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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  The good and the misleading - 2005 Porsche Cayenne
  By bgaffney - April 21 - 9:46 am

  Overall it is a good vehicle. I have had it a year and do enjoy it. This car was purchased for the safety and handling features. (I had recently been in an accident where the air bags deployed.)The handling and braking are great. I still drive my Explorer as it is easier to load things in, but if it rains this is the vehicle to be in. Unfortunately I was just notified the staged air bags that were listed on my paperwork were not available when I purchased my car (they did state that the airbags exceeded requirements but that is not enough for me). I am very concerned about that and will look for another vehicle that offers that feature. I have owned Porsches since 1964. I get 16 MPG around town.

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  What a Driving Experience! - 2007 Porsche Boxster
  By GmanMD - April 20 - 10:16 am

  I have now owned this car for two days and all I can say is wow. It is a head-turner, it drives beautifully, and it just keeps bringing a smile to my face. This car is just fun.

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  no baloney - 2006 Porsche Cayenne
  By william calvin - April 18 - 5:00 am

  Hands down the best vehicle I ever owned. Ive many luxury suvs and cars.... even Porsches etc. But nothing can discribe excellence better than a Porche cayenne S

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  Amazing new direction!!! - 2003 Porsche Cayenne
  By PorCayenne - April 17 - 10:00 am

  what more is there to say? it was a huge risk - could prosche make a safe car, capable of high speed and power, while maintaing balance and control? I guess so...

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  Very Solid SUV - 2006 Porsche Cayenne
  By JGW - April 17 - 3:30 am

  The car is built very well. I know that the sister car, the Touareg is a lemon. The Cayenne is not. I really enjoy the interior. The navigation system is very nice and easy to use. The standard stereo has a very high quality of sound. The seats are comfortable. It is very fast and when you use the triptonic. I love the sound. It is sooo beefy! That V8 hollers! I had one minor problem with it right when I got it. The antifreeze was leaking into the AC. But the dealer fixed it right away. I really love the car.

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  Cayenne Turbo - 3 months - 2003 Porsche Cayenne
  By ChliPwr - April 11 - 10:00 am

  Have over 3,000 miles in 3 months. Everything worked from day 1 and nothing has broken. Build quality is exceptional. Sales rep at dealer was exceptional. Used service department ro install after-market options. Their calendar is tight. Like almost everything about the car. It is everything I hoped for and more. Power is great and it handles the dirt as well as our Range Rover. Gas mileage sucks, though - 12 mpg consistently. Expected that. Takes a bit of work to get back seats down for an extended, flat stowage space in back. Feels extremely safe. Good selection of dealer options. Particularly like the rubber floor mats.

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  ONE "SICK" CAR - 2003 Porsche 911
  By BADBOYJOE - April 11 - 10:00 am

  I HAD I FERRARI 355 (2001) SOLD IT!!! GOT THE 911 TURBO IT BLOW IT AWAY MORE FUN TO DRIVE ,PLUS YOU CAN DRIVE IT EVERY DAY AND NOT BREAKE DOWN LIKE THE FERRARI DID

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  Super performance - 2010 Porsche Panamera
  By antonio01 - April 10 - 10:10 am

  I own a Turbo and the performance numbers provided by Porsche are very conservative. This car goes 0-60 in 3.3- 4 and I tell you one forgets that it has 4 seats! It truly changes the game in the super sedan category. What a car!

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  perfection? - 2008 Porsche Boxster
  By Zenith - April 9 - 11:50 pm

  I have owned many sports cars. Previously owned a NC Miata and Nissan 300ZX TT. I hoped and was successful combining the best features of each car with the Boxster S. Its an all out blast to drive. Quick, nimble, powerful, classic good looks and with great exhaust sound. It loves winding mountain roads and hates logging trucks! Get the factory short throw shifter if you really love driving.

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  too much fun - 2004 Porsche Cayenne
  By psycho-mom - April 9 - 11:30 pm

  traded in my Lexus LS430, Cayenne is a kick to drive and practical too. I can take kids, dogs, or just lots of stuff. Great on dry pavement, off road, or in the snow.