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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  Tight and Nimble - 2006 Porsche Boxster
  By Craig Dickinson - February 25 - 12:00 pm

  This car seems to be well thought out with easy to see displays and a trip computer that provides exceptional trip information. It is fast off the mark, smooth at speeds over 70 mph, and sticks to corners like glue. I use for business trips <250 miles. The two trunks are still small, but I find that, with creativity, all needed items can be stored. The two coat hooks on the back of the seats let me store my suit coat. The seating positioning is comfortable, but only for those who are 6 feet tell and under. I suggest adding protective coating (option) to protect front and wheel areas from nicks from stones, etc.. I have put 2,300 miles on mine in 10 days, enjoying the journey as much as destination! Buy it!

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  The Benchmark of Sports Cars - 2003 Porsche 911
  By John933xx - February 23 - 10:00 am

  This car defines what a sports car should be! Superb acceleration, ride and handling. Very comfortable on long trips for 2 people. Windscreen makes top-down driving a joy. AC and Bose sound are right up to snuff. Car is a dream at 80 to 100 MPH. Quiet for a convertible.

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  40th Anniversary - 2004 Porsche 911
  By solarwinds - February 22 - 6:36 am

  Love this 40th Anniversary 911... It is a blast to drive and been reliable driving all over east coast... Rides great for a true sports muscle car. Ice cold A/C I did change the Navigation Head unit. The car is beautiful a head turner acceleration is instant in any gear the clutch is crisp...

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  All the Porsche you need - 2006 Porsche 911
  By Phil - February 18 - 4:16 pm

  A fantastic car, very fast, incredible handling, wonderful quality. I have owned other Porsches and BMWs, but this car never fails to impress me, a real treat to drive.

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  so much power - 2003 Porsche Cayenne
  By xanga - February 17 - 10:00 am

  Man i love this Suv i used to own a 2000 Bmw X5 that was a good car but this one is way better. their is too much eletronics i dont even know how to use but i like the navi.but i dont know if this Cayenne has a rollover senor.but over all this car is the bomb!

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  responsiveness: an extension of self - 2003 Porsche 911
  By tomas - February 17 - 10:00 am

  Thus is foremost a drivers care. The handeling is superb. It can be used for an everyday driver as well as a weekend sports car. While I purchased the convertibe triptronic, I would recommend a fully optioned coupe from a value standpoint. One of the few cars purchased where I cant wait to purchase my next Porsche. You will be happy, very happy.

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  Street Legal Race Car - 2005 Porsche 911
  By Silver GT3 - February 13 - 1:33 am

  Just one thing comes to mind everytime I drive my GT3. Incredible. To be able to drive a Cup car on the streets is a real treat. The sound of the engine is mesmerizing. I find myself shifting at high RPM each time just to hear it. The acceleration, brakes and handling are out of this world. I had a 2003 996 Carrera before this and it is night and day difference. This car is very rough and loud, but that is what I like about it. It is the essence of a Porsche and pure driving pleasure. My only regret is that I didnt get one sooner. Everyone Ive taken out on a ride is spellbound. My wife makes me take her out at least twice per week. Get one and enjoy it.

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  Best sports car for a value - 2004 Porsche Boxster
  By ken - February 12 - 4:10 pm

  Possitive: Great handling(better than 911), comfortable ride(17inch wheels),lovely sweet engine sound, well built body. Getting better every year. Negative: 5 speed manual, expensive oputions. Truely best buy pure sports car. No other cars come close around this price range.Why buy 911.

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  Maintenance money pit! - 2003 Porsche Cayenne
  By Sacha - February 12 - 6:36 am

  This is a great fast SUV, but thats about it. The fuel mileage is terrible at average of 10 mpg for street driving. The worst part is the cost of maintenance. This has become a money with average $5000 in yearly repairs after 60K miles. Brakes cost $1400 every year. The 60K mile service costs $2500. Things start to break that are not covered by 100k Porsche maintenance warranty at average of $1800. I would stay away from this car unless you like paying Porsche for service.

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  987S Absolutely Rocks! - 2006 Porsche Boxster
  By JJD - February 9 - 3:56 am

  I have had mine for nine months and this car is a blast to drive! It has a sweet exhaust note, terrific performance, and it is stunning from all angles. I completed my first autocross event and was amazed at how good this car is. The steering, braking, and handling were astonishing. I couldnt get the back end to break loose and believe me I tried! For a fun day find a windy road, drop the top, turn up the Bose stereo, and just blast through the gears. This car is a great stress reliever after a long day in the office. I chose 18" wheels due to the terrible road surfaces here in the Northeast because the 19s tend to have a slightly harsher ride.