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 Purebred Sportscar - 2002 Porsche Boxster
  By SportsDriver - February 4 - 10:00 am

  I was going to buy a new sports car but decided to get this used Boxster S with 12,000 miles. I drove everything else before, and the only car that came a distant 2nd place was the 350Z Roadster. On paper the 350Z is a much better buy: a bit more power and standard options for significantly less money, but the ineffable driving experience of the Porsche blows the Nissan away. My theory is this difference has something to do with the Porsche being designed from the ground up as a sports car, whereas much of the Nissan components are interchangable with Altima, Maxima and the G35.

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  Porsche Cayman - 2007 Porsche Cayman
  By Fitzhugh B. LEE - February 3 - 4:03 am

  Have 1500 miles so far on this 2007 Cayman. Steering is tight, precise, responsive and consistently provides an "on-rails" cornering experience. The acceleration is quick, but not overpowering. The engine sound is great! The looks are superb, and the gas mileage is surprisingly good. Im averaging around 26 mpg. Have yet to take it on an extended cross country, but anticipate that the mileage will increase with more miles on the engine. I use this car almost daily and it is always a thrill to drive. The seats are form fitting on my 6 foot 1 inch frame and as a consequence are warm to my back, but there is plenty of head and leg room. Cargo room is generous for a car in this class.

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  40th 911 is a dream - 2004 Porsche 911
  By Geza - January 30 - 10:00 am

  Owning this car (any 911) has been a dream since the age of 7 - and the 40th does not disappoint in any way.

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  The best sports car ever - 2002 Porsche 911
  By johnef805 - January 29 - 4:26 am

  2002 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 Convertable No there not cheep but they are well worth the money

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  Like a Space Ship - 2006 Porsche 911
  By Porsche Guy - January 25 - 12:20 pm

  This car is almost as I would imagine a space ship. I have owned many Porsche cars, and the 997 is a step beyond, except for the Carrera GT. Thank you Porsche for making my life on earth, more complete!

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  From 911 Turbo to family car - 2003 Porsche Cayenne
  By Renaissance Man - January 21 - 2:00 am

  I traded in my 911 Turbo to get a Cayenne because my family has grown and I dont have the space or luxury to have a week-end car anymore. The Cayenne is an excellent daily driver with all the uniqueness of a Porsche. It has been quite the head turner, and not many cars are able to pass it on the highway. If you love Porsches and need the extra room, this car was made exactly for you. I am ecstatic with it.

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  Fun to drive - 2003 Porsche Boxster
  By Tuwonda - January 21 - 2:00 am

  The Boxster handles like a dream and is a lot of fun to drive. The cargo space makes weekend trips ideal with plenty of space for suitcases/storage.

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  911 Turbo Fun to Drive - 2003 Porsche 911
  By DavePin - January 21 - 2:00 am

  So fast hard to keep in the speed limit. You cant tell your over the limit. Car gets a lot of looks from people on the street. Just plain fun to drive. This is my 5th Porsche and they just get better.

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  Exceeding Expectations - 2007 Porsche 911
  By C2 - January 12 - 3:40 am

  The performance of this car in the automatic with Tiptropic S is beyond belief. The quality of construction far exceeds all other sports cars. Im waiting on the Cabriolet!

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  1999 C4 Cabriolet - 1999 Porsche 911
  By Aslan 996 - January 11 - 6:13 pm

  This has been my dream car for many years and now that I own her, she has NOT disappointed. She is a dream to drive. I have never felt more in control of any automobile than I do in this exquisite automobile. Short drives, long drives, it does not matter; she is a dream to drive.