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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  VROOOOM VROOOOM - 2003 Porsche Boxster
  By PJ - July 7 - 9:26 am

  Great little car! Its a pleasure driving it daily. Ive owned the Mercedes-Benz SLK 230 and the SL 500 previously, neither one compare to this car. Awesome little sports car for the price...

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  Stunning C4S - 2004 Porsche 911
  By G-Unit - July 6 - 2:00 am

  The Carrera 4S is a great car. The wide-bodied look of the Turbo makes this car look fabulous. Also, the 4- wheel drive system makes this car incredibly stable and a lot of fun to drive.

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  If you want a smooth and quiet ride... - 1999 Porsche Boxster
  By AndyInAtlanta - July 5 - 4:53 pm

  Dont buy a boxster if you are looking for a comfortable, smooth luxury ride. I didnt realize getting performance (so to speak) meant having my teeth jarred loose over every pothole. I understand a sports car needs to feel the road, but do I have to have my face rubbed in it? I guess I have a Princess and the Pea attitude, cuz I hate feeling every little bump in the road. I love the car, the power is ok, the styling is amazing, but they need some kind of upgrade or option for smooth ride. For any sports enthusiast that says thats just the way sports cars drive - not exactly true. Corvettes feel SO much more comfortable. But the boxster was a better value for the $s.

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  Porsche, there is no substitute - 2002 Porsche 911
  By Fred Hill - July 5 - 10:00 am

  In January, I traded my 911 C4 for a 2002 Turbo, Seal Gray with black interior. It is fast, beautiful, fun to drive and the best handling sports car I have ever driven. The extra money is worth the extra kick of getting in my car.

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  Fun , fast , and refined - but....... - 2002 Porsche 911
  By Bullit - July 5 - 10:00 am

  This is the most comfortable and refined sports car I have ever owned or driven . It can be used as a daily driver - its easy to shift , loads of power , even at low revs. Handling is relatively neutral , steers like a go- kart , and the brakes inspire confidence. But Porsche initial quality is poor. At 2500 miles , main oil seal replaced along with a clutch. Clutch was bad from the start. Memory option on seats didnt work - dealer had to rewire the seats. FM Presets didnt work on the stereo - dealer hasnt replaced it yet after 6 months . Hello -do you want me to buy another Porsche?

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  3 months in. - 2012 Porsche Cayenne
  By haap62 - July 4 - 4:17 pm

  Wow! This is the 1st car Ive spent 6 figures on, and so far, so amazing! No issues as I would expect for 3k miles. It was very difficult to keep the RPMs below 4000 for the first 1000 miles. It drives like a Cadilac when you are just cruising, and roars off like a tiger on steroids when you ask it to. Plus we are averaging 18mpg in town and 21 hwy. Not bad for 500 HP. It replaced a very nice Landcruiser that on its best day got 17mpg, with half the horse power. The interior is more luxurious than any other car I have owned. I love the seats 18way adjustable bolsters fit wonderful, and Im a big guy. Long story short, I love this SUV. Mine is black with 21" black wheels. Lots of stares

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  There is no Substitute - 2002 Porsche 911
  By Harry - July 2 - 9:40 am

  The car surpasses expectations as it is fast, safe and comfortable. The build quality is excellent and the styling is timeless. It is easy to drive well if you have exp in high performance cars. It is a substantial improvement over the prior 911s I have owned.

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  Fun SUV, but lots of bugs - 2004 Porsche Cayenne
  By mts - July 2 - 3:36 am

  This SUV drives more like a sports sedan than an SUV. It is an absolute blast to drive on a daily basis. I also use it to tow my racecar to the track and with its 7,700 towing capacity there are very few if any competing vehicles that has both of these qualities. It has excellent brakes and the V6, thought not a speed demond like the S and turbo models, does quite well and will be more than adequate for most owners. The downside to this vehicle is it comes stuffed with plenty of build quality bugs. Most are only annoyances, but they are still completely unacceptable for a premium brand like Porsche. If you can overlook these small problems it may be for you. Otherwise look elsewhere.

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  True Porsche - 2004 Porsche Cayenne
  By docfyre - June 30 - 2:00 am

  Sexxy styling for a SUV. Gets lots of attention. Very fun to drive. Gas mileage is pretty bad. Mine has already gone in the shop for replacement of computer system. Somehow it got currupt and the vehicles electronic system went haywire.

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  Unlike previous reviewer, Im a real Porsche owner - 2016 Porsche Cayman
  By Ed N. - June 22 - 12:11 am

  Sorry, but "911 drives like a bloated Buick"? "Namby pamby automatic transmission"? [non-permissible content removed] Im a 10 year member of the PCA and have never heard any real Porsche owners talk such stupidity. Now, regarding the Cayman....I own a 2014 Cayman S with 6 speed manual that was just in for its 3 year (24k miles) service. What a low cost pleasure it has been. Still on all four original 20" Pirellis with 5/32+ tread left and brakes are like new (8/32+)......notwithstanding two half day auto cross events. Tight as a drum and not a rattle to be found. The Cayman is a better daily driver than my previous 911/997 S. Which, BTW, handled spectacularly as well, but the 911 is 300+ lbs heavier, not as nimble and a rougher ride around town. Ive averaged 21 mpg since new, with 30 mpg at 75+ on highway. Golf clubs fit in the hatch, the "frunk" handles the luggage; Ive been on several weekend roundtrips of 600-800+ miles with my wife. Handling and steering are truly exceptional - equal or better, IMO, than my buddys Ferrari 430. Straight line acceleration isnt head-snapping spectacular, but still very good and better than "only" 325 hp suggests; thanks to the 2,900 lb curb weight. Short throw 6 speed makes rowing your own a true pleasure on this car (notwithstanding that the PDK is the best dual clutch transmission on the planet, for anybody that is uneducatedly concerned about being a namby-pamby) Overall, the Cayman S is the most enjoyable sports car Ive owned. Recommend PASM and sport chrono packages. Also, 18 way adaptive sport seats are great, but if you need to save $3,000, the manual "Sport Seats Plus" are more than adequate.