV Could be Fun to Drive! - 2006 Porsche Cayenne
  By Ian - April 5 - 3:36 am

  My 2006 Porsche Cayenne S is fun to push around corners and is extremely well composed at high speeds. Its handling, acceleration, and exhaust note are fantastic! While its not as lithe as the Boxster I traded in on it, the 50/50 weight distribution and 62/38 rear wheel power bias of the AWD system give it a real sport sedan feel. I love it, love it, love it!

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  Engine Needing Replacing - 2001 Porsche Boxster
  By Allyman - March 3 - 10:00 am

  Ive had this car 2.5 years, put on 10,200 miles and it developed an oil leak. Took it into the Dealership, they recommeded a 15,000 mile service because the time I had owned it not the mileage on it. Left the car there, got a call saying the car had a bad seal that could not be repaired and they needed to replace the engine. One good thing, Porsche is picking up the tab because its still under warranty. But why is a Boxster S with 10,200 miles need a new engine?

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  1999 PORSCHE 996 - 1999 Porsche 911
  By KBRN01 - February 20 - 2:00 am

  ALOT OF FUN TO DRIVE. ZERO PROBLEMS TO DATE.

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  Fun is an understatement - 2004 Porsche Cayenne
  By SBS - February 15 - 10:00 am

  This handles better then any other vehicle I have ever driven. It is a gas around curves even in the high altitude of Colorado. There are some negatives though....I purchased some upgrades that are more nuisance than anything. The back hatch never seems to close & it is supposed to be automatic and I have a "ghost" in my radio, it changes stations on its own. Otherwise I love this vehicle.

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  Think Again! - 2003 Porsche Boxster
  By tulsajack - February 14 - 10:45 pm

  My dream to own a Porsche. After 2 years & less than 57,000 miles, the engine self-destructed due to a design flaw - a GM alternator bearing used on the intermediate shaft failed and completely trashed the engine. Of course, Porsche lawyers admitted no fault on court documents when they settled, but somehow agreed to pay about 25% of owners expenses totaling millions. I fell outside the terms of the settlement, so its tough luck and $0. The repair will cost at least $7K, up to $12K with used parts. This flaw affects 911s also. Because this is a possible outcome, I will never buy another Porsche. Buy a Honda!

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  Great performance, poor reliability - 2005 Porsche Cayenne
  By Gustavo - February 12 - 1:26 am

  This SUV is a dream to drive. The handling is superb and the feeling of comfort and security are incredible. However, I had to: 1. Reprogram the software several times, 2. Replace a solenoid in the transmission (hard painful "clunk" when decelerating), 3. Replace crankshaft because of defective rubber housing, 4. cheap plastic parts in the interior keep braking at minor touch, 5. PCM2 system screen went bad after 60,000 miles. According to the dealer and my mechanic, all of the above problems seem to be common for the 2005 model. I hope that Porsche is listening. Would I buy another Cayenne again? Absolutely yes. The pleasure of driving one far exceeds the pain of repairing it.

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  gotta get one! - 2001 Porsche Boxster
  By Rick, Williamsville - February 7 - 1:26 am

  Very fun car to drive because of its looks, speed, and handling. It is definitely a head turner. The engine power is good with excellent passing gear acceleration. Great interior design as you can actually speak to one another with the top down at any speed. One of the best sports cars I have owned or have been in. Instrument panel is plain and all controls easy to get to.

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  Porsche, mispronounced & misunderstood - 2005 Porsche Cayenne
  By Joe - February 5 - 3:10 pm

  The Porsche Cayenne is an exciting vehicle because it is a Porsche. It goes over bumps badly and the legroom in the back could be roomier. It is awkward to get to the cup holders in the front which are too small for an average water bottle but perfect for fountain drinks or an evian. As far as driving goes it is a great ride. The speed of this vehicle is wasted on a stay at home mom such as myself. However, I bought mine for prestige alone. I am too cute for a minivan so this five seater accommodates me and my 4 kids comfortably. The looks and stares I get from people was worth the cost alone, that and the cool key. I would definately rate the Cayenne as an appropriate dream/practical car.

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  Fun, but costly... - 2003 Porsche Boxster
  By tice75 - January 8 - 5:06 pm

  I was fortunate enough to own this vehicle for about 18 months. I bought it in 2007 with 5500 miles on it and put close to 20k on it in the year and a half that I owned it. It was near new! This car is incredibly fun to drive and the pick up is amazing. Being 64" tall, I was reasonably comfortable, but on long trips, a good stretch after a couple of hours is helpful. My overall ownership experience was OK, but it was rather expensive to own. I probably wouldnt buy another Porsche again.