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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  Porsche Rate it - 2004 Porsche 911
  By Big wicked billl - March 21 - 10:00 am

  excellent driver,sporty fairly stiff suspension,on rails,love the aerokit (not its price)smooth delivery of the 6 speed.Interior without many options rather bland.Mine has carbon fiber option,about (8000 etra) YUK.

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  my pepper 03 - 2004 Porsche Cayenne
  By fpawsch - March 21 - 10:00 am

  All in All the Cayenne S is a joy to drive other than suggestions I truely enjoy driving my Cs

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  Do Everything SSUV (Super Sport) - 2004 Porsche Cayenne
  By Stressless - March 21 - 10:00 am

  Almost as much fun as my 996! I autocrossed it several weeks ago and placed,only 4 sec. off FTD by a fully prepared sports car. I,ve driven the rest and this is the best. The writers are correct when they say "the sports cars of SUVs". For ride quality, I believe the PASM is a must. I can set what I want the vehicle to do. My elderly mother gets in without problems when I set Load Level and I can chose how harsh I want the shocks. I got most of the toys but wish I had the bi-xenon lights. I am concerned about winter driving in upstate NY without separate wheels and dedicated winter tires (cannot get really good 20" winters and who wants those babies mounted/dismounted). Only time will tell.

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  Love My Cayenne - 2004 Porsche Cayenne
  By MikeD92 - March 21 - 10:00 am

  My first experience with a Porsche was when my buddy brought his Cayenne S overf to my home to see. I immediately took to the car because of the styling, the well thought out design, and comfort. I went to the dealership the next day and bought my Turbo; I love my SUV more than my CL55, everything works better, its more fun to drive, and after installing Satellite TV, the family likes road trips in it as well. Super highway car and very comfortable. I highly recommend the Cayenne!

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  best - 2004 Porsche Cayenne
  By ok then - March 21 - 10:00 am

  best SUV ever made! can match any car anywhere! faster than any SUV and can kick its ass off road too!

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  Quick and Sporty - 2006 Porsche Cayenne
  By Lance - March 20 - 5:33 pm

  This truck handles great and fun to drive. It has poor fuel economy, but you dont buy this vehicle worrying about the cost of gas.

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  Fun, Fun, Fun - 2002 Porsche Boxster
  By rob - March 19 - 6:43 pm

  I just bought my Boxster used with the assumption this car was a detuned, poor mans Porsche. Boy was I wrong. This car is a race bread performer! All I can say is, "pinch me" to make sure that Im not dreaming, when actually Im ," living the dream." Enjoy.

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  So much fun... - 2002 Porsche Boxster
  By nola mike - March 16 - 6:43 pm

  Bought the car with 40k miles. Had been looking at a few other cars, Honda S2000 was close, and on paper seems better for the $$ (xenon, glass rear, reliability, great shifter), but I couldnt get myself to like it more. I was a little worried because this model didnt have PSM (stability control), but the handling is so good, and so neutral, that I havent had a problem. You can kick the rear out with ease, but its very easy to control. People have lots of complaints about the interior, but Im not sure why.

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  Ultimate convertible - 2006 Porsche 911
  By flesavoy - March 15 - 4:10 am

  No drama in the curves no matter what speed. Prestige and power, Gotta love it!

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  My second Boxster - 2008 Porsche Boxster
  By Susan - March 11 - 9:10 am

  I traded in my 05 Boxster (purchased brand new) for a new 08. I love my Boxster. Style, class, name, prestige, and oh yes, it is a hot little car. You wont be disappointed with this car. For me it handles better than a 911 because the engine is in the middle.