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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  Ultimate Sport "Utility" Vehicle - 2005 Porsche Cayenne
  By Ethan - October 1 - 8:20 am

  The Porsche Cayenne Turbo is the ultimate "utility" vehicle, being extremely capable on the road, offering good performance off-road, a good towing capacity of 7,700 lbs., and feeling good doing it all. Nothing else really compares to it. If you are not planning on taking advantage of this superb technology, I would suggest getting a BMW X5, Lexus RX350, or an Audi Q7. Most SUV owners never tow or take the vehicle off road, so save your money and shop elsewhere. Also, the Cayenne Turbo is equipped with high performance, soft Pirelli tires that wear quickly...something the customer needs to understand.

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  LOVE THE TURBO & EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS SUV! - 2004 Porsche Cayenne
  By kingr2r - October 1 - 3:22 am

  I have owned this super rocket for some time now and I have no complaints. If you can afford this car, I strongly suggest to buy one and you wont regret it. I got this car used at Princeton Porsche, NJ and the car was in immaculate condition, black on black w/ dark wood trimmings. It even smelled like new since the previous owner really took care of this baby. I also had the opportunity of owning a 2006 Range Rover Sport Supercharged (my review is also posted here in edmunds - My supercharged rover! By Rick Respicio on July 26, 2006 23:45pm) but it just cant compare to the Cayenne Turbo. The Cayenne is faster, sportier and more luxurious than the Rover. Test drive one and youll agree!

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  Hard to believe it is a Porsche - 2008 Porsche Cayenne
  By Early Man Fan - September 30 - 2:30 pm

  I have owned this since March of 2007. It has been back to the dealer 3 times already and I still have issues with it. Initially there were very bad paint runs on both side of the license plate. These had to be wet sanded off. There is a puttering sound that comes from the rear passenger area. According to dealer and Porsche this is normal and will be found on all 2008 models. It is something to do with the fuel pump. Returned to dealer again when I discovered that the entire hood was covered with "splotches" under the clear coat. Again, wet sanding was done on a brand new car. Definitely should have purchased S model. Acceleration is poor and seems to shift gears sluggish,

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  Drives like a Porsche - 2005 Porsche Cayenne
  By Lynnsey - September 29 - 4:46 pm

  I got a nail in my tire and had a flat at 45 mph in traffic.. it still drove like a Porsche as the tire was falling off the rim!!! It is simply amazing and so very much fun to drive or be seen in! People are always trying to see what it is or asking questions. It deserves all of the attention and it still is pure pleasure to drive or ride in! WTG PORSCHE!!! Not only am I proud of my car, it delivers on every thing a Porsche should be! I have a Boxster as well, but this is the car that goes everywhere for every occasion! Since it is spring, maybe the Boxster will have a better chance! Porsche is a family tradition.. because NO ONE DOES IT BETTER!

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  Beyond Compare - 2010 Porsche Panamera
  By rfretro - September 28 - 10:36 pm

  Simply nothing in its class. I have spend 6 months researching/driving all potential competitors and not one can claim to have all the attributes of the Panamera together at once. Interior is just superb. Although exterior styling is controversial it is truly unique and classy. Performance is sublime, just in case you were wondering.

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  An honest review - 2010 Porsche Cayenne
  By Don - September 28 - 11:16 am

  We saw it, loved the look/style, we got it, and we enjoy it. Driving is exactly what you would expect from a Porsche SUV - exciting and fun (not a soft ride, its a sports SUV). Behind the wheel is FUN and EXCITING - the car responds so well anywhere and it sounds like a powerful car should. Utilitarian also: it has lots of room in the rear end for gold clubs and much more. 4 People ride ok, no more! The large Porsche wheels stand out so nice in their design. Unfortunately, like German lux cars, they need to be cleaned regularly - they get black brake dust on them way too fast. Expect about 14 MPG (if you drive regular + some fun driving).

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  Love it, but - 2005 Porsche Boxster
  By tonyrocker - September 28 - 6:33 am

  I love this car. It is my first Porsche and I have it just over 2 years. Will "upgrade" to the 911 soon. The car has had its problems. After 6,000 miles engine blew for no reason (new engine put in but covered under warranty), clutch went after 7,000 miles (maybe that was the wife driving??). Now the convertible roof has stopped working and is currently in the shop getting fixed. With all that I still love this car.

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  What a great car! - 2016 Porsche Macan
  By Harold Broberg - September 26 - 6:38 am

  Drives like a boxster with more room and more power! Same great 7-speed PDK transmission as the boxster with smooth shifting that is difficult to feel. Mileage is about 23 mpg overall so far, so the factory mileage obviously depends on the driver and the conditions. This is mostly suburban driving but I believe the smooth engine turn-off and turn-on when you stop/go is part of the solid mileage for this 4100 lb, 340 HP car. My wifes car and she loves the ride and ease of driving and the handling. It just goes where and when you want total smoothness. The standard ride package is excellent so we did not get the sport package.

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  2007 Porsche 911 Turbo - 2007 Porsche 911
  By 07911Turbo - September 23 - 3:13 pm

  Simply put, it is the epitome and the pinnacle of all super cars to date.

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  rocks - 2004 Porsche CARRERA GT
  By bigmak40 - September 22 - 2:00 am

  absolutely the best car ever so much fun its rediculous all carbon fiber chassis/body = super stiff