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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  Porsche--there is still no substitute - 2009 Porsche 911
  By jerseyguy - May 15 - 2:16 pm

  The latest chapter for this 40 year old icon. Best one yet and makes the 2004 I traded in look like the Flintmobile. Drove the PDK transmission but decided it was not worth the $4,000 +. Careful selection of the options brought the car in within a few thousand dollars of my 2004 Carrera cab.

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  The best car ever made - 2010 Porsche 911
  By Catnip Bob - May 15 - 7:23 am

  This is my 4th 911 going back to a 1981 Targa. What a babe magnet! The 911 has no rival for handling (because of the rear engine which makes the front end light and nimble) and celebrity status. Short trips or long, it is a pleasure. Other drivers are intimidated, especially Vettes and even an occasional inexperienced Lamborghini driver. The 6 speed manual is the only way to go for a sports car. I drive it only in good weather and put on plenty of miles. What a great ride. The only drawback is the high price, but it is the entry fee to a special place.

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  2003 Carrera 4S - 2003 Porsche 911
  By carlos - May 14 - 5:56 pm

  I love the exterior design and the cars performance

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  My Cayman S - 2007 Porsche Cayman
  By Pat - May 13 - 4:30 am

  This is a true sports car, and sounds like it. The quality of the vehicle is superb. This car is for those that love to drive, and get there quickly and safely. The brakes are the best of any vehicle I have ever driven. The manual transmission is one of the best I have used. I simply love to drive this car.

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  cant be compared to any other car - 2002 Porsche Boxster
  By Krikorian - May 12 - 10:00 am

  own it for 20 months now never had any prblems, I use it as daily commuter, rain, shine even snow, (yes moderate snow). will not drive any other car (may be 911). owned 10 BMWs previously I loved them all, this one I adore, 36600 enjoyed miles now, no regrets what so ever.

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  Pretty darn fast - 2017 Porsche Macan
  By George Posada - May 8 - 2:10 pm

  I have owned BMWs for over 40 years. This Macan GTS is my first Porsche and it is great. It needs two things 1) to be available in a manual transmission (I know I cant shift as well as this transimission but Its more fun) and 2) to have a day time backlit tach when the lights are off (even paddle shifting needs a visible tach). I offered to buy a second Macan for my wife, but she wont give up her Mini because she loves a manual transimission too. I still have my BMW stick, as well. Our left feet are so bored with no clutch to operate. Having said all that, the Macan is still kick to drive. Love the way it sounds in Sport and Sport + mode.

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  Gotta Get It - 1998 Porsche 911
  By dogsprocket - May 6 - 10:00 am

  Forget the mass produced liquid cooled ugly 996 monstrosities known for its unreliable engines. You need to get the 993 with its wonderful curves and traditional air-cooled engine! 98 was the last year for this engine.....dont miss out!

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  Fun, Beauty, Classic Style! - 2003 Porsche Boxster
  By Caroline - May 6 - 10:00 am

  This car is wonderful. FUN to drive; Bose stereo is awesome; convertible top is a breeze; comfortable seats; lots of storage space for sports car (well planned design). I am amazed at the admiring glances from other drivers. Ive had some nice cars but none ever generated the reaction that this Boxster does.

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  So awesome we bought two. - 2016 Porsche 911
  By dpod4 - May 5 - 10:45 am

  Last summer I was looking to buy myself a nice sporty luxury car. I had graduated from a 2004 VW R32 (amazing car), and wanted something a more refined. I received lots of advice and opinions and looked at Maserati, Aston Martin, BMW, Cadillac, Ferrari, etc. It struck me that every dealer and person who I got advice from kept comparing their cars to Porsche, especially the 911. One guy I know has an airplane hanger where he stores his numerous cars. He told me his two favorites were Ferrari 458 and Porsche 911 Turbo S. So off to Porsche I went. Drove a base 911 and thought it handled really well but didnt blow me away. Was told I needed to try Turbo or Turbo S. Which I did. I was blown away. Perfect gestalt of a driving experience. Bought the Turbo S. Scary fast. Like a rocketship. Have since bought two (one for my wife) Targa 4 GTS 911s. Not a rocket but plenty fast -- extra 30hp and torque does make a significant difference, and suspension, height, and other tuning make for thrilling ride. Last of naturally aspirated engines, which with top down, makes for the most visceral and enjoyable daily driver when the weather is good. Love the Targa top (dont like soft top convertibles), and the aesthetic of the Targa (classic and modern at once). For me whether a Turbo S or GTS naturally aspirated is perfection reached.

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  Better Than My 2003 BMW M3 - 2007 Porsche Cayman
  By Jordan - May 5 - 3:06 am

  This is easily the best overall perfoming car that I have owned. It feels quicker than my BMW M3, except from 70 mph up. Its handling outshines all (for the money) except the Lotus Elise, but the build quality and sound from behind you more than make up for any performance difference. The ride quality allows for daily driving without punishment. Additionally, the manual transmission is wonderfully weighted and precise.