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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  It just felt right - 2007 Porsche Cayman
  By bhegg - April 23 - 10:00 am

  Ah, what a car. I tested several others - STi, Vette, 335i, 370Z. This is the only one that felt just right. Came from a 06 Miata so I didnt want a large car. This had the power, sound, handling, looks...everything. Its just right for me. Sometimes I just wish it had a backseat so I could share the experience w/ more than 1 other person at a time. I have the Carmon Red and its a beauty but Im actually surprised at the smiles I get. She definitely holds her own at track days as well of course. Yes, the cup holders seem rather delicate and not well placed - thats why I dont use them. The xenon headlights are very good and Im happy w/ the stereo. Certified warranty is excellent too!

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  Great Handling Ride - 2008 Porsche Cayenne
  By dj - April 23 - 3:23 am

  I got my Cayenne base tip with Nav, Bose, Auto Climate, Park Assist, among other options. The climate control is a bit inflexible, but one can learn to modify setting to allow it to be shut off for heating and AC, The park assist sensors for the front are too sensitive or erratic. The Bose speakers are great and a must-have since the standard system is awful. The overall ride is wonderful in handling and braking. We are getting 18-19 mpg for overall driving with about 40% highway. On a recent road trip between northern and southern California Driving 75-80 mph on the highway, we got 20.5mpg. Our car is white and the Cayenne plaque was black and looked cheap so we removed it.

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  I love this car - 1998 Porsche 911
  By C2SOwner - April 19 - 2:00 am

  Heres the truth: you will never find a car thats more fun to drive. Period. If you want a luxury car, however, dont buy a porsche. The interior is spartan. The car creaks and croaks and makes other interesting noises. Theres no cupholder or other modern accutrements. And the dashboard layout defies logic (you cant even see the AC/Heat controls because they are blocked by the steering wheel). But you will stick to the road. And can take a sharp right at 60. And if you see 6th gear, youre probably going 100 (not that youd even notice).

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  Cayenne S - 2004 Porsche Cayenne
  By Cayenne Guy - April 19 - 2:00 am

  A Porsche in power and performance with the added off-road ability and towing capability that is simply unmatched anywhere else. The build quality is fantastic, the look and feel is great, its fun to drive, is safe and practical, if also a little pricey. The ride quality is a little stiff, but not overly so, just stay away from the 20 inch tires with the short sidewalls.

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  I love this car for going on trips. - 2004 Porsche Cayenne
  By J-Unit - April 19 - 2:00 am

  You will love driving this car. It ay be expewnsive but its the best

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  911 Turbo - 2009 Porsche 911
  By Turbo - April 16 - 12:06 pm

  Right now i have a Ferrari F430 and Im leasing this 911 turbo (after Vette Z06 leased over) when I was Young my dream car was 911 turbo. So here it is 911 turbo. There was NO "WOW". Its ok to me. I think Porsche needs new revolution. It seems to me they have not changed any big past 7-8 yrs. Come on, Nissan Skyline beats 911 turbo with half of the price . I know what everybody think "what about quality of the car" well, its not that great for THIS PRICE RANGE, maybe if $40k (with opt.) less... Handling is outstanding (much better than Z06). Acceleration, brake, and quality of car are ok (based on the price).

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  Fatal Attraction!! - 2002 Porsche 911
  By Frank - April 16 - 1:56 am

  What can I say more. The title says it all! I finally got my dream car and it was absolutely worth the wait! I have a triple black 911 and I look forward each week for the Fridays, the Saturdays, and the Sundays to take her out for a run!! Thank you Porsche!!

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  2012 Porsche Cayman R is the next great classic!! - 2012 Porsche Cayman
  By Broward - April 13 - 7:40 am

  I have owned several Porsches including twin turbo 911s and driven Lambos, Ferraris and Nissan GTRs. The Cayman R is more fun than anything I have driven. It completely connects you with the road more than these other exotics. My guess is the value of the Cayman R has bottomed out as of mid 2017 so now is the time to buy one!

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  Nearly perfect - 1997 Porsche 911
  By John D, Berkeley - April 11 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Targa as a year-old car with 12k miles. This car does so many things well that it would be hard to criticize anything. I have used it as one would a Camry for the last four years. The car now has 52k miles and hasnt let me down once. The Targa is my daily commuter for a 100 mile round- trip commute in the Bay Area. It also takes me up and down California Highway one from Monterey to San Luis Obispo. The fact that it does both things equally well should tell you everything you need to know about this car.

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  The BEST all round vehicle - 2010 Porsche Panamera
  By Chris S. - April 9 - 8:40 pm

  This vehicle is for the typical daily Sunday driving, (relaxed, cruising) as well as the driver that is hitting the pedal to the metal every chance possible. The Panamera has multiple settings, for the mood of driving. The standard is very laxed such as a 7 series BMW and the 2 levels of sport and Sport plus will pin you to the end of your seat. The interior is very impressive as much as the exterior in my opinion. I feel very in control. The seats contour your back and all buttons are there in direct reach for the driver. The Panamera is fun and in my eyes one of the best looking cars on the road. I have had about every high end vehicle or at least driven them all and this by far is best.