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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  best car ever - 2004 Porsche CARRERA GT
  By lilkreeper - October 12 - 2:00 am

  best race car ever.

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  Most Practical Porsche - 2004 Porsche Cayenne
  By beemaze - October 12 - 2:00 am

  This is the tightest, smoothest, most comfortable, and easiest to drive SUV period. I have owned or driven the BMW X5, Mercedes ML series, Range Rover. They cannot compare. 450 HP and excellent torque at anytime. Some earlier models had the hesitation problem, but Porsche has fixed this with a software update.

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  Great Car - 2006 Porsche Boxster
  By Ben - October 6 - 3:40 am

  Folks who claim this car is a chore around town are just wrong. This car is no more difficult to drive around town than ANY other small car with a manual transmission. And the fun factor on this one wins out every time. There are faster cars out there, but overall the Boxsters performance at this price is a huge plus, not to mention that you dont see Porsches on every corner like other cars in the same price range.

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  What more do you need! - 2014 Porsche Cayman
  By casapulla - October 5 - 8:30 pm

  I just bought a 2014 Cayman S. Base price $63,800.00 after options sticker was over $ 84,000.00. The only negative about this car. But no regrets. I cant say how much I love this car. The feeling you get when you get behind the wheel and turn the key and hear that engine behind you is a like a natural high. And when you get it out on the road and hit the pedal in Sports Plus the rush is amazing. This car has all the power you need. Actually you cant really get to enjoy it because there is not many roads that you can really take advantage of what this car can deliver. This is my second Cayman. First was a 2007 Cayman Base. The difference in the 2014 is amazing. A total different car.

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  1 bad suv - 2004 Porsche Cayenne
  By gee gee - October 1 - 10:00 am

  i tell you i own a lot of other vehicles and nothing even comes close to this one . you can take your family shoping and drag race a vette at the same time (not recomended). off road or on it is the most impressive vehicle you can buy . i test drove a range rover what a joke it drove like a $80,000 ford .theres nothing else like the turbo buy it you will love it.

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  Love It - 2004 Porsche Cayenne
  By pindians - October 1 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car. I love the styling and the look of the car. It has had a few problems, however, the dealer is great and quick to fix the problems.

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  17,000 miles in a year and I have three other cars - 2017 Porsche Macan
  By markm - September 29 - 9:00 pm

  I have a 997.1, a Box S and a high mileage BMW X5. I bought this vehicle as a present for myself after finishing my last Chemo treatment... Ive owned Porsches for over forty years, numerous types including, 911s, 996s, 997s, boxster s, Cayenne and even a 914 in my younger days. The Macan is by far the best balanced SUV-sports car for the money you can find. Mine is not highly optioned. The engine is responsive in all ranges, the braking smooth and intuitive and the handling sublime; thats without any of the pricey suspension options. The base stereo is just fine and I consider myself an audiophile, the added sunroof and lane change assist were my adds along with the premium package.... $59.6k. The Macan has been a pleasure on long drives down the Big Sur coast or through the high Sierras... and the base seats are a lot more comfortable than my 997. The one thing you have to be careful about is the quickness of this car to go from 70 to 95 in a heart beat... its that fast.

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  09 C2 Cab (6 spd) - 2009 Porsche 911
  By HappyHour - September 26 - 9:10 am

  This is my first Porsche. Originally, looked at remaining 08 Boxsters then 08 911s and came away with great deal on 09 911. No problems other than speed limits and not being able to push to limits. I tried the PDK and it is sweet, but not engaging enough, so went with manual 6spd. Steering is precise, power is not overwhelming in the base model, but sufficient overall. Very comfortable as daily driver. Has been thirsty for oil; about a quart per 1000 miles.

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  Awesome car - 2008 Porsche 911
  By rbt808 - September 15 - 5:10 pm

  This is my third 911, by far the best I had. Fun car to drive and love the handling on corner, great engine noise

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  Fantastic - 1997 Porsche 911
  By RYC Sailor - September 15 - 2:00 pm

  I have owned other Porsches, 635 BMWs,1750 Alfa Romeos and MGs. This car is the most fun, best handling and best looking of all of them. The Turbo-look version (C2S) has all the appearance attributes without the high cost of purchase. Being one of less than 2000 made worldwide makes it desireable and consequently is holding its value better than standard models, which doesnt hurt either. If this car has a fault, it resides in the difficulty in changing oil filters. During my period of ownership there have been no problems other than a wheel alignment and a dead battery after eight years. This car isnt driven often, but when its used its driven with vigor and begs for more.