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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  Silky smooth! - 2009 Porsche 911
  By aferrell - June 16 - 4:40 pm

  Traded in 07 Boxster S, loved that car but the Carrera coupe offers more room for driver and passenger. My last 911 was a 70 E, and this new one is totally different. Great driver, handling is awesome.

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  Pure Porsche, But Evolved - 2011 Porsche Panamera
  By cphollis3 - June 16 - 4:45 am

  This is my fourth Porsche vehicle: Boxster, Carrera, Cayenne, and now this. All Porsche, yet all different. The car is deeply impressive and engaging. It compares favorably against cars costing twice as much, or more. Handling, cockpit features, design, power, etc. -- all top-notch. I think the Panamera is now the one to beat in the 4 door sports luxury category. Most people would be concerned that the V6 would be less-than-powerful. I drove both this and the S model, and came away preferring the V6 -- lighter, more nimble, and the engine was more responsive than the heavy V8. The looks have been criticized, but I dont see the problem -- the car looks drop-dead gorgeous to me!

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  there is no substitute! - 2000 Porsche Boxster
  By kevin - June 14 - 2:53 pm

  The best roadster. Ive owned a number of sports cars and this is by far the best. Fast, quiet (for a sports car), comfortable, and mid engine handling, this car is the complete package. The car handles impressively on any road surface, except the most extreme pot holes roads, wet or dry pavement it does not matter. Comfortable on long cruises (10 states in 8 days inlcuding the Tail of the Dragon, 318 turns in 11 miles, Cherohala Skyway, Skyline Drive and the Blue Ridge PArkway). World class car with world class fit, finish and build quality. My used Boxster blows away my new Honda s2000, different class of car. Buy to experience the P-car perma-grin.

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  Wow, what a fun car! - 1999 Porsche 911
  By Casketman - June 12 - 1:16 pm

  This is my 3rd 911. After driving for a few days, I am truly amazed. I didnt think Porsche could build a decent water-cooled 911. Boy, was I wrong. This car is fast, tight and really fun to drive. Car handles like its wearing sneakers instead of tires. Interior is still on the cheap side, but this ride is as close to F-18 fighter jet as Ill ever get.

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  Boxster review - 2008 Porsche Boxster
  By majormcf - June 8 - 11:03 pm

  Car is awesome and perfect balance of handling and power. I had the first generation boxster and this one is twice the car and I had no complaints with the first one. If youre going to buy one get at least a 12% discount off sticker or go to another dealer. My dealer was supposed to set the locks and headlights and failed to do so. Since I didnt buy it locally I will have to pay a couple hundred bucks out of my pocket for not checking. They also quoted me 50.00 on the tint and then charged me 139.00. Not a big deal but as a repeat customer I expected more, probably will by my next Porsche from someone else.

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  My baby - 2002 Porsche Boxster
  By BarbaraB - June 3 - 2:00 am

  I love it! I just cant wait until spring to take the top down.

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  Cayenne - 2008 Porsche Cayenne
  By KAREN - June 2 - 1:50 am

  The 2008 Cayenne is an impressive vehicle.I like everything about it. I liked it so much I bought a Boxster a couple weeks after the Cayenne purchase. Porsche is a quality automobile, way above the rest. I have owned BMW, Audi and Mercedes, and there is no comparison.

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  True sports car - 2008 Porsche Cayman
  By Kent - May 31 - 12:30 am

  Have owned my Cayman for just a few weeks now and am truly impressed. This is my first Porsche and hopefully not my last. It doesnt take long to see the car is quality built and all the details were done extremely well. One thing is I am tall and fit into the Cayman with absolutely no problem. The headroom is great. It shifts beautifully and there is no other word except "fun" to describe driving this car. My two sons who are in their 20s say "dad you finally got a cool car" which just shows the younger generation knows something good when they see it. Would highly recommend this car to anyone considering it.

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  You gotta love it - 2003 Porsche Boxster
  By Fun in the Sun - May 30 - 10:43 pm

  Porsche designs the best true sports cars that are accessible to the general public. You get spoiled by the braking, steering, quality of materials, power, etc. When I jump in our other cars (BMW 540i and Jaguar XJ6), I realize what makes the Porsche so special. I also own a 996 coupe, which I absolutely love driving, however when I have a choice of which key to grab, the Boxster wins out. The Boxster is a great daily driver. With the top down, the car is perfection! The Boxster also handles better than our 996. Mid engine design helps keep the car pointed in the right direction at insane speeds. We chose our Boxster over the Z4, S2000, Miata Speed, 350 Roadster, Crossfire SRT-6

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  One week after delivery... - 2010 Porsche Panamera
  By JRQ - Coto - May 27 - 11:00 pm

  I picked up my Panamera on a sunny late afternoon in Carlsbad CA and took off home as the sun set over the Pacific and wow, this car will capture your heart quickly ! The interior is sumptuous ...my car has the black leather with the anthracite birch wood and it is unreal ! Accelerating to pass, the Panamera is awesome as it tracks flawlessly and you will not believe the acceleration. Pull in to gas up and every car fan cant wait to see the vehicle ! I traded in a Bentley Flying Spur and never looked back...if you are considering the Panamera please know you wont be disappointed!!