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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  What a blast! - 2004 Porsche Cayenne
  By Huskerfever1 - September 13 - 10:00 am

  Anybody that says this is a rebadged Touareg is delusional! From the steering feedback to the exhaust warble to the steering feedback, you cant beliueve how fun this vehicle can be. Bottom line, ITS A FREAKING PORSCHE!!!!!

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  THE BEST - 2004 Porsche Cayenne
  By marjorie feniello - September 13 - 10:00 am

  best car ive driven ive always driven bmw 740il i like this better im in sales and i can get in and out like a LADY WHEN I AM WEARIN A SKIRT

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  Porsche - There is no substitute - 2005 Porsche 911
  By dht - September 9 - 2:10 pm

  While giving more than lip service to comfort, the new 911 has improved on its already awesome acceleration and handling. I have a "base" model Carrera w/ few options and it delivers handling, class, and admiring comments wherever I travel. I paid $69,000 for my C2 model and have not regretted it -- the extra 10 to 15K for the S model didnt seem worth the extra dollars. I test drove both the Carrera and the Carrera S, and there was no real discernible performance improvement for the extra bucks.

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  Perfect sports car - 2006 Porsche Boxster
  By Chris C - September 1 - 10:53 am

  The 2006 Porsche Boxster S has razor sharp, balanced handling, great power and torque from the new motor, awesome sound and driving experience, big brakes, short shifter, and an open top...what else could you ask for? This is my first Boxster and third Porsche (two 911s previously)...and I no longer consider the Boxster as a step down from a 911...its its own amazing car.

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  Das Gut - 2000 Porsche Boxster
  By elliotgl - August 31 - 4:33 am

  The Boxster is great car - major fault/major advantage is that it can make you feel like you are a much better driver than you really are. The car is almost without vices - but it does go through rear tires as though they were made of butter.

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  You get what you pay for.... - 2001 Porsche Boxster
  By sbathina - August 30 - 10:00 am

  I love this car. It is pricey but probably worth it. I drive a junker during the week so im constantly reminded of the excellent handling of the car. I drove a 350z last week for comparison. I wont be trading in my porsche! Plusses- Good acceleration no modifications meeded EXCELLENT brakes Minuses- Fit and finish sometimes lacking

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  First Porsche C4 Cabriolet - 2002 Porsche 911
  By Mr King - August 27 - 2:56 pm

  Spring 2008 acquired beautiful used factory certified 2002 cab in seal gray over black leather with 33,000 miles for less than 50% original window sticker. Tight as a drum. Fast, fun, smooth, reliable, comfortable and sure-footed. Can confidently drive very fast. Daily driver is a 2007 BMW 335 coupe. A truly great machine but theres nothing like a ragtop Porsche in the twisties on a summer night or spring/fall day. I see a 997 TT cabriolet in my future.

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  Love my Little White Sweetheart W/ Red interior - 2017 Porsche Macan
  By Carolyn Carter - August 19 - 12:36 am

  It has been a joy. Mine is a2015. I would buy another if I need to buy one.

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  2004 Cayenne S - 2004 Porsche Cayenne
  By DLiskov - August 18 - 2:00 am

  Absolutely love it, last car 2001 BMW 7 and car before a 1993 MB 500SEL. This one beats them both and with no problems with luggage space. Although not as quick as the BMW it easily outhandles it with no body lean in sport mode and big 19 tires.

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  AWESOME - 2004 Porsche CARRERA GT
  By jamie8907 - August 12 - 2:00 am

  okay im not that old but i love this car... it may not be the best car on gas but it looks nice its comforatable and i love it!