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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  My 911/996 2003 Cabriolet - 2003 Porsche 911
  By Don S/ - January 10 - 10:00 am

  I drive a triple black Porsche and its just a great automobile far superior to my 1995 C2 and Z06 Vette. This car just has class, speed, comfort and handles unbelievably. I am very happy with it and cant wait to break it in. The engine noise is like the old 994s, I can just get mesmorized listening to the engine when taking off and accelerating. I have been stopped a few times already with admirers,, this is the ultimate rag top roadster that sets the standard for all others in my opinion. Once you drive a Porsche, you never go back, I tried to but couldnt stand another car and couldnt replace the feel and the experience.

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  To all Porsche purists: - 2004 Porsche Cayenne
  By imCPAmom - January 4 - 2:00 am

  So what if soccer moms drive a Porsche? I say its about time! Love the fact that I have all that power under the hood in case I need it, and it handles like a dream. And when you have a car full of noisy boys going/returning from a game, knowing Im behind the wheel of a Porsche makes it actually pleasant!

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  Amazing Car - 2001 Porsche Boxster
  By TT - January 2 - 10:00 am

  Ive had mine for a year now and it is without question the best automotive purchase Ive ever made. Had a 2000 BMW before this, but the Boxster S is so much more fun. It turns every drive into an event. I have had no major problems with mine. Ive taken it to the track twice. I drive it hard and it never complains. This is THE roadster to buy. Go with your gut, forget logic and spring for a Boxster before youre too old to enjoy it.

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  Mechantical Marvel - 2001 Porsche Boxster
  By DEMETRE - January 2 - 4:46 am

  I love my 2001 triple black Boxster! I have yet to have any problems with "Precious". Shes has lots of attitude, likes living in the fast lane is decadent but is always a lady. This automobiles handling is so smooth and agile. In addition, both the transmission and the engine are buttery smooth. My car uses no oil between 5,000 oil changes (Mobile I 15-50) which I do myself. The top looks brand new and has no wind noise at speed or water leaks. The interior looks new as well and has held up nicely. The paint glistens as if freshly lacquared. In summary, this car exceeds my every expectation in performance, smoothness, reliability, dependability and looks. Ownership is highly recommended!