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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  Wonderful Boxster - 2003 Porsche Boxster
  By alwild - October 30 - 10:00 am

  I have a Tiptronic Boxster, which not an option in the dropdown. Even with Tiptronic, the gear shifting using the switches on the steering wheel is a dream and "I am in a racing car". I have wanted a Porsche all my life, and this makes my commute enjoyable for the first time. The engine is wonderful, the exhaust sound marvelous, and it as if the car is on rails when cornering. Lots of luggage space. Convertible top is easy to use. Great value for money and the best car I have ever had and a tribute to Porsche.

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  Its a Porsche.....what more to say??? - 2001 Porsche 911
  By kapmot - October 30 - 10:00 am

  Owing a Porsche is not a rational exercise.....it is completely emotional. Anyone who has ever dreamed of driving this wonderful piece of Teutonic engineering will not be disappointed. Yeah it costs a lot of money, but it is absolutely worth it.

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  Im In Love With My Car - 2007 Porsche Cayman
  By Bob B - October 28 - 6:13 pm

  I now know what Queen was singing about all those years ago. Fun does not begin to describe the driving experience. Heavy traffic has prevented me from really opening her up yet, but the couple times Ive been able to accelerate hard on to the highway I could not stop smiling from the sheer exhilaration. She sounds incredible, guys look at her with lust in their eyes and, like a previous reviewer, I catch myself looking back at her after I park her at night. I feel like Im dating a supermodel (German, of course).

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  2005 Cayenne - 2005 Porsche Cayenne
  By jm - October 28 - 12:06 pm

  The Cayennes V6 engine lacks some pickup, but thats not why I bought it. It is roomy and looks good.

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  Nirvana - 1995 Porsche 911
  By Fred Reiner - October 28 - 3:20 am

  My 1995 Porsche 911 Carrera is simply an amazing car. Its fast, handles beautifully, is sexy, basically bullet proof. Others will pay you to wash your car! Understand that this car requires upkeep (largely oil changes). Remember this cars engine is not only air cooled, its "oil cooled" too. it has a cozy cockpit, but its not that small, Im 61", 215# and I fit in just fine. My kids fit in the back too.

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  THE BEST - 2000 Porsche 911
  By RENE - October 24 - 10:00 am

  GREAT FUN TO DRIVE,LOVE IT.LOOKS AND DRIVES LIKE IT SHOULD. IT HAS BEEN SHEER JOY AND WONDER WHAT I WAS WAITING FOR

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  Fantastic Sports Car!! - 2007 Porsche Cayman
  By nuckinfuts7 - October 24 - 9:16 am

  I fell in love with this car at the 2006 LA Auto show and ordered it from the factory, specd just like I wanted it. Waited nearly 4 months for it to arrive, but well worth the wait. This car is special in every way. Plenty of power, handles better than anything Ive driven (I own two other sports cars that are very highly rated), and looks great! Im of average size and weight, and strapping into this thing feels like stepping into my favorite pair of jeans. (Might be a bit small for anyone taller than 62".) Handling is its strongest suit - feels like it will never break loose!

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  Amazing Improvement - 2011 Porsche Cayenne
  By Bif - October 22 - 10:00 am

  This is an excellent choice for those looking for a combination of sports car performance and carrying/towing capacity. The acceleration and steering responsiveness is amazing (am I really driving an SUV?). Plus, I can haul my family and pets where they need to go. Compared to the X5 or Range Rover, this Cayenne is a MUCH better value. The interior redesign and fuel economy improvement make the Cayenne a compelling choice

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  Fantastic everyday car - 2007 Porsche 911
  By J. Goodchild - October 19 - 6:23 pm

  After years of driving high-end sedans and wishing they felt more like a Porsche, I finally bought a 911. I use it everyday, and it is an absolute joy to live with. It is easy to drive around town, it performs well in the rain, its storage space is not large but its useful, and it is sublime at speed, highway or not. Everything about this car is perfectly placed, weighted, and coordinated. It gets amazingly good mileage for such an exciting car. I got the base 911 - no options and no "S", and I have to say that it feels like I got an awful lot for my money. If youre looking for a truly great car that you can use regularly as well as on the weekends, consider a 911 seriously.

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  Unbeatable - 2004 Porsche 911
  By sixstrand - October 18 - 2:00 am

  Although I have driven Porsche 911 coupes before, this is my first Cab. The difference is well worth the extra money, as is the four wheel drive. It is really hard to explain the feeling of travelling Pacific Coast Highway going through the curves at speeds I wont mention with the top down! In the past, Ive always opted for the tiptronic transmission, but I went for the 6 speed manuel on this car. It is incredibly easy to use and enables you to get performance that you just cant get from an automatic. For performance and sheer driving fun, this is the best vehicle I have ever driven!