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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  Fun car to drive, but its improvable! - 2009 Porsche 911
  By xrayfun - June 23 - 9:10 am

  A great acceleration machine and I really enjoy roaring to speed limit in 2 or 3 seconds after every first-in-line red light stop. Handling around sharp corners at high speed is very good. Impressively very stable and the sports seat holds my body pretty well. Definitely like the looks of the car when the top comes down. However I dont like the look of the spoiler when it comes up, because the stainless steel lift shafts do not match the ruby red color at all. Unfortunately there is no automatic shut off function for the head lights. This is so common in all the luxury cars and it surprises me that Porsche does not do it. Measured MPG=12. Bad.

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  A modern classic - 1997 Porsche 911
  By dbtk - June 14 - 2:56 am

  One of the most enjoyable cars that I have driven. It is both an exotic in its performance and modernly comfortable its demeanor. Outstanding acceleration and handling. Great for the open road and fun along the switchbacks. As a city car it is less enjoyable with poor mileage and constant attention. Overall, however, it can not be beat for bringing a smile to your face.

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  Pain in the ...... - 2003 Porsche Cayenne
  By flegmon - April 14 - 10:00 am

  My ass cant fit in the seat. It feels like it is riding on both sides of the seat. All of the weight is on my hips. I only weigh 185 lbs!!! Does anyone else have this problem?

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  Go With the Ferrari Instead - 2003 Porsche 911
  By Richard - April 13 - 10:56 pm

  Service and reliability and Porsche NA are not worth the price of admission at any level. Save the money and go with the Infiniti G35 or bypass the lack of German workmanship and go with Italian craftsmanship.

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  Wish Porsche Got it Right, Rev. Blindly - 2008 Porsche Cayenne
  By Donna Z - March 30 - 8:50 pm

  Although my Cayenne is sporty and zippy when necessary, Porsche has got some configuring to do. For starters, it is SMALL!!! Be prepared if you have kids, this is not the truck for you. There is little space to bring a SINGLE stroller along let alone anything else, groceries are impossible. The truck is a bit of a dog! Yes, you can pretend to drive it in manual but the fact is the truck doesnt have the sack youd think it would have by its appearance... very disappointing!!! Lastly, but most importantly, reversing, this SUV is a nightmare. Visibility is nil... like reversing blind folded ! If youve got a car seat directly behind the drivers side, forget visibility altogether.

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  Cool!!!!!! - 2002 Porsche 911
  By svenolov - March 13 - 2:00 am

  good locking, low price and very fast.

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  Excellence in Motion - 2000 Porsche Boxster
  By layedbak1 - February 26 - 2:51 pm

  Have driven and owned many cars in my life, and this little Boxster is by far the most fun to drive. The only one I have driven that comes close was a 1965 Jag XKE coupe. The only negative was the IMS bearing issue that I noticed before it became a catastrophe, and had replaced with a LN Engineering ceramic ball bearing IMS bearing. Worth every penny. Theres nothing like the growl of that boxster engine at 5500 rpms, or the handling on turns. You havent experienced the pleasure of real driving until you take one of theses babies out for a spin.

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  Good value - 2008 Porsche Cayenne
  By DM - February 20 - 9:56 am

  I have been very pleased overall with this car. Best handling SUV out there (after driving all of them). Comfortable for me (Im 65") but not for anyone behind me. Not a real good family car. Just not enough room for any length of time with kids or stuff. But the only Porsche you can take the family of 5 in. Could use more power and the mileage is not great for a V6.

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  85K and no voice control on phone - 2012 Porsche Cayenne
  By murrayr - January 31 - 3:58 pm

  I just bought this 2012 for my wife. The car is fine and drives well (for an SUV). I bought what I thought was a loaded car, only to find that there is no voice control for the phone. You have to look at the dash, scroll through the phone list and select a name. We live in a hands free state!!! Checked Porsches website and found voice control is a 450.00 extra. Really, in an 85k car?? Just want to warn any of you thinking of a purchase, be aware, this is not a petty feature and should be standard on all cars.

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  drives like a sports car - 2005 Porsche Cayenne
  By dave s - January 30 - 12:30 am

  Apart from some minor electrical problems with the remote the car is glitch free. I am a dad with children ages 5 and 7. I also own a Porsche 996 Carrera. If it is raining or I have carpool duties this car is my absolute favorite to drive. It drives like a sports car and is plenty fast. The true beauty of this car is its cornering stability and braking . As for acceleration and speed , I have to remind myself that high speed driving is not a good idea with young kids in tow and therefore I dont regret not buying the Turbo. If you dont have young kids get the Turbo. The Porsche Carrera is the best car but for rainy days and kid towing I absolutely love my Cayenne. Get it fully loaded - dont skimp.