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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  awesome - 2003 Porsche Cayenne
  By wbakercgar - December 27 - 2:00 am

  Just purchased the S on 3-15, trading in an X5. I think it is much more attractive in person, but is predicated on the wheels. 20 inch Turbo wheels are a must.I did the Titanium Grey with two tone grey interior, the best combo.

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  Best 911 ever - 2003 Porsche 911
  By Phil Harnick - December 27 - 2:00 am

  Uncanny handling, perfectly matched to the substantial power of the car. A beautiful exterior, and (at long last) a functional, attractive and logical interior. The overall balance is striking, between cornering, acceleration, braking, shifting, you name it, its just perfect.

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  My Car - 2000 Porsche Boxster
  By harry - December 26 - 11:03 am

  The 2000 Porsche Boxster is a fantastic car. Im a regional salesman and do well over 30,000 miles a year. This car has never broke down and it still looks great.

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  Nothing even comes close - 2009 Porsche Cayman
  By anonimo - December 25 - 5:33 am

  Fantastic engine, brakes, chassis, steering, interior... this really is the finest true spots car value available. Had an Audi TTS and while it was a very capable and well-built sports car, it just didnt offer the the perfect balance and driving dynamics of the Cayman. And the beautiful curves of the exterior are very reminiscent of the classic 911s of the 80s and 90s. The Cayman has become the ultimate Porsche (and an especially exceptional value with current incentives!).

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  like no other...period! - 2004 Porsche Boxster
  By Mr. cars.... - December 24 - 7:20 am

  There are many 2-seater convertibles out there for a variety of prices...most are more affordable than the Porsche Boxster...but none are more fun to own and drive! This vehicle handles incredibly and although it has sufficient power for our taste...the "S" version should provide sufficient power for the most decerning enthusiast. While the Corvettes are slightly faster to 60 mph...you dont get there in as classy a car as the German Porsche. The Bose sound system is exceptional as well....making the entire top down experience something to look forward to everytime we take it for a drive. There is no substitute!

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  Awesome - 2003 Porsche Cayenne
  By heart - December 15 - 10:00 am

  This is the finest vehicle I have ever driven. The turbo provides great power and performance. The ride is smooth in all the choices of ride. The interior is very comfortable. Must be driven to appreciate the handling and performance.

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  very good porsche - 2003 Porsche Cayenne
  By wenckheim - December 9 - 2:00 am

  a lot of fun to drive.

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  Fabulous Vehicle - 2003 Porsche Cayenne
  By mjw - December 9 - 2:00 am

  One of the best vehicles I have even driven.The feel and handling are amazing.

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  The best car - 2004 Porsche CARRERA GT
  By Undiscolsed - December 9 - 2:00 am

  It has a smoth cluch once you get to know it

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  Real upgrade over the 987 - 2013 Porsche Boxster
  By quierodormir - December 3 - 9:47 pm

  Just replaced my 2007 Boxster with the 2013. Its a real improvement in almost every way over the previous generation. The design of the exterior and interior are significantly enhanced (in particular the interior, which previously I felt had a tendency to feel cheap in terms of materials) I know the electric steering has received some criticism, but I cannot tell a difference with the old hydraulic setup. Both are fantastic opinion. The only minor difference Ive noticed is that the exhaust note in the 2013 isnt as pronounced as the 2007 at lower RPMs. This may be due to the fact that my 07 had the sport / PASM package while the new one doesnt.