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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  Its a Beautiful Car - 2017 Porsche Macan
  By Ursula - March 15 - 1:36 pm

  I really wanted this Porsche and we traded my BMW X5 for it and my hubbys 911, however, now I dont want to take it many places because it was so darned expensive that I just want it to sit in the garage! lol I miss the shoulder and open room of my X5 and some other little features that you dont realize you enjoyed until they were gone. Soft close doors, heads up display, just the roomy feel in general. I love, love, love the Macan, however, being in my 50s now and not in my 20s, I enjoy the ease of getting in a vehicle as well as getting out, and that is very tight in this beauty. However, once youre in, it fits like a glove and rides like a dream. Im torn with keeping her or getting the new Audi SQ5 or the Volvo XC-60 R Design. Im truly a car person and giving up that Porsche for one of those is definitely going to feel like going a few steps down. Im torn I tell you!!

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  Reliablity down the drain - 2005 Porsche Cayenne
  By Porsche - March 11 - 12:50 pm

  Beautiful and nice and fun to drive, thats if it wasnt at the dealer most of the time for repairs, reliablity sucks, other than that its pretty fun, you should consider the FX 45, faster and better reliablity

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  Boxster Spendar - 2000 Porsche Boxster
  By Peter - March 9 - 6:50 am

  I bought the Boxr in Feb of 08 with 16000 KM. Always loved Porsche so when I found this low mileage perfect example I bought it on the spot. I put 5500 KM on it last year with not one problem. It is a fun car only (I have a daily driver) which makes this car feel fresh every time I drive it...I love it. It has very good power and the handling characteristics are absolutely unparalleled. I go top down everywhere...favorite time is early in the morning. Best time of year is in the Canadian fall with a good chill in the air with the seat heaters on and the leaves falling...it does not get any better than that!!!!!!!

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  retired ole goat ! - 2017 Porsche Macan
  By P. Mason - March 8 - 1:27 am

  Reaching our late 60s, my wife and I have had Blazers, Tahoe, BMW X-5, Mercedes ML series. We needed a somewhat smaller SUV but still haul grandkids, dogs, groceries, hardware around. The Macan S had all the accessories that we needed and wanted. The vision 360 degrees is great. Comfort is fantastic. Performance is perfect, this ole goat can run with any of them! The Macan is easy to maneuver and park. I took a close friend for a ride and he was astounded at the interior design and room! If you are considering updating an SUV and dont take a look at the Macan, you are cheating yourself.

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  A true Porsche - 2005 Porsche Cayenne
  By Hot Pepper - March 4 - 9:13 pm

  My wife says this is the only SUV I couldve bought; and its true! Good performance with great handling keeps alive fine Porsche heritage. Manual 6-speed is the only way Id buy this vehicle, just wish itd be the V8. Not to take anything away from the Tiptronic, but this is a drivers car, shift it yourself. Not that my wife minds being a passenger - she definitely doesnt. Firm, stable, & comfortable, not floatly; just what I expected. Good hauling capacity - not the biggest in the SUV world, but just fine for our needs. Friends & neighbors love the looks & it always gets positive comments. Installed Porsche factory bike carrier on roof - no wind noise at all. Gotta drive it to enjoy it.

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  Buying it is the cheap part - 1998 Porsche Boxster
  By Mordant - March 4 - 10:00 am

  I was so excited when I got my Porsche Boxter, but my excitement soon turned into disgust. Yes, there is no argument that this is a fun car to drive, not to mention it looks great. Its the high & frequent repair bills I can do without. The repairs are small, but their price ticket is over the top. I paid $750 for a spring for the roof, and $3K and all I got for my buck was 2 front tires, brakes, and a repair to a small oil leak. According to the tech at the dealership, this is not unusual. The scheduled maintenance will run you hundreds for your fluids and belts to be checked. Love the look, but no thank you. This is my 1stand last Boxter!

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  My Second Cayenne - 2006 Porsche Cayenne
  By Michael P - March 2 - 10:43 pm

  I moved up from a Cayenne V6 as I put 65,000 miles on it in 26 months and, well, I needed something new. I test drove the new Mercedes-Benz ML500 and handed the keys back to the sales guys and drove down the street and bought the Cayenne S that afternoon.

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  A 911 is the ultimate for purists - 2009 Porsche 911
  By roger Bassetti - February 25 - 9:26 am

  The 911 continues to represent an exhilarating experience for a sports car purist. The driver comfort issue becomes a moot issue when the driver gets behind the wheel. I find excuses to drive the 911 because of its unrivaled performance and "fun to drive" quotient. This is not a car which is designed to put you asleep. Rather, it is a car which responds to your every wish and performs as if it is an extension of your own psyche. Ferry Porsche had it right; build the 911 based upon racing performance.

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  Porsche Twin Turbo - 2004 Porsche 911
  By Alex Steinberg - February 23 - 8:26 pm

  For the money, best car on the market.

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  Better than an X5 4.4 - 2003 Porsche Cayenne
  By Dr. C - February 22 - 10:00 am

  I have just had this SUV a week and just love it. I thought about buying it for 6 months,(couldnt get used to the look)After driving it there was no turning back. I owned a BMW X5 4.4 and this is hands down a better overall vehicle. I also own the Acura MDX, which I am now going to sell. I think Porsche did with a SUV what they have been doing to cars for many many years. Thats making driving fun!