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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  True Love - 2002 Porsche 911
  By Gudencaren - February 3 - 10:00 am

  This car is incredible. The best comment that I heard about it from passengers is that it "sticks to the road like bubble gum". They missed a lot of small details with the car, but the performance is right on.

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  fast powerful expensive - 2004 Porsche Cayenne
  By asl - January 31 - 10:00 am

  Fun to drive with amazing acceleration and braking. Thrilled with car, less so with service and cost of service. Need snow tires if you live where it snows. Too much torque for all weather tires. Handles well in snow with the snow tires. You either love or hate the look. I love it. Porsche has a driver training school in Birmingham( a day for off road and a day at the track. Expensive but recommended

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  A Fun Vehicle - 2005 Porsche Cayenne
  By Mark S Totten - January 25 - 7:13 am

  I was torn in buying the 6 cyl over the 8 cyl "S" based on I felt I would lose a lot of overall performance. Although this vehicle would primarily be used by my wife and toddler, I did look forward to taking it out from time to time to really see what its able to do. To my surprise, even the 6 cyl had ample power and felt like a true performance vehicle. What a nice looking SUV and so fun to drive.

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  Jekyl and Hyde - 2006 Porsche 911
  By Dave - January 25 - 6:36 am

  The performance and handling are spectacular - effortlessly fast, solid, sure and nimble. On the track at the Porsche Driving Experience, the capabilities of this exceptional machine are revealed to the drivers. Even after a day of on-track training, a few hot laps with the instructors at the wheel show that only a fraction of the 911s abilities will be ever tested on the street by us mere mortals. This car is personal; it fits like a fine leather glove. The controls are simple and intuitive, once programmed for driver preferences.

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  Graet car - 2004 Porsche Cayenne
  By bhb - January 24 - 10:00 am

  great car fun to drive

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  Great Car - Sick for 7 seven years - 1999 Porsche 911
  By Torresdale - January 20 - 10:00 am

  Porche 911 bright yellow was a dream come true.My oldest sun talked me into purchasing this car even though he drove most of the miles. MY son pulled into the garage(always garaged,no just rust) scratched lower bumper guard. Michael Peleberg,mgr.of service at Bryan Mawr is so detail oriented and a terrific person One critical comment is the car required the original set and 2 other sets of tires and this was not right.Car had required maintainces,so misaligned or balanced tires wasnt cause. I dont think youll find a 99 Porsche Carrera with 13,500 miles. Im getting better(finally) and will probably get another porsche.My wife doesnt like yellow. Sorry cordially To

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  Moms Porsche - 2004 Porsche Cayenne
  By imCPAmom - January 20 - 10:00 am

  The longer Ive had the Cayenne, the more I love it!

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  Major Electonics problems - 2009 Porsche Cayenne
  By Great - BUT - BAD el - January 17 - 6:33 pm

  This is the BEST driving car I have ever had, BUT the PCM does not work. It resets every 3 min and Porsche does NOT have a fix. It has been over 4 months and still no fix. My understanding that ALL top level Porsches have this problem. Too bad because it is the best driving car I have ever had. I will not buy another.

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  996 GT2 Aero - 2000 Porsche 911
  By Donnie C - January 16 - 2:00 am

  I really love driving this car. I still get excited avery time I go to the garage to drive it. I have other cars to use, but I am always drawn to the 996. I had a 993 prior to this one, and really think they did a great job with the new design. A little less raw sports car, but great overall. I love the Tiptronic transmission.

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  Im in heaven! - 1999 Porsche 911
  By Kenny G - January 14 - 1:23 pm

  This is my first Porsche. Never even considered buying one until I saw this black on black one looking brand new at the dealership. This car is 10 years old but doesnt look or drive more than a year old. It is fast, sleek,eye catching, and I love it.