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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  Dont settle for less - 2003 Porsche Cayenne
  By Knight23 - February 2 - 10:00 am

  After torturing my wife with test drives and performance reviews I finally decided on the Cayenne S. I was tempted to go for the turbo, but who really needs a 450 hp SUV? If someone is willing to take their SUV over 150 to beat me then they deserve to win...

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  Love my turbo s - 2005 Porsche 911
  By lacey - February 2 - 7:26 am

  The only problem I have is that a new body style 997 came out in 2005. I only wish they would have made the 2005 Turbo S Cab in the 997 body style. Otherwise this car is all you could want in a sports car. I added the performance chip, tubi exhauast, lowenhart rims, lowered it and added some suede. I ordered almost every option except the back up sensors, (I wish I would have) they really help in tight areas. I love the look and feel of this car.

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  Sweet - 2008 Porsche 911
  By san antone - January 28 - 6:56 am

  This car is a ton of fun to drive. I recommend the sport exhaust. Next car will be the turbo. I need to find a track as the speed and acceleration are intoxicating. Im amazed at how smooth the engine is.

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  911 Turbo - 2002 Porsche 911
  By mikelg - January 27 - 10:00 am

  2500 mile drive across Europe flawless. Very responsive. Best Turbo Ive ever owned.

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  Carrera 4 Cabriolet - 2003 Porsche 911
  By MEV - January 27 - 10:00 am

  Excellent handeling and performance for the price range of the vehilce. Great acceleration and steering. It actually feels like a vehicle on rails with its tight feel and cornering at high speeds.

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  Just got mine - 2010 Porsche Panamera
  By Travelsalot - January 27 - 9:46 am

  and I love it. I wanted badly to dislike this car as I regretted ordering it. I have had it a week and love it more each time I drive. I came out of a BMW 7 and a Maserati, I like this car better that the Maserati and at least as much as the BMW. Powerful enough with exceptional handling

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  A little slice of heaven - 2008 Porsche Boxster
  By new porsche lover - January 23 - 12:50 am

  I have never had a more enjoyable car. Never having owned a sports car, as I drove it off the lot I wondered if I would grow tired of the sports car feel and handling. After half a year, the answer is a resounding no! Never have I been behind the wheel of a more responsive, powerful, or elegant machine. Aside from initial confusion over the radio controls, I have no complaints. The handling is magnificent, and she brakes on a dime. What you want, she does. I have had no major problems from a reliability standpoint, and for my purposes, the amount of storage is more than adequate for a car of this type. Heaven, indeed, and worth every Penny.

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  Porsche 911 Turbo S Cabriolet - 2005 Porsche 911
  By turbo s cab - January 22 - 1:16 am

  Although I have had the car only a little more than 1 week it has been entirely great. The performance is as expected, awesome, and everything works as it should, no complaints. There is no other supercar that you can drive as easily and non- tempermentally. I chose a 6 speed, would recommend since the tip I find dull although the performance is right up there for most drivers. The car can be bought without the high priced options without fear of adversely affecting the car or your enjoyment. Mine came with optional paint and the large aluminum package, neither are needed and cost over $5,000. I think I will enjoy the cab along with my 993 turbo.

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  Uber Car - 1996 Porsche 911
  By maui owner - January 21 - 2:00 am

  After owning a 88 911 I found a 8500 car in showroom condition. The car I dreamed to own is now in my garage. Drives better than any car I have driven. Pinnacle of sports car ownership, the last of the aircooled 911s. If you ever get a chance to drive one you will see why some swear by this marque.

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  porsche suv fun - 2004 Porsche Cayenne
  By Steve Capo - January 21 - 2:00 am

  Truly a joy to drive! People tell me this is the sexyist car they have ever seen. Power and style to spare.