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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  The Perfect Car - 2008 Porsche Cayman
  By Nick - February 15 - 10:50 pm

  The Porsche Cayman is by far the most well engineered car I have driven. I have test driven most of its competitors and the handling, responsiveness, as well as the overall quality is superb without reservation. The mileage for a sports car is excellent and surprised me. The comfort is excellent, especially in the lower back area. I have been envying Porsches ever since I was in high-school. As another Porsche owner told me, this is a sports car not a luxury car masquerading as a sports car. After I drove it I could clearly see what she meant. The swaying factor around curves is for the most part non-existent. The bottom line is this car is the best choice in its class.

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  What a Car! Vielen Dank, Porsche! - 2007 Porsche Cayman
  By mf - February 8 - 7:23 pm

  it was time to move into modern times from my 1981 Corvette. I am more than thoroughly pleased with my Cayman! The body design is, well, simply gorgeous. For 245HP, it performs nicely even at >6,000 ft. elevation. The fit and finish are incredible. At a lanky 6 2", it is more than accommodating. It has lots of luggage space. It will be terrific for our road-trip ventures. My black-on-black certainly turns heads (yes, a little "vanity" there...). Its just a perfect fit. Its a fantastic car for the price, period.

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  996 Turbo Cab - 2004 Porsche 911
  By trobarts - February 8 - 1:10 pm

  I have had the my car for two years. The only warranty problem was a CD player issue. Initially, it burned oil, but this lessened with time. I have tracked the car and it is excellent, though you feel the weight. It is easy to drive every day and the convertible mechanism is great (you can use it up to 31 mph). Its four wheel drive has saved me on the track. My only complaint is the squeaking from the hard-top, which I have not been able to fix for more than a few days. This is my favorite of the three 911s that I have owned over the last few years.

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  Porsche Boxster - 2004 Porsche Boxster
  By jp - February 7 - 6:56 am

  My Boxster handles great and drives better on the highway than my wifes CLK 320 convertible. 3rd gear moves the car very quickly. Few cars can keep up with this car around corners or open road. Test drove the SL 500, 911, & Corvette before buying this car. Overall, this car is better than any of the other three. It has the power, handling and it is a blast to drive.

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  A Proud Owners Comments - 2010 Porsche Cayman
  By Black Beauty - February 5 - 6:26 pm

  I have owned my Cayman S for two short weeks. I have been impressed with the overall handling and performance. I traded in a Mercedes Benz SL 500. I have no regrets. The styling, performance, and ease of handling has more the exceeded my expectations.

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  A W E S O M E - 2000 Porsche 911
  By uttooth - February 4 - 10:00 am

  Most awesome car I have ever driven !!! Needs a cup holder though...Very cool one button top control feature...A W S O M E Car........

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  Funtastic - 2003 Porsche Boxster
  By Jeffish - February 4 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Boxster and the last one was super reliable, cheap to own (even after 90,000 miles, always fun and just the best handling car with fantastic brakes. Good resale value.

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  in love - 2003 Porsche Boxster
  By oreo - February 4 - 10:00 am

  found the boxster to be everything the reports have indicated a pleasure to drive . only disappointment; front hood will get a fair share of road chips .

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  P A - 2016 Porsche Cayenne
  By peter@aghallc.com - February 3 - 9:35 am

  Great car but very disappointed with MPG and the time it takes to charge while driving .

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  911 Porsche delivers! - 2003 Porsche 911
  By CWB - January 29 - 2:00 am

  The performance and handling of the Porsche 911 border on telepathic! It deleivers on the promise of exception performance, comfort nad reliability. This is a true drivers car; not Spartan but neither is it burdened with clutter and unecessay bells and wistles. What is most remarkable is that such a capable sports car can be so civilized!