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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  The best got better - 2004 Porsche 911
  By Spikey - October 24 - 10:00 am

  Having a 99 GT3 I wanted a new roadcar - with the idea of selling it if a good offer came in. 3 km drive in the new GT# - do not want to part with it. Everything seems better, from the geraschift to the power development to the ride quality. Top Car!!

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  arctic silver - 2003 Porsche 911
  By doncamero - October 21 - 12:46 pm

  Most beautiful exciting fast and superior handling.

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  Drove It for Fun...and Bought It - 2004 Porsche 911
  By puma - October 17 - 3:23 pm

  I was at my dealership replacing a bent rim on my 99 996. Wwhile waiting I test drove the 04 Porsche 911 C4S. Even though the salesperson said "were dealing on this last 04" I thought it would be "joy" ride to kill some time. Well the ride, speed and handling made me start thinking "how much of a trade could I get for the 996". First, this car is glued to the road. Youll have to drive off a bridge to get the back to come out. Second, the throttle is by far more responsive and the torque is very impressive compared to my 996. Third:, the new cabs are quieter than mine and the bose stereo is much better. Last, but not least, the car at high speeds (100+) keeps its front end glued. I bought it.

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  Insanely Fast - 2008 Porsche Cayenne
  By Lawrence - October 6 - 12:13 pm

  This is not an SUV. Its a sports car that merely looks like one. Acceleration and cornering performance are outstanding, and rival all but a handful of true sports cars. I wanted a 911 turbo, but live in the mountains and need a SUV. I dont feel Im missing out on the driving experience at all. New front end is beautiful and aggressive. Highly recommend it.

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  Exhilaration! - 2003 Porsche Cayenne
  By jamie83 - October 5 - 10:00 am

  This car will shave 10 years off your age faster than a White House intern. It does everything great - performance, handling, comfort, looks and gadgets. It gives the feel of total authority over the road. It is probably overpriced, but it is a better value to the equally priced S500 4MATIC. Life is short. Drive fast.

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  Great Car - 2003 Porsche Boxster
  By grantlax - October 5 - 10:00 am

  The 2.7 Boxster is a great value. When ordered with optional 17" wheels it can be purchased for close to $40,000. My car has performed very well. It is one of the best balanced cars I have ever driven.

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  Ultimate Sport "Utility" Vehicle - 2005 Porsche Cayenne
  By Ethan - October 1 - 8:20 am

  The Porsche Cayenne Turbo is the ultimate "utility" vehicle, being extremely capable on the road, offering good performance off-road, a good towing capacity of 7,700 lbs., and feeling good doing it all. Nothing else really compares to it. If you are not planning on taking advantage of this superb technology, I would suggest getting a BMW X5, Lexus RX350, or an Audi Q7. Most SUV owners never tow or take the vehicle off road, so save your money and shop elsewhere. Also, the Cayenne Turbo is equipped with high performance, soft Pirelli tires that wear quickly...something the customer needs to understand.

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  LOVE THE TURBO & EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS SUV! - 2004 Porsche Cayenne
  By kingr2r - October 1 - 3:22 am

  I have owned this super rocket for some time now and I have no complaints. If you can afford this car, I strongly suggest to buy one and you wont regret it. I got this car used at Princeton Porsche, NJ and the car was in immaculate condition, black on black w/ dark wood trimmings. It even smelled like new since the previous owner really took care of this baby. I also had the opportunity of owning a 2006 Range Rover Sport Supercharged (my review is also posted here in edmunds - My supercharged rover! By Rick Respicio on July 26, 2006 23:45pm) but it just cant compare to the Cayenne Turbo. The Cayenne is faster, sportier and more luxurious than the Rover. Test drive one and youll agree!

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  Drives like a Porsche - 2005 Porsche Cayenne
  By Lynnsey - September 29 - 4:46 pm

  I got a nail in my tire and had a flat at 45 mph in traffic.. it still drove like a Porsche as the tire was falling off the rim!!! It is simply amazing and so very much fun to drive or be seen in! People are always trying to see what it is or asking questions. It deserves all of the attention and it still is pure pleasure to drive or ride in! WTG PORSCHE!!! Not only am I proud of my car, it delivers on every thing a Porsche should be! I have a Boxster as well, but this is the car that goes everywhere for every occasion! Since it is spring, maybe the Boxster will have a better chance! Porsche is a family tradition.. because NO ONE DOES IT BETTER!

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  Beyond Compare - 2010 Porsche Panamera
  By rfretro - September 28 - 10:36 pm

  Simply nothing in its class. I have spend 6 months researching/driving all potential competitors and not one can claim to have all the attributes of the Panamera together at once. Interior is just superb. Although exterior styling is controversial it is truly unique and classy. Performance is sublime, just in case you were wondering.