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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  Ultimate Design Sports Car - 2008 Porsche Cayman
  By SM - May 3 - 6:03 am

  So far I have put 300miles on the car. The car turns heads every where I go. The sports exhaust note is incredible. The glossy with matte strips is very flashy and spruce. Aside from the visual appeal, performance is incredible.

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  Get a Boxster - 2003 Porsche Boxster
  By jkoontz - April 29 - 10:00 am

  Fun car, like a real sports car; turns and stops on a dime and give change. Top down and wind in hair cant be beat, it too hot or cold or heaven forbid, raining top goes up and you have climite control. Almost affordable, fantastic warrenty but does break down every now and then. If you wanted a Lotus Elise that you can get into and out of with out stepping on the seat or having to be a cork-screw, this is it.

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  Makes Going to Work FUN! - 2003 Porsche Boxster
  By glenndawntodd - April 29 - 10:00 am

  Awesome handling and acceleration make going to work in this beauty absolutely worthwhile. Triptronic transmission is state of the art.

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  Boxster S - Get your sToday!!!!! - 2003 Porsche Boxster
  By pewee0ne - April 29 - 10:00 am

  Hands down the best car I have ever owned. A blast to drive and handles like a race car.

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  Excelante - 2003 Porsche Boxster
  By shikabobbi - April 29 - 10:00 am

  ITS AN AMAZING CAR, BUY IT!

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  2003 Porsche Boxster S - 2003 Porsche Boxster
  By Conan Da Destroyer - April 29 - 10:00 am

  The Boxster S has great roadster type feel. The car has ample but not overwhelming accelertion, is a kick on a windy mountain road and is comfortable, even on long road trips. The Bose sound system is a worthwhile upgrade. True to Porsches reputation the braking on this car is excellent. Operating the power top is a snap and the car has quite a bit of storage for a two seater. This is my second Porsche, the first being a standard Boxster. The S is an altogether different car and worth the extra money.

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  Fun and fantastic to drive. - 2003 Porsche Boxster
  By FloridaRI - April 29 - 10:00 am

  This is the second Porsche Boxster I have owned. The 1997 model was fun and fantastic but had a poor convertible roof design. The 2003 model that I now have is just put together wonderfully. The engine has plenty of performance, the interior much nicer than the previous Boxster, and the handling is just simply one of the best. Oh, yes, the roof design seems to work flawlessly.. A famous person once said "never fall in love with a car". Each day when I put the key in the ignition I fail. You will love this car.

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  Guards Red Boxster - 2003 Porsche Boxster
  By BoxsterBabe - April 29 - 10:00 am

  Not only is this car fun to drive but I find it is incrediably safe. This car will stop on a dime and accelerate quickly out of tight spots. My next car will be a Boxster!

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  My Other Car is a Porsche - 2003 Porsche Boxster
  By J. Zatti - April 29 - 10:00 am

  The design of the Boxster utilizes every square inch of space to provide the best in technology, ergonomics, and performance. The brakes are the best I have ever encountered and match the acceleration performance. The mid- engine design gives a near perfect balance no matter what the speed or road configuration.

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  Great Car - 2003 Porsche Boxster
  By Carolyn Smith - April 29 - 10:00 am

  Great car, fun to drive...Nothing more to say other than its a great value for a porsche