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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  05 Cayenne S after 47,000 miles - 2005 Porsche Cayenne
  By JB - June 1 - 10:56 pm

  I have the 2005 Cayenne S with 19" wheels. The odometer is about to turn 47,000 miles. I love my Cayenne. It has a few quirks that the the 2nd generation cayenne has addressed such as touchy brakes, Super stiff rear suspension. I have had a few service items that the dealer has address. The best part of owning this car is driving this car. It is a fun car to drive period. The car handles and corners great. The engine sounds cool too. It actually drives like a Porsche. I own a 997 2S. If you like to drive, you need the S, GTS or Turbo version. The 6 cylinder is too underpowered for the cars weight.

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  Driving Impressions - 2004 Porsche 911
  By idssms - June 1 - 2:00 am

  Purchased new in 1995 a C2 Carerra and sold it in 1999. Thought I could be happy with Mustangs, Vettes and Camaros, I was wrong. Could not live without the 911, purchased one last month at HBL at Tysons and absolutely love it. Been on Fun Runs with it on the back Va country roads really putting the car to the test and it passed with flying colors. Porsche is a standard that sets the levels for all other sports cars.

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  Boxster S Fun, but not best for $60k - 2002 Porsche Boxster
  By Tim Gaither - May 30 - 2:00 am

  Bought Boxster S preowned w/9k miles. Great looks and top easy to drop. Tiptronic acceleration not to good - 0- 60 at 5.9 secs. Handling is cars strength. Interior is very plain even with sport touring package. Cabin is a little tight for me at 6" 3". Still fun to drive. Wish engine compartment was easier to access.

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  AWESOME - 2001 Porsche 911
  By bobcat - May 30 - 2:00 am

  awesome

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  silver bullet= rattling beer can - 2002 Porsche 911
  By car fan - May 30 - 2:00 am

  This is a fast and capable car. I traded my 1995 for this vehicle. Mechanically this car is a better sports car. Quality is not good at all on the interior. Rattles all over the place The mechanics have spent a lot of time doing the interior produciton corrections that porsche should have done better at the factory. I do not expect a totally quiet convertable on 30 series tires, but clearly a 90K car should be better than this. The Boxters they have been nice enough to give as loaners show better interior quality control.

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  My First Porsche - 2007 Porsche Cayman
  By ron - May 25 - 12:56 pm

  I have had many Corvettes, all of which were maintenance nightmares. I moved on to the 2004 350Z, which never cost me a dime and delivered lots of performance and pleasure. I wanted to move up to Porsche and liked the mid-engine design. I love the sound this car gives to you with each gear change. It handles better than my Z and is just a touch faster.

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  Porsche Boxster - 2004 Porsche Boxster
  By msy - May 21 - 10:00 am

  Great car for the value. Gets lots of looks. I would recommend spending the extra cash for an S model, because the regular lacks the punch...

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  Boxster - 2000 Porsche Boxster
  By SSS - May 21 - 10:00 am

  Excellent fun. Needs more power. Excellent handling. Some rattles.

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  Very nice interior - 2010 Porsche Panamera
  By Robert - May 18 - 9:10 pm

  This car has the nicest interior of any I have been in. You feel like you are wrapped in luxury. I would live in it if I could. I especially like the Yachting interior. It has alternating multicolored words in the console. Very nice is an understatement. Lots of buttons and a touch screen navigation. The power is also more than adequate on the “S” version.

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  My 11th Porsche - 2006 Porsche Cayenne
  By Gene Bussian - May 16 - 11:16 pm

  In 1955 I purchased my first Porsche. I have had a 356s, a912, a 911 Targa and two RS Spyders. I raced them all. Comparing an SUV with these sports cars might seem hard, but the Cayenne S is really a Porsche at heart. It can corner and brake with ease. The ride has three adjustments with my air suspension. It is the finest automobuile I have ever owned or driven. There is no spare tire...but then could I really change 20" wheels by myself?