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:

• 

  After 4 years - Id do it again - 2003 Porsche Boxster
  By LemmyCaution - February 5 - 10:00 am

  The Boxster Im reviewing is actually a 99. 1999 was not an option in the pulldown. After four years, Id buy another Boxster. Ive driven the new Boxster is great. I guess at some point, Ill buy an S but mine still has less than 40,000 miles and is still as solid as day one. In Los Angeles traffic, with a 5 speed, it is a delight to drive. Driving home is the perfect antidote for a long day at the office, top down full moon over the Pacific. Plenty of luggage space for a long weekend 4/2 including golf bags. For what it is - a simple roadster for the 21st century - this is a perfect car and a credit to Porsche.

• 

  Cayenne Rocks! - 2006 Porsche Cayenne
  By smcayenne - February 4 - 2:05 am

  I bought my 2006 CPO in 2010 and love it. It has been incredibly reliable and it drives like a sports sedan. It is the perfect size-plenty of room but I dont feel like Im driving a bus. It is incredibly responsive, great acceleration and power and true 4wd.

• 

  How much for one that works - 2008 Porsche 911
  By maxxx - February 1 - 11:36 pm

  I have owned porsches since 1982, great cars, but what has happened to the quality. Buttons now fall off, electrical system fails - try losing your headlights at 65 on a windy road at midnight (I dont believe they switched to Lucas-but.....) and customer service that talks nice and does nothing. I just dont know, its a blast to drive, but then again, it is a porsche, but then again, its not the porsche I fell in love with

• 

  Super-fun car - 2000 Porsche Boxster
  By Dan Harris - January 31 - 11:43 am

  We live in Eugene Oregon, 45 miles from the coast. Thats 45 curvy miles. What an absolute blast it is go there and back. Riding north and south on the coast highway, with the roof off, side windows up, and a little floor heat going - you cant beat it! The handling and accelleration is unbelievable!

• 

  A wonderful true sports car - 2015 Porsche Boxster
  By Robert - January 26 - 9:05 pm

  I traded a 13 boxster s for a 2014 991... Always wanted a new body style..the 991 was really awful in all the areas the 2015 boxster s is fantastic.Ride,comfort,..991 could feel every crack in the road..loudly..annoying !..the boxster 6 speed is so perfect in fit..Im 62" and the 14 way seats put the driver in a perfect position to grasp the stick,and then simply touch the PCM to change to what ever format ..media,radio..My 2013 boxster s was built for track..PTV,Pasam,sports exhaust ..this 2015 was built with full leather,blk.Well worth the $$ Burmester stereo..Carmine Red..20"turbo wheels..a fabulous ride..and 40k less than a 991!! Enjoy

• 

  Porsche Panamera 4S - 2010 Porsche Panamera
  By Porschefan - January 24 - 9:23 am

  Just purchased this car after months of research, test drives and deliberation. This car is absolutely phenomenal! It has all of the basic Porsche characteristics that every fan loves, but with heavy dose of luxury, quiet and comfort. When the car is is Sport Plus mode, the engine literally growls-- displaying plenty of torque. The styling is unique and was probably the biggest hurdle for me, personally. However, once you drive the car, you cant wipe the smile off your face. Its just that good!

• 

  Love You Cayenne S - 2004 Porsche Cayenne
  By mafore - January 18 - 2:00 am

  This is the PERFECT CAR all built into one. It has the space and dominance on the road like and SUV. It has the grace, comfort, and roominess of a LUXURY 4 DOOR SEDAN. It has the engine, drive, and sound of a SPORT COUP. Great Bose Stereo!

• 

  First Porsche - 2003 Porsche Boxster
  By Wais - January 13 - 3:46 am

  This is my first Porsche and a dream come true. I love every minute of driving it, washing it, and detailing it. I was afraid of getting a Porsche for all the horror stories you hear; expensive, costly maintenance, costly parts, unreliable etc. I bought it used with a 3/36,000 premium warranty and only 24K miles at under $28k! You cant get an average Japanese or American car for that price. After checking Consumer Reports and JD Power and Associates ratings, I decided to get it. Get it and you wont regret it. Life is too short not to have fun. Just cover your basis with a warranty, low mileage, and Carfax, then live life!

• 

  4 Wheel Drive System - 2008 Porsche Cayenne
  By 4 wheel Drive - January 10 - 8:40 am

  I recently purchased my Cayenne in October. The dealer told me there was no speed limit driving in 4 wheel high. This is not true. I find the 4 wheel drive system to be lacking in Cayenne. The shifting is jerky and there is a big delay when starting from a standstill. The system should also be shift on the fly. You can lock the diffentials when moving, up to a certain speed but the car must be in neutral. The 4 wheel drive system in my 1999 jeep wrangler is far superior. My thought is this is basically a sports car with all wheel drive. It handles great and rides well. However, if you want to go off road you are better off with a jeep. Fit and finish on mine are excellent.

• 

  1st Porshe - 2000 Porsche 911
  By JG - January 9 - 9:46 pm

  If you have never owned a Porsche. You should at least once in your life. It is not just a car it is pure man and machine made whole in one. It is perfection. Want to go fast in a straight line buy a Vette; want an experience buy the Porsche.