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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  Just a solid sportscar - 2001 Porsche 911
  By Porsche Love - January 16 - 11:50 am

  Truly a wonderful daily driver, though we dont put more than 4,000 average miles per year. Keep it on Porsche battery tender and battery stays fresh between weekend drives. Absolute symphony to the ears every time you open her up. Great exhaust notes and engine revs that make you say, "More please!". Great handling, classic style, and heritage galore all wrapped up in a pretty Arctic Silver Metallic package!

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  My First Porsche...Best Car Ive Ever Owned! - 2006 Porsche 911
  By jrl - January 14 - 6:20 pm

  My 911 Carrera 4S is my first Porsche and I am awed by the experience. It handles and performs better than anything I ever owned (BMW 750, Jaguar XJRs, Mercedes-Benz 500 etc.) Everything you read about all the improvements made to this model cant come close to the experience of actually driving it. I agree with one other review, If you drive it ...youll buy it. Thats what happened to me!

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  Amazing SUV! - 2004 Porsche Cayenne
  By surfer92037 - January 11 - 2:00 am

  This is an amazing SUV with outstanding performance and great comfort.

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  7 year old Boxster - 1997 Porsche Boxster
  By 60 yr old gear-head - January 3 - 4:30 pm

  waited 11 months after placing pre- production order for 1st year Boxter. I drove it to work everyday for 4 years and just as a fun 2nd car for the last 3 years: hence, the very low milage. very reliable, had a freaky problem with the folding top after warranty expired. Bill was $2,000. Porsche Corp. was actually embarrased and paid it in full! Impressive!

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  Absolutelt The BEST - 2005 Porsche CARRERA GT
  By Fields - January 2 - 10:56 am

  This is the most fantastic car on the road. I also own a Ferrari 360 Spider and love it, but it doesnt compare in perforamce and style to the Carrera GT. This car really turns heads and noone has any idea what it is, but everyone who sees it knows that its something special.

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  Excellent Redesign - 2011 Porsche Cayenne
  By Rich L - January 1 - 7:50 pm

  Purchased a 2011 Cayenne S in July. The car has been excellent so far. Go for the 19 or 20 inch wheels, the 18s are a little soft on hard corners. Fast as Heck. 0 to 60 comes in 5.15, Porsches estimates are high. Interior is the best I have seen in an SUV. Stereo is great. Great vehicle if youre a hard driver!

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  NEED TO IMPROVE THE INTERIOR - 2004 Porsche 911
  By rick lim - December 31 - 10:00 am

  for the of the car the interior should be lot more luxious. there is no wood trim unless you pay extra for it. compare to MB OR LEXSUD.

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  Looks and feels like a million bucks. - 2013 Porsche Boxster
  By foxster - December 29 - 6:59 pm

  Just took delivery of my first Boxster, (and first Porsche), which is unlikely to be my last. Mostly very happy with it thus far, not least because I took delivery of a car which Id ordered to my own specification, that included "only" about $7K in options.

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  Turn Heads! - 2003 Porsche Cayenne
  By Ormsby - December 17 - 10:00 am

  Its fun to turn heads and be one of the first to own the Cayenne. Everbody has read and heard about this SUV rocket! A Porsche that you can shop and take friends along. Love it!!

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  WOW!!!!!!! - 2003 Porsche Cayenne
  By Quadman - December 6 - 10:00 am

  I have owned 2 MLs (430 & 500), Grand Cherokees and Fords. None of these SUVs are even in the same zip code as the S. Strengths- Fast (0-60 in high 6s), tight suspension that mutes big hits, ride is smooth and quite! Handling, amazing push it in corners and I detect no body lean at all, it tracks like it is on rails. Luxury, better equipped that the MLs, BMW and Lexus. Luxury and performance in one package. Gas mileage is very close to my old ML500. Porsche hit a home run with this one. As an SUV owner I really appreciate this vehicle.