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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  991.2=991*100! - 2017 Porsche 911
  By Pete - April 24 - 3:06 pm

  Owned a 2014 911 Cabrio for two years. Loved it, but a bit shy on torque/performance and lacked some essential safety equipment. Loved it with top down, but concerning blind spots with top up, particularly difficult to park without rear view camera. Targa reintroduced shortly after my 14 purchase; loved the lines on that car from first glance. Took delivery of a stunning graphite grey/white 17 Targa 4S last week. Amazing how different this new car is. Instant throttle response from any RPM, tracks even better than the 14, and new blind spot warning system coupled with rear view camera has removed any slight issues I had with the 14. A pleasure to drive whether softly cruising or driving hard. A true sport car that is an able touring driver combines to make an overall driving experience unlike any other. A head-turner worth every penny. At 64" this car has front room unlike any other I tested (tried them all).

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  M3 killer? - 2005 Porsche Boxster
  By tmc - April 19 - 9:46 am

  I owned an E46 BMW M3 convertible (current M3 for those who dont know) and this car blows it away. How can 276 hp beat 333? Its lighter and handles amazingly through the curves. I compared it to a Z4 3.0i and the Boxster S won hands down. Its hard to find the limits of this car in a turn, its just that planted. And the engine sounds great! My only regret is I wish I had gotten sport chrono for the remapped accelerator option, but thats not all that important in the scheme of things. Suggestion to anyone buying one: get a good radar dectector!

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  996 tt x50 - 2002 Porsche 911
  By ailich - April 17 - 2:00 am

  My fifth porsche including the 993 tt. This car removed much of the rawness of the car. The x50 package made an enormous difference. Although porsche claims 450 hp for the car, I have seen it test on a dyno closer to 500 hp. porsche is well known for understating their cars numbers. Wickedly fast with many creature comforts. No cars I have driven have come close to the shear power i feel when driving The x50 package is well worth its hefty pricetag. Definately. I understand that the gemballa exhaust will push it over 500 hp. A definate keeper

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  Best yet - 2002 Porsche 911
  By 177MPH - April 17 - 2:00 am

  This 996 is the best "911" yet. Great blend of handling, speed and comfort. Truly an "adult" sports car. Class and panache.

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  Finest Automobile made - 2005 Porsche 911
  By royalpar1 - April 15 - 7:10 am

  This is the finest auto made, hand made, and the fun factor is thru the roof. Where can you get a street legal race car which is affordable to drive?

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  Boxster Fun - 2006 Porsche Boxster
  By Mitch - April 13 - 1:46 pm

  The Boxster is a fun to drive car. I have an automatic. The ride is firm and it hugs the road.The top is a breeze to put down and the windows lower when ever you open the door or put the top down. It gets manny a looks by other drivers and it has get up and go with a push of the pedal. This is such a great car that we ordered a second one for my wife .

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  10 - 2000 Porsche Boxster
  By guest - April 12 - 2:00 am

  What can be said for heaven on earth? Insurance costs stink but I can not blame Porsche for that!

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  Amazing! - 2005 Porsche 911
  By Steven - April 7 - 5:53 am

  This car is simply amazing. It is the best sports car under $100,000, bar none. It is fast, holds the road better than most, and the steering is telepathic.This is my first Porsche, and now I understand all the hype.

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  99 911 is sweeet - 1999 Porsche 911
  By hindu - April 6 - 10:00 am

  i had a 2002 m3 and this is a true sports car and everything pales in comparison

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  This car cant miss.... - 2004 Porsche Boxster
  By Car Expert - April 2 - 4:46 am

  If its the best sports car convertible for the money you are looking for...the Boxster is the car to get. It out handles most every other automobile on the road...including some exotics! While the "S" model is the one to own if extra horsepower is what you want...the standard Boxster has plenty of power to dust off most wanna be sports cars....like their marketing campaign says...Porsche..there is no substitute!