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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  IDK - 2004 Porsche Cayenne
  By Stephanie0605 - November 26 - 9:56 pm

  This Suv is the best thing that has ever happened to me! I love driving the thing to and fro. My family and I love it so much we are going to buy my newly driving son one for his first car.

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  If you got it spend it - 2004 Porsche CARRERA GT
  By MusicisLife - November 23 - 2:00 am

  I love this car!!!! What else can I say

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  An SUV with real performance - 2005 Porsche Cayenne
  By RL - November 22 - 2:23 am

  Except for recalls, my 2005 Porsche Cayenne has been an excellent blend of luxury and performance. It is far more luxurious than than the Land Rover Range Rover. It gives great on and off road performance. It comes with most of the bells and whistles that the Lexus RX 330 has, but it is not quite as luxurious. My fuel economy has been better than expected. This vehicle feels and drives like a Porche. It is pretty amazing. The downside is two different sets of tires are required. Performance tires (obviously) cant handle the winter weather.

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  My second - 2009 Porsche 911
  By Lar - November 17 - 11:33 pm

  After having a boxster for a year I moved up to 911. This car is outstanding in every way. Fun to drive, great looking and handles like a dream. The PDK is outstanding and gives u the best of both. I also cant say enough about the dealer Hennessy, the most professional car people going.

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  My review - 2002 Porsche Boxster
  By djf_13 - November 9 - 2:00 am

  An absolute blast to drive!

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  Wonderful Boxster - 2003 Porsche Boxster
  By alwild - October 30 - 10:00 am

  I have a Tiptronic Boxster, which not an option in the dropdown. Even with Tiptronic, the gear shifting using the switches on the steering wheel is a dream and "I am in a racing car". I have wanted a Porsche all my life, and this makes my commute enjoyable for the first time. The engine is wonderful, the exhaust sound marvelous, and it as if the car is on rails when cornering. Lots of luggage space. Convertible top is easy to use. Great value for money and the best car I have ever had and a tribute to Porsche.

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  Its a Porsche.....what more to say??? - 2001 Porsche 911
  By kapmot - October 30 - 10:00 am

  Owing a Porsche is not a rational exercise.....it is completely emotional. Anyone who has ever dreamed of driving this wonderful piece of Teutonic engineering will not be disappointed. Yeah it costs a lot of money, but it is absolutely worth it.

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  Im In Love With My Car - 2007 Porsche Cayman
  By Bob B - October 28 - 6:13 pm

  I now know what Queen was singing about all those years ago. Fun does not begin to describe the driving experience. Heavy traffic has prevented me from really opening her up yet, but the couple times Ive been able to accelerate hard on to the highway I could not stop smiling from the sheer exhilaration. She sounds incredible, guys look at her with lust in their eyes and, like a previous reviewer, I catch myself looking back at her after I park her at night. I feel like Im dating a supermodel (German, of course).

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  2005 Cayenne - 2005 Porsche Cayenne
  By jm - October 28 - 12:06 pm

  The Cayennes V6 engine lacks some pickup, but thats not why I bought it. It is roomy and looks good.

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  Nirvana - 1995 Porsche 911
  By Fred Reiner - October 28 - 3:20 am

  My 1995 Porsche 911 Carrera is simply an amazing car. Its fast, handles beautifully, is sexy, basically bullet proof. Others will pay you to wash your car! Understand that this car requires upkeep (largely oil changes). Remember this cars engine is not only air cooled, its "oil cooled" too. it has a cozy cockpit, but its not that small, Im 61", 215# and I fit in just fine. My kids fit in the back too.