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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  Wow, No disappointment here! - 2011 Porsche Panamera
  By Smrt50 - November 9 - 10:00 am

  We purchased a 2011 Panamera 4, after looking at a Cayenne. There is no comparison, this vehicle is a home run. The vehicle is White with Beige interior, and you cant take your eyes off of it. You will turn heads on the highway, and it performs like a Porsche. Once inside, you know that this vehicle is a luxury sport car.

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  Phenomenal 2011 Panamera 4 Sport Sedan - 2011 Porsche Panamera
  By Narob - November 9 - 10:00 am

  Just sitting in this car raises the hair on ones arms with its dazzling interior! When you start the engine, the cockpit envelopes you and your passengers into a quiet and subtle road handling experience. Having owned other well known luxury sedans, sports cars, SUVs and researched even more models, nothing comes close to this hill-grabbing, incredible corner- taking, quick-stopping, fuel-sipping and heart- stopping chariot. My second Porsche, the Panamera 4, maybe the last vehicle I ever need to buy.

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  What a Car! - 2006 Porsche 911
  By poodlecrazy4 - November 8 - 5:03 pm

  The lease on my Cayenne turbo was ending and I had always wanted a Carrera. This car is beyond even my expectations! Its extremely comfortable, a blast to drive, and handles like perfection! The braking is truly exceptional. When you are driving, you feel like you are in a car that is much more substantial in size. Its ROCK SOLID!

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  Great automobile, lousy customer support - 2012 Porsche Cayenne
  By pablo3031 - November 6 - 6:30 am

  I purchased a new 2012 Cayenne turbo, wonderful piece of machinery. Design, looks, ride and engine all great. Brakes have been an issue, 4 visits to dealer resulted in new rotors and pads at roughly 15,000 miles due to unbearable squeaking noise, still persists. Dealer has confirmed, Porsche rep confirmed and has said that thats the way it is. I have been waiting for a call back from dealer for 4 weeks now, nothing. For a purchase of $130K I expect more from a customer service standpoint.

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  Porsche CS SUV Review - 2004 Porsche Cayenne
  By jimwulf - November 3 - 6:26 am

  Strong Performer. Excellent on Highway, but a little rough on City Streets. Superb in Snow and Storms. Really fun in the Mountains.

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  Worst ride I ever had - 2005 Porsche Cayenne
  By dorothy duffner - November 2 - 3:00 pm

  Bought my Porsche Cayenne new, was back three times for repairs, the last one was in the shop six weeks, the ride is like a mack truck, couldnt wait to unload it. Make sure you get a really good ride before purchasing this car. It does not ride like a sports car, I have had a couple Corvettes that had a better ride.

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  2004 Cayenne S - 2004 Porsche Cayenne
  By John Ulrich - October 31 - 12:46 pm

  Ive owned this vehicle for 2 months and have had an excellent driving and ownership experience. I am a road warrior and needed a tow vehicle that had some prestige associated with it. Towing 7700 lbs, quiet, plenty of power, excellent handling. If you can afford it, get it!

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  Worst car I ever owned! - 2002 Porsche Boxster
  By Ken - October 29 - 3:36 pm

  OK, so the Porsche Boxster S is a great car if you set aside the weekly trips to the dealer, rattles, an interior that looks like a Ford Taurus, nasty sound system, and deadly blindspots. This is the first Porsche I ever owned and the last! I should have bought a BMW Z4, Audi TT or even a Chevrolet Corvette!

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  Great - 2004 Porsche CARRERA GT
  By fi - October 29 - 2:00 am

  A truely amazing car and one i love to drive, it is like flying throught the air and creates such a wonderful atmosphere and makes other people jealous-my main goal lol!!

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  2005 Porsche Boxster - 2005 Porsche Boxster
  By T Grippo - October 28 - 5:00 am

  As a former Corvette fanatic I carefully researched and tested both the C6 Vette as well as the Boxster 987, both are extremely good cars but the Porsche has better handling and comfort as well as storage space, not to mention the acceleration and power. The S model Boxster is even faster! Also insurance premiums are much better than the vette which has a high theft rate. I own the regular version, not the S version and it is without a doubt the best car I have ever driven! Gas mileage is in the range of 22 mpg average. After owning 3 Vettes, Porsche made a believer out of me!