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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  great fun to drive, favorite car - 2006 Porsche Cayenne
  By prter w - February 15 - 11:10 am

  The Cayenne S has an incredible drive, has all the power one needs, and handles like Boxster. I love it. I also own a Mercedes-Benz S-Class, a Porsche Speedster, a BMW 650 convertable, a BMW X5 and a Lincoln Navagator. Nothing compares to the Cayenne.

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  2002 Porsche 911 C4S - 2002 Porsche 911
  By bl bl - February 8 - 7:16 am

  The 2002 Porsche 911 C4S is the best car to drive. It has amazing handling and compares to any Ferrari. It makes a good everyday car.

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  The Best Roadster! - 2006 Porsche Boxster
  By DCMike - February 7 - 5:26 am

  The 06 Porsche Boxster is the perfect roadster! There is no other....the tag line says it all. The Boxster is perfect!

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  Turn the radio off - 2008 Porsche Cayman
  By NewHope Girl - February 7 - 1:26 am

  I bought my 2008 Cayman S two months ago, have scored 2000 miles. Fun, fun to drive. The only down side is the sound system. It has intermittent bugs, which of course, the dealer can never recreate. I have a Bose in my other car, and know that it can sound much better.

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  perfect - 2003 Porsche Boxster
  By paul; - February 3 - 2:00 am

  for the price you cant do any better an amazing car.so fun to drive.

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  Too Fun For Words - 2000 Porsche Boxster
  By DogMeat - February 3 - 2:00 am

  Just bought mine used. Took it on a 1500 drive from Portland, OR to Denver. I had more fun than a person has a right to be. I couldnt stop smiling! I rode most of the way at around 100mph and topped out at 125mph. The Boxster S purred like a kitten! Cant imagine why Boxsters cost less than 911? I drove my friends 911 and although I like it, I found the Boxster just as fun!

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  Class Act - 2007 Porsche Cayman
  By dieseltaylor - February 1 - 8:13 pm

  Driving the Cayman s brilliant. Even sitting in it you feel 50% better for being alive. Everything is to hand switchgear wise, plenty of seat adjustment, good visibility. The responsiveness of the engine when you are already cruising at 80 reminds you that its really going at half speed. It is so solid on the road that even with side winds doing high speeds. Long bends where previous cars would go light at speed are no problem at all. The only drawback so far are the chips from small stones on the bonnet - well you cant have everything. I bought the plastic trays for the front and rear storage as recommended by the local Porsche Club chairman. Roll on the Panamera : )

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  My Cayenne - 2006 Porsche Cayenne
  By Betty Christopher - January 21 - 10:00 pm

  The 2006 Porsche Cayenne S Titanium Edition is an enjoyable and great driving vehicle!

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  30K Plus review - 2007 Porsche Cayman
  By Mark - January 21 - 3:20 pm

  This car is one of the best handling cars Ive ever had. I used to race a fully track prepared EVO VIII and the Cayman S is as close as cars come to that. Very exciting over 5200 RPM, plenty of torque and engine sound is aggressive, yet more refined than some kid with a coffee can import. Better yet, its a great daily driver with plenty of room for groceries, luggage and whatever else you could want (that was the tipping point for me between the Cayman and the 911).

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  Scream machine - 2004 Porsche 911
  By Porsche fan - January 19 - 1:33 am

  I have driven a 1989 Carrera cabriolet for years and loved the air cooled engine, style, and performance. I kept test driving Porsches.... 964s, 993s, and 996s. This was the car that sold me. However, Idid not want to sell the older car. Now, I have two.