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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  Porsche has paint issues! - 2006 Porsche Cayenne
  By kb - April 9 - 12:43 pm

  I just purchased my first Porsche. I traded a beatiful Lexus GX470 that I wish I had back. Although the Porsche is fun to drive and I like the look, I have had several issues with the flat black paint. You can breathe on the paint and it scratches. It is only two months old and looks worse than most cars that are years old. The dealership has tried to put a band- aide on it and they keep cleaning it up really pretty. I am afraid to see what this car looks like in 6 months to a year. I cannot believe that a company like Porsche would offer such a poor quality paint! This should not even be an option!

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  2003 911 cabrio - 2003 Porsche 911
  By Jersey Guy - April 9 - 10:00 am

  Recently acquired a used 2003 911 cabriolet that was traded in on a 2004 C4S cab. The word outstanding does not do justice to the car. Fit, finish, ride, handling, acceleration, and the "oh wow" factor are simply first-rate. In the 40 years I have been driving my 2000 Boxster and the 03 911 cabriolet are simply the finest cars I have ever owned or driven. The 00 Boxster was flawless. It was never in the shop for anything other than the most routine of maintenance. The new car gives evidence of having the same quality built in. For me, the Prosche advertising slogan: "Porsche, there is no substitute" is spot on.

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  What could be better - 2004 Porsche CARRERA GT
  By Homie - April 2 - 10:00 am

  This veichal makes me look and feel younger. I can rely on this car to get me from point a to point b. The cost well that is a different story but I have been saving for a car like this since I was sixtenn and now at the age of 43 I can afford it easily not a high price if you look at all of the cars features.

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  catch me if you can - 2000 Porsche Boxster
  By r.t.batky - March 30 - 2:00 am

  great cornering ,handeling,speed.no legroom

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  Dependable Daily Driver - Thats Sexy - 1999 Porsche 911
  By PorscheGuy - March 25 - 10:20 am

  All sports cars offer some degree of fun, often coming with a high Cost of maintenance. The Porsche company has refined the 911 over so many years that no other sports car can match the dependability of the 911. Turn the key and it goes every time and Oh yeah the fun factor is off the chart not to mention the head turning from those wanting to be you. I have had eight Porsches mostly air cooled but starting with the 996 Porsche raised the bar. If you want a true sports car you can drive every day get a Porsche - because it really stinks when the mechanic spends more time with your ride then you do!

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  Little Fast Tank - 2002 Porsche 911
  By goodtogo - March 22 - 6:43 pm

  I drive it to work everyday depending on which office between 20 and 60 miles. I cant get over how solid and rigid it is, just like a fast tank. I put one O2 sensor in it (it has four) and an oil separator thats it, except for tires.

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  The Review of the Porshe Boxter - 2003 Porsche Boxster
  By Lissa Green - March 14 - 10:00 am

  I love this car.Its the best car ever.I think that everybody needs to get one of these cars.They have excellent handling-even on slick roads- ,they run great, and the design is great also.the only thing that I do not like about mine is that it is a 5 speed I would much rather have an automatic.Thank you for reading this review.

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  Great - 2003 Porsche Boxster
  By TriGem - March 8 - 2:00 am

  Greatest Sports car for the price, Nothing can compare. Never driven a car that has everything i wanted such as Power, Torque, Style, and being fun to drive. Would recomend it to anyone lookin for a sports car

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  PostAlimony Thrill - 2000 Porsche Boxster
  By threeputtsnomore - March 8 - 2:00 am

  I studied and shopped for this car for literally months before I found the right one. Ocean blue/metropol with almost all of the bells/whistles. My patience was rewarded by the euphoria of a fun-to-drive head-turner that will run all day without breathing hard. The Tiptronic is great for both wife and me (bad backs)and we look forward to years of fun with our Boxster.

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  Cayenne S - 2004 Porsche Cayenne
  By sandmed - March 8 - 2:00 am

  I have enjoyed the Cayenne S and can highly recommend it. I tried out BMW X5 4.6, Range Rover, Lexus GX/LX470, and Toureg V8. I have occasional towing requirements and carry 4 passengers routinely. The Cayenne has the best engine, transmission, and suspension of that group, and its interior design and luxury is on par, too. Several strangers have stopped me and raved about its good looks but its the driving experience that hooked me. Its a blast!