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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  I love my Cayenne - 2006 Porsche Cayenne
  By Dan Kohn - July 5 - 10:10 pm

  Ive been driving my 2006 Porsche Cayenne for 6 months. It has never had any problems. It has great pick up and is a joy to drive. My last car was a Land Rover and nothing inside made sense. The entire cabin of my Cayenne was designed with comfort and ease in mind.

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  PORSCHE...THERE IS NO SUBSTITUTE - 2003 Porsche 911
  By MY MY MY - July 5 - 10:00 am

  I HAD A 2002 996 CAB.I THINK IT WAS A LEMON..THE CAR HAS BEEN AT THE DEALER 10 TIMES MOST OF THEM WERE MAJOR REPAIRS SO I GOT SICK OF THE BRAND AND TRIED FINDING A NOTHER.LOOKED AT CARS FROM NSX TO S2000....TO BMW BUT NOTHING MATCHED THE PERFORMANCE AND THE PLEASUE OF DRIVING A PORSCHE..SO I WENT BACK TO THE PORSCHE DEALER AND DROVE THE TURBO AND IT WAS LOVE AT FIRST DRIVE THIS CAR WILL MAKE YOU FEEL ON TOP OF THE WORLD IT IS SO FAST SO FIRM SO SMOOTH THER IS NO OTHER CAR ON THIS PLANET THAT MATCHES ITS PERFORMANCE AND THAT GOES FOR THE FERRARI TOO.

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  All New Boxster - 2006 Porsche Boxster
  By HKG - June 21 - 8:03 pm

  This is my third Porsche Boxster. The 2005 has been completely redone compared to prior years. It has more power, more comfort, and an improvement on an already great design. Ive driven the car now for nine months and have no complaints.

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  Entry level Porsche - 2002 Porsche Boxster
  By boxS - June 21 - 10:00 am

  Great handling car in Porsche tradition. Seats take getting used too. Pirelli tires noisy on road, swap for Michelin or Continental if purchasing new. Limited luggage space for travel. Salesman hyped loaner car during service, but reneged on agreement. Expect loss on resale or trade. Fun car to drive, especially at track.

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  Classic no fault automobile - 2001 Porsche 911
  By swiz454 - June 19 - 12:26 pm

  It was my dream car as a kid and even though I had to go used I have no complaints or regrets. I found a cherry 01 manual with only 26k on the clock, all original with removable hardtop. My daily driver is a 09 BMW 335i coupe auto. That car, as great as it is, does not draw compliments like the 911. Its a statement to how timeless the design really is. Surprising the 911 is just as fast as my 8 year newer BMW. At todays prices the 996 are a super bargain right now. My friends thought it was new. I suggest searching out a good example, park it in the garage and drive it for another 10 years.

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  Obsession - 2007 Porsche Cayman
  By Dean Farris - June 18 - 8:03 am

  My first Porsche, this speed yellow with black leather beauty is like having a Carrera or a Ferrari without the huge price tag. I really like the basic sport feel, almost like a vintage car, with not too much electronic stuff, and not so much glossy plastic trim. As a designer, this car really appeals to me from an aesthetic view. Compared to the Mercedes I was using for a daily driver, this is way more fun, and I love to make 90 degree turns going 45 mph. Now have about 18K miles. Sits in a nice large garage, like a sculpture. Driving a Porsche in Naples is about as good as it gets, even though we have one of the largest PCA memberships in the country. I highly recommend it. Good ego trip.

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  Silky smooth! - 2009 Porsche 911
  By aferrell - June 16 - 4:40 pm

  Traded in 07 Boxster S, loved that car but the Carrera coupe offers more room for driver and passenger. My last 911 was a 70 E, and this new one is totally different. Great driver, handling is awesome.

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  Pure Porsche, But Evolved - 2011 Porsche Panamera
  By cphollis3 - June 16 - 4:45 am

  This is my fourth Porsche vehicle: Boxster, Carrera, Cayenne, and now this. All Porsche, yet all different. The car is deeply impressive and engaging. It compares favorably against cars costing twice as much, or more. Handling, cockpit features, design, power, etc. -- all top-notch. I think the Panamera is now the one to beat in the 4 door sports luxury category. Most people would be concerned that the V6 would be less-than-powerful. I drove both this and the S model, and came away preferring the V6 -- lighter, more nimble, and the engine was more responsive than the heavy V8. The looks have been criticized, but I dont see the problem -- the car looks drop-dead gorgeous to me!

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  there is no substitute! - 2000 Porsche Boxster
  By kevin - June 14 - 2:53 pm

  The best roadster. Ive owned a number of sports cars and this is by far the best. Fast, quiet (for a sports car), comfortable, and mid engine handling, this car is the complete package. The car handles impressively on any road surface, except the most extreme pot holes roads, wet or dry pavement it does not matter. Comfortable on long cruises (10 states in 8 days inlcuding the Tail of the Dragon, 318 turns in 11 miles, Cherohala Skyway, Skyline Drive and the Blue Ridge PArkway). World class car with world class fit, finish and build quality. My used Boxster blows away my new Honda s2000, different class of car. Buy to experience the P-car perma-grin.

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  Better than my X5 - 2006 Porsche Cayenne
  By Sam - June 14 - 9:26 am

  My Porsche Cayenne rides very well. It has just enough power, but could use a little boost. It handles better than my last vehicle (a 2003 X5) and stops better too. This SUV looks great, and its paint job is much better than the one on my X5 too. Its sound system isnt great, I should have gotten the upgraded Bose. It leases for almost exactly what the X5 loaded does. It is a nice change.