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:

• 

  Electrical warning - 2001 Porsche Boxster
  By Fighter Pilot - December 19 - 10:00 am

  Surprisingly, this car has had numerous annoying minor electrical problems. While they have all been covered with excellent dealer provided service under warranty, the lack of reliability is a bit surprising. Required replacement of: Power window switch and motor; ignition switch (this one caused problems starting the car); turn signal bulb; and headlight switch (not good if your trying to drive home at night). All of this within 9000 miles/3 years.

• 

  I think I made a mistake... - 2007 Porsche Cayman
  By Dano - December 18 - 1:56 pm

  I drooled over the Cayman for a month before finally buying the car. I think it is a real stunner in sheet metal, prettiest car on the road. I am starting to find the interior noise and the rough ride wearing on my nerves, especially if the pavement is rough. I came out of a 330ci that was a nice car and almost as peppy, but not as much fun to drive. The dealer suggested I change out the tires to a non performance model but that is a bit costly so I guess Ill just deal with the road noise. I cant imagine going on a long trip in the Cayman without plenty of Motrin. Starting to remind me of my ex - beautiful to look at but hard to take after awhile. Maybe I just miss my BMW.

• 

  Pure Porsche - 2007 Porsche Cayman
  By MrCoffee - December 18 - 5:56 am

  I just purchased my first Porsche and am very happy with its performance. I traded up from a BMW X5 and havent looked back once. The handling is nothing short of telepathic and cabin comfort is ideal. I opted for the Tiptronic automatic transmission because of traffic and am pleased with its performance. The car has turned a good many heads since I purchased it. The cargo space is surprisingly generous for such a car, as I can fit a (small) bag of golf clubs in the rear hatch.

• 

  The Real Deal - 2006 Porsche 911
  By mnor - December 13 - 4:21 pm

  You can easily pay thousands more for a Ferrari but why would you? The Carrera is the finest, real world, daily drive exotic sports car on the planet. As far as looks, realibility, speed, and fun this is the car to own. The down side, is maintenance costs but to be candid this is to be expected of any high end sports car and if this is a problem for you, then you should be driving a Carrera.

• 

  Absolutely Amazing - 2004 Porsche CARRERA GT
  By GreggoryPorsche - December 13 - 10:00 am

  This car is an absolute god/goddess on the road. it is completely amazing in handling, performance, and acceleration- especially acceleration. this is the 4th porsche ive owned and this is by far the best. porsche has excellent costumer service and reliable maintenance. if you have the cash, i suggest to buy one VERY QUICKLY.

• 

  Poor throttle response - 2004 Porsche Cayenne
  By displeasedetc. - December 13 - 10:00 am

  Herky jerky transmission. Push the pedal and wait 4 seconds for the car to move while Dodge Neons zip on by. The car is fast , once the transmission engages. I also own a new c4s and have had several carerras over the years. I expected better. No help from the dealer either. They just say thats normal.

• 

  It Drives Like a Porsche - 2003 Porsche Cayenne
  By Olivier - December 12 - 6:20 pm

  I bought my Cayenne used, one year old. Im quite amazed at how it holds the road for such a heavy car and the way it really handles like a Porsche. It is a very good compromise, as its first- class in every situation, perfect handling on twisty roads, very good off-road (providing the right type of tyres) and very practical. It is not a true sports car of course, but still a very good every day car.

• 

  911 Turbo w/Power Kit (450HP) - 2002 Porsche 911
  By My_Toy - December 10 - 10:36 pm

  Ive had my 911 Turbo for 3 weeks and love every bit of it. The car is very fun to drive...it handles very well! Its an experience like no other. My car has the new Porsche Power Kit Option which boost the HP from 415 to 450.

• 

  the best - 2004 Porsche Cayenne
  By McMhan,jons - December 7 - 10:00 am

  it is a dream car get it

• 

  couldnt last a year - 2004 Porsche Cayenne
  By bearvine - December 7 - 10:00 am

  this thing is fun to drive and has the power but my god what a terrible ride...i tried to gut it out and keep this truck but my back and my butt cant take it.i have never been so dissappointed with a vehicle.i had it in the shop 4 times..the radio has a mind of its own....good bye cayenne... hello escalade