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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  If you can Afford One, Buy It - 2000 Porsche 911
  By Thomas - January 10 - 10:56 am

  I have had several air cooled Porsche 911s and this first water cooled auto is a blast to drive and own. It has great handling and awesome excelleration through the gears. It can easily handle the C4 Corvettes and most of the tricked out Hondas and Subarus that arent too tuned up. I dont waste the gas on the new 350ZXs that pull up and want to go at it. A lot of people tailgate you out of jealousy, but you get used to it and just slow down to aggravate them. Through the twisties, nothing out there can keep up with you as long as you stay on the gas pedal, the handling is phenomenal. I am going to sell this car soon and upgrade to a late model 996 Turbo.

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  2011 Porsche Panamera 4 - 2011 Porsche Panamera
  By Porsche_lover - January 9 - 9:26 am

  Weve been through many luxury cars, Lexus GS350, Mercedes CLK 430, CLK500, BMW 335I, BMW 535i, Audi A6 and to our opinion, none of those drive like our new Panamera 4. They are either too soft or too hard and none of them beats the comfort and the handling of the Porsche. We only have a few hundreds miles on the car but we can feel that the build quality is way better. The seat comfort, audio system and ride are first class. With the V6 at 5.8 secs from 0-60mph, its not the fastest car but its adequate for passing. We will update after a few thousands miles.

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  Love It - 2003 Porsche 911
  By Cook - January 7 - 11:36 pm

  I have had a number of cars with high horsepower and high performance. This is by far the most comfortable car to drive aggressively in. You always feel, and are, in control. The power and handling are unsurpassed. If you are looking to purchase the 911 TT you wont be let down.

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  Fun To Drive, When its not leaking - 2000 Porsche 911
  By markmjm - January 6 - 10:00 am

  I sold my 95 NSX because it couldnt safely accommodate children. My 2000 911, of course, can do this, and its more comfortable, it offers more technology (in terms of safety, performance, etc.), and it is about as much fun to drive. However, despite good JD Power reliability ratings I have been disappointed. With only 6000 easy miles on the odometer, Ive had to deal with 3 oil leaks -- a pinched O-ring, a leaky valve cover, and in the past few days, the main oil seal has begun to fail. I understand that 911s have a reputation for oil leaks but this is a bit much, especially compared to that NSX....

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  1st time Porsche owner - 2007 Porsche Boxster
  By weekend thrill - January 4 - 5:43 am

  Im in my early 60s and after riding motorcycles for over 20 years I felt it was time be a little safer but still have weekend fun and thrills. I test drove a Vette but once I got behind the wheel of the Porsche Boxster and put it through its paces, I was sold. I drove both the Boxsters standard and S models and the other Porsche, top of the line, models and after comparing the price differences and only driving the Boxster on weekends ( I only have 4500 miles on it) I felt the standard model Boxster was fine with me. For an old guy the Boxster is everything I could want and more!

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  Reliable, fun daily commuter car - 2001 Porsche 911
  By Madmanners - December 30 - 10:33 am

  I bought it late 2004 after crashing my 94 SL500 (183,000 miles). This car is seriously fun to drive. Passengers might complain about the very firm ride; but I am all smiles as I straighten every curve! My only real complaint is the Porsche tax, which makes the Mercedes tax look reasonable. However, this car has been the most reliable German car that Ive owned. The rear main seal failed at 99,500 miles (replaced under 100,000 mile warranty), the ignition key housing cracked (not a warranty item), I replaced the clutch when the rear main seal failed, the cooling system leaked twice, and the ac condenser had to be replaced. This is car is not an Infiniti. Otherwise, routine maintenance.

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  Ive made it - 2008 Porsche Cayman
  By mellowtip1 - December 27 - 10:26 am

  Was about to purchase the 08 M3 but after doing the research and insurance projections, I went with the new Porsche 08 Cayman Design. I own #350 of 777 and everywhere I go it is a sure stunner. I always grew up loving the 911 but I must say this car has done it for me, and although it may not put up 911 numbers it is the most practical for an everyday car weekend driving enthusiast. The exhaust is so sweet and the comfort of the interior is awesome. I am 5/9" and have driven passenger as tall as 63" and they all are in awe at that space and the drive. This car is a keeper and I can only see it appreciating in value.

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  a great drive - 2008 Porsche Boxster
  By driver - December 27 - 4:16 am

  Truly this has to be one of the worlds great automobiles. Driving this car on public streets makes one feel sensational. I can only, at this time, imagine how great the car is going to be when I get it on a track at a Porsche driving school. The five speed transmission is a bit of a drawback but thats because I am used to a six speed. Pay up for the six speed if you can, either in the base as an option or in a Spyder or Boxster S. Go for the 18 inch wheels too. Try for the 12% discount like the other guy said, but in reality be happy to get 5%. Definitely shop the car among other dealers but supply does look a bit low. Enjoy!

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  Do not Test Drive this Car - 2014 Porsche Boxster
  By oldschool15 - December 25 - 10:51 pm

  After driving a 2003 Boxster for the past seven years, I was ready for a change. Something larger and more practical was in order. Not another two seat roadster - I was moving on. Then, out of curiosity, I test drove the new Porsche Boxster. I was instantly hooked. It is hard to describe just how much better the new version of the Boxster is versus its predecessor. It is better in every way - substantially better. The former was fun and competent. Enoyable. The new Boxster looks, sounds and drives like a supercar. It is incredible. If you really need/want a practical car, avoid this car like the plague - lest you be seduced too.

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  Best SUV ever - 2004 Porsche Cayenne
  By sullivan - December 23 - 11:26 am

  this vehicle is so much fun to drive. it is powerful, comfortable and quiet. Getting up to high speeds quickly is very smooth and quiet as well. I have driven an X5 and a lexus and although nice vehicles, this one is much more fun to drive. it feels more like a racy car than a suv.