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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  Brilliant - 2008 Porsche 911
  By Gnslngr - December 7 - 5:13 am

  My second Porsche (after a 2007 Cayman) and perhaps my last one. I dont believe they can make a car better than this one. It is not so much a car as it is an experience - this car is a beast when it wants to be and is compliant and docile when my wife is in the passenger seat. Ive added an Escort Passport 9500ci to make the experience complete, and now the car (with Sport Chrono, Sport Exhaust, and Sport Shifter) is the dream car Ive always wanted. I still cannot believe I own it; I have to do a double take every time I see it in my garage. And the great thing about this car is that it is nowhere near as onerous to own as a Ferrari or Lambo - maintenance is relatively inexpensive.

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  996 - C4 - 2002 Porsche 911
  By Craig H - December 5 - 12:20 pm

  This is a gorgeous fun car. I prefer it any day to my E55 AMG (which is MUCH quicker) - nothing has the cache of the Porsche. Top-down and it doesnt get any better on a warm afternoon in the Asheville hills.

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  Porschesuv - 2004 Porsche Cayenne
  By billyboy - December 4 - 12:00 pm

  Like the power and quality of build. Transmission takes getting used to but tiptronic great. Can cruise forever at 80+. So far so good.

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  Who needs a Murci...???? - 2003 Porsche Boxster
  By gargtua - November 24 - 10:00 am

  The best 55k car youll ever buy, take it on the track and youll understand why. The car is a demo rocket with gravity defiying technology, handeling any turns as if it wasnt. I cant put it in words.If your thinking about it...DON"T just go and get yourself one... Have 91 ferrari that Im thinking of selling since I dont enjoy anymore.

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  Not worth the money - 2006 Porsche Cayenne
  By scott - November 18 - 6:00 am

  The Cayenne is a very heavy sports car to put it kindly. Its not for the daily commute unless you enjoy being bounced around like a basketball. Gas mileage is 11mpg around town with premium. The suspension is so stiff my wifes afraid to drink her coffee on our commute. We have a 4runner that can easily hold its own with the Cayenne performance wise. My Tundra can easily keep up in a straight line. I know because I have "raced" my buddy while he drives the vehicles listed above. It currently has 17k miles and already has a tail light out. I also dont like the baby cupholders. For 70k get something with comfort and performance...its not the Cayenne.

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  The Spirit lives - 1999 Porsche Boxster
  By Charles - November 14 - 10:26 am

  The Boxster captures the true essence of a sports car. I have had had several sports cars, triumph TR-3s, TR-4, MGA coupe, an Austin Healy 100-6 and four Alfa Romeos. Their spirit lives in the Boxster, top down, skimming the ground and cornering - I live for the on and off ramps. I feel like I am one with the car.

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  A fun, fun, fun experience! Get one! - 1999 Porsche Boxster
  By Love_the_Box! - November 12 - 2:00 am

  What an amazing auto! Even more fun to drive than it appears! Plenty of HP and zip, when necessary, and handling that makes you hope you never have to drive another car! And I thought golf made me itch for the spring/summer months!!

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  Porsche 911 - 2002 Porsche 911
  By barb plessinger - November 11 - 11:46 pm

  I bought a speed yellow Porsche 911 Carrera 4 and it is a great car. Everyone loves it. The convertible is great. I also love the tiptronic transmission and all wheel drive. I dont like the fact that the steering wheel doesnt raise through. It is a good thing that I am short. Overall this is a great car so far.

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  cool ride - 1996 Porsche 911
  By Johnnybgoode - November 10 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car! I waited far too long to buy it. I love the 4th gear as it has a great pickup and a lot of range when you step on it. Handling is great as well!

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  Two years in - 2000 Porsche 911
  By Seamus - November 10 - 10:00 am

  This is my first Porsche. On the whole I am pleased with the car and would consider buying another (likely a Turbo as I really feel the car needs another 50+ hp). Reliability is fairly good although I and many other 996 owners have had new rear main oil seals. The last factory ECU tune downloaded at service now has the check engine light flashign on and off.