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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  Update on my previous rating above... - 2018 Porsche Panamera
  By M.S. - June 6 - 1:30 am

  Now reliability is becoming an issue. Rear passenger carpet buckling for no reason. Computer system completely crashed while driving to work causing total blackout of PCM and shift lights. Second key fob has been replaced once already with this one failing as well. Drink holder rubber falling off after one use of a small VOSS water bottle. There is also a known issue with window tint on the Panamera for a few years now. (Since Ive never liked the prior I never paid too much attention.) Apparently the inner window guides scratch the tint. Front doors only really on my car. Mine isnt bad but I have a perfectly etched line on both of my front windows tint now. There are no proven fixes, either live with it or dont tint. Some people have horrible multi-scratches on their tint making it look awful. So Porsche hooked my car up to their computer and found a fault but have to report to headquarters in Germany for what to do. Hmmmmm $185k for a car I drive to work and all this?? Not too happy. It is a 2018 model as well.

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  best car Ive ever owned - 2005 Porsche Cayenne
  By randy hunt - June 5 - 4:53 am

  This is by far the best car Ive ever owned. All around it is the best in every category. I had a Tiptronic twin turbo 911, and for a sports car that was the best. The Cayenne is just as much fun to drive. My only regret is that I did not buy the turbo version, but I thought Id send my daughter to a year in college instead.

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  Great car - 2017 Porsche Macan
  By peter Ring - June 5 - 2:15 am

  Its simply more expensive than others in its class but it does drive so so well and it looks incredible.

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  2009 - 911 Carrera S with PDK - 2009 Porsche 911
  By Phil - June 2 - 2:03 am

  Being my first Porsche, it truly lives up to my expectations of a Premium Sports Car. The exterior design/look, as well as handling in combination with the "instant" acceleration available is truly fantastic. The PDK, along with the heated/ventilated seats and upgraded Bose sound system, make this car one that I always look forward to driving every day. The dealership and salesman that I worked with was extremely professional and did not apply any pressure to sell me a car even in light of this tough economy. They had no problem with me discussing maintenance issues directly with the mechanic staff and reviewing the prep work order/paperwork on the vehicle that I ultimately chose.

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  Is this heaven? - 2003 Porsche Boxster
  By ds2k1 - May 29 - 2:00 am

  Havent had my Boxster S long, but I cant imagine a better first impression. Handles unbelievably, has excellent power and torque, is absolutely gorgeous to look at, has an excellent amount of storage for its class, is pretty roomy inside, and provides about 95% of the thrills of a 911 cabrio for at least $30K less. And for me, it is an absolutely livable everyday driver, whereas the S2000 (the other car I considered) is not. If youre thinking about the Boxster, just do it - you wont regret it!

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  Confused SUV - 2011 Porsche Cayenne
  By itzsyk - May 26 - 1:07 pm

  Had this car for 5 months now, and I still regret not test driving it before signing the papers. Just got out of a RRS so I thought Id give the Cayenne a try. The car is stupid fast. Almost to the point where driving at limit speeds is very boring. But the biggest thing that gets me is....what is it? Its not an SUV and it certainly isnt a 911. Id rather go with a RR or X5 next time because if I wanted a sport car, Id go pick up a proper 2dr. Also, the Cayenne felt very similar to the Panamera, which in my opinion, does not know if its a sedan or a sports car as well.

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  Boxster S "A Hedonistic Dream" - 2000 Porsche Boxster
  By Claud in DC - May 24 - 10:00 am

  This car is the most fun to drive car I have ever owned. It isnt the quickest off the line and it isnt cheap. However, it is the best handling stock performance car available for under 55K and its a Porsche. The stability (even is adverse conditions) is remarkable and it has been reliable to boot thus far. Not cheap to maintain, but given the fact that maintenance is due every 15,000 miles makes the high price reasonable.

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  It only gets better - 2001 Porsche Boxster
  By T E Walker - May 24 - 10:00 am

  Driven 45,000 miles in 3 years. Snow, blizzard, sun and rain. Absolutely better each month Ive owned it.

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  quality not there - 2002 Porsche Boxster
  By knuckles - May 22 - 10:00 am

  too many problems--rear seals seem to have problem on their bulletin boards, clutch is weak, hydraulic front hood that needs to be jumped to open if the battery is dead is a poor design feature

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  the best roadster out there - 2001 Porsche Boxster
  By oliver986 - May 22 - 10:00 am

  i have owned a 97 and a 99 boxster and for 01- they fixed all my minor complaints!love the new steering wheel, love the key fob access to both trunks. as always the engine and transmission are perfection. just buy one if youre thinking about it - you wont be disappointed!