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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  Low ratio Quality/Cost - 2002 Porsche 911
  By Broken - September 13 - 11:40 pm

  Car just lost power and stopped downtown with no warning, engine is broken, waiting for repair appointment and estimates. I am disappointed with quality, On- board computer has no diagnostic message to display.

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  1999 Carrera - 1999 Porsche 911
  By David - September 13 - 4:36 pm

  I have owned many Porsches, including a factory Slant-nose turbo and a 930. I have also owned 3 Ferraris (a 250 GT, a Lusso, a 330GTC). I have driven many other fine and classic sports cars including XK-Es, Alfas,Maseratis. I have owned my 1999 Carrera convertible since new. For many years it was a third car, but since the kids are older and I dont need to drive them all over town as much any more it has been my daily driver for the last two years. While newer Carreras are prettier and slightly faster, this Porsche has been the best and most reliable sports car that Ive ever owned. While Ferraris are great, they are a maintenance headache; they break! (dont let anybody tell you differently

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  Amazing!! - 2005 Porsche Cayenne
  By Milo - September 11 - 9:03 pm

  I have driven my 2005 Pirsche Cayenne Turbo beyond what the average driver would and I can say that it performed flawlessly and always left me with a comfortable feeling. What a great vehicle. If you want to own a vehicle that drives like a Porsche, can out haul a 3/4 standard equipment Chevrolet, have a great sound system (its the best that Ive heard yet in any vehicle) second to none, and have power to spare, get one of these. You wont be sorry.

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  Cayman Review - 2007 Porsche Cayman
  By David Jenkins - September 9 - 9:26 pm

  Have had the 2.7L base Cayman for three months. Almost the performance of the S model for $10K less. Car puts smiles on my face everytime I drive it. Hugs the corners like its glued to the road. Excellent build quality and gorgeous sheet metal - lots of compliments.

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  Speed Yellow - 1998 Porsche 911
  By Speed Yellow - September 9 - 10:00 am

  Yes it is speed yellow! This is my 1st 911 and has been an awesome car. This is also my 5th Porsche. I picked up the car in Portland and drove it South of LA. It is not the most comfortable car for long trips, especially with sports seats. But, I got an avg. of 27 Mpg! Unbelievable in such a fast car. It effortlessly does 3 digit speeds, even up hills!! The car was loaded with sport exhaust, drive block, limited slip, sport seats to name a few options. The paint was a $3000 option when new; now it is a std. color on Porsches. The C2S has excellent styling, very quick acceleration and classic 911 interior dash. Recommend to do a corner balance on the suspension and it will handle even better!

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  Stellar. Wow. Great only car for 2. - 2010 Porsche Boxster
  By Bailey - September 9 - 10:00 am

  This car has been a revelation. The build quality, design, and performance consistently and continuously impress. This car is something special. This is our only car. We have rely on it to perform all missions under all conditions. After 4 months, 8000 miles, and a few multi-day road trips, we have no regrets. It is comfortable, capable, safe, well designed, beautifully made and finished, and does everything. Golf clubs fit. Luggage for 2 fits easily. Go-crazy shopping trips, speed bumps, steep driveways, dirt roads and rain are no problem. The Porsche Boxster adds an element of beauty and excitement and beauty to everyday life that everyone should experience.

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  Only Porsche Youll Need - 2004 Porsche Cayenne
  By Beach D - September 5 - 2:00 am

  Handles like a Porsche should, and can go off road as well (with winter wheels & tires). If my 911 wasnt a ragtop, Id sell it and just drive this one - its that good

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  911 - 2001 Porsche 911
  By mott - September 3 - 2:00 am

  excellent

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  My one year of ownership review - 2004 Porsche Cayenne
  By aorobert - August 31 - 11:36 pm

  LOOKS: Its a beauty. No it is not a VW. FEEL: I have never driven such a tight vehicle. I traded in a Mercedes ML430 for this and never looked back. GAS: Lousy gas mileage, more like 12/15. But for some reason when I get it above 80 my mileage improves to about 18. Too bad I cant stay at those speeds for very long.

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  SSSSSuper - 2000 Porsche Boxster
  By mdb - August 30 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this used last June. It is awesome. It is like hitting to within 1 foot of the pin on a par three every time I get in it!