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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  robs review - 2004 Porsche Cayenne
  By rob S - April 1 - 10:00 am

  its a great all around vehicle it does great on the road as well as off the road. I have had it since february 2004 and we had some snow and the roads got real icy and that is really wen we needed it i saw other vehicles slipping off of the road butt it just kept on going it also is nice wen ur on the road with the great comfort that it has and how good it does on fuel

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  Awesome - 2005 Porsche Cayenne
  By bj - March 31 - 11:20 pm

  A perfect car if you can only afford one and a nice addition if you can afford more

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  Superiority Over All - 2008 Porsche Cayenne
  By TLFDallas2 - March 31 - 5:20 pm

  I researched every SUV from the H3 to Lexus to BMW, etc. After driving and researching every other SUV I tried the Cayenne S and immediately fell in love and have never had a single disappointing monment. I definitely recommend the V8 but everything else is optional. It comes extremely well equipped as is. Gas mileage is better than expected, 21mpg hwy/18mpg town. I am 67" and this is the only car I have ever owned where I had to move the drivers seat forward and up.

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  2008 Cayman - 2008 Porsche Cayman
  By Herb - March 31 - 11:16 am

  This is the latest of many Porsches I have owned. My first 911 was purchased in 1972 and the last was a 1997 993 C4S. All great cars, though the Cayman really answers the quest for a drivers car. The balance, practicality and performance put a smile on you face whether youre on the freeway, twisties or just around town.

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  fun to drive - 2004 Porsche Cayenne
  By Robin in Florida - March 26 - 10:00 am

  Extremely fun to drive on the highway, but sometimes has trouble getting going in the morning. Doors and trunk have to be slammed shut to get the proper seal. Remote only works 2" from the door. Have had several electrical problems. No back seat leg room.

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  Awesome Car! - 2001 Porsche 911
  By SJ Sims - March 24 - 11:03 am

  Very reliable. Still turns heads. While suffers, as most do, from the rear main seal leak, its a warranty item, so no big deal. If I could only own one of my cars, this would be the one Id keep.

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  Test drive sold the car! - 2010 Porsche Panamera
  By safeman - March 24 - 10:56 am

  So I looked at everything from Cadillac, Maserati, Aston Martin, BMW M5 & M6, MB CLS 63 AMG. I drive a lot and I like to be able to take people out and throw the "just have to buy it" items at Costco in my car without having to run home for my truck. I wanted something dependable, sporty, comfortable, packed with luxury, with some power, and unique. I found everything I was looking for in the Panamera. It is perfect as one reviewer wrote. It is not the fastest this is true but Im not a racer. It is just a great car to drive

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  Boxster - 2003 Porsche Boxster
  By BillC - March 23 - 2:00 am

  A real gem. It handles magnificantly. People frequently gives me a "thumbs- up" when they see it.

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  Porsche 997S - 2005 Porsche 911
  By Jim - March 22 - 8:43 pm

  Porsche delivers with this car! As an owner of the three prior 911 versions, this one is a BIG step forward and wont disappoint!

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  Outstanding - 2005 Porsche 911
  By Ben W. - March 22 - 4:53 am

  This is absolutely the finest and most enjoyable automobile I have ever experienced. I have not been in the Ferrari or Lamborghini, but there is no dealership in my area. A 30 year track record of building fine sports cars is abundantly apparent in the design and manufacture of this wonderful automobile.