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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  A 911 is the ultimate for purists - 2009 Porsche 911
  By roger Bassetti - February 25 - 9:26 am

  The 911 continues to represent an exhilarating experience for a sports car purist. The driver comfort issue becomes a moot issue when the driver gets behind the wheel. I find excuses to drive the 911 because of its unrivaled performance and "fun to drive" quotient. This is not a car which is designed to put you asleep. Rather, it is a car which responds to your every wish and performs as if it is an extension of your own psyche. Ferry Porsche had it right; build the 911 based upon racing performance.

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  Porsche Twin Turbo - 2004 Porsche 911
  By Alex Steinberg - February 23 - 8:26 pm

  For the money, best car on the market.

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  Better than an X5 4.4 - 2003 Porsche Cayenne
  By Dr. C - February 22 - 10:00 am

  I have just had this SUV a week and just love it. I thought about buying it for 6 months,(couldnt get used to the look)After driving it there was no turning back. I owned a BMW X5 4.4 and this is hands down a better overall vehicle. I also own the Acura MDX, which I am now going to sell. I think Porsche did with a SUV what they have been doing to cars for many many years. Thats making driving fun!

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  Along came a Spyder - 2011 Porsche Boxster
  By jaci - February 20 - 10:00 am

  The back to basic Spyder is living up to its Best Handling Car in America status. Everything I expected and more. The car is not for everyone as Porsche readily admits, but it is a car for the purist. And it will not disappoint.

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  Turbo Cab 2008 - 2008 Porsche 911
  By Smilemaker - February 13 - 11:46 pm

  Picked up "The Beast" a few days ago. Previously had a 2002 c2 cab. The power difference is exponential. This is the car I have been waiting for. Last car was tiptronic, This one is manual. I enjoyed the tip, but the manual is more fun.

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  Greatest SUV on the Planet - 2005 Porsche Cayenne
  By Ash - February 13 - 11:30 pm

  This is my second car after purchasing a ML 320 in 2000. I bought it $55,000 plus tax, but this car is worth every penny. There are major pluses about this car including the stare factor. Wherever I drive I get stares everywhere I go. I even had someone tell me lower my window so he could say that i had a nice car. I chose the Gold outside with the orange interior, and it looks amazing from the outside as well as in. Porsche is known for being a very reliable car and i hope that this is no exception.

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  Best Sports Car - 1995 Porsche 911
  By Randy Leroy - February 13 - 2:13 am

  Its a 15 year old sports car and still beats newer sports cars for styling. I get a hard-on every time I see another one on the road. Ive driven the 996 and 997 and they feel like cars, while this 993 feels like a toy/sports car, complete with a true 911 feel.

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  My Get Away Car - 1999 Porsche Boxster
  By Barry - February 11 - 1:43 pm

  I am absolutely crazy about this car. The handling is superb. Ive been through BMW 635s, Z3s, Audi A6 and a 911 but my Boxster is by far the best handling car Ive ever been around. It is effortless, precise as a surgeon and the exhaust note is stunning throughout the rpm range. A sexy car..it is a sports car so if you have a tender butt....buy a Lexus. If you want something that becomes part of you...buy a Porsche. There really is no substitute. They are expensive to maintain but who cares!

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  Porsche Cayenne Reliability - 2006 Porsche Cayenne
  By Christina Chavez - February 9 - 2:00 am

  I love how it drives and how efficient the Triptronic system is. It is a truly reliable vehicle and fun to drive. It beats the traditional large SUVs out of the market.

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  I love this car! - 2004 Porsche Boxster
  By Novagi - February 4 - 10:00 am

  I have the base Boxster and you always could use more power, but this car is tractable in town, plenty of usable storage, fun at speed and in turns, and is an absolute head-turner. Had one guy roll down his window and yell Great car! Hes right, Porsche- There is no substitute