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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  My Dream car - 2004 Porsche Boxster
  By mysterem - January 10 - 10:00 am

  I love my porsche boxster! No corner can escape me now! Im very confident driving this car on tight cornered roads or knowing that I can speed up in an instant. The porsche technicials at Barrier porsche in Bellevue WA are always so helpful! My porsche is always a big hit whereever I go, and it suits me perfect considering my mom drove a porsche when I was a baby and my first words were ruuunnnruuuunn, I constantly begged her to rev the engine! I thank Porsche so much for making a porsche that the 20 somethings can afford to buy!

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  Expensive but worth it - 2004 Porsche Boxster
  By Spursrok226 - January 10 - 10:00 am

  This car is expensive, but what car isnt these days??!! These types of cars are made by special people that are trying to help us out in the world. When we buy cars like this we need to not think about what cool of a car it is about the people who made it and thank God for them. The reliability of this car is excellent and so is the designs.

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  There is no substitute!! - 2002 Porsche Boxster
  By MikeG - January 8 - 5:30 pm

  Ive owned more sports cars over the past 40 years than I care to remember including Corvettes, "Z" and even a Firebird 400. None come close to as much fun to drive as my 02 S Boxster. The acceleration and handling are as much as I need at this point in my life. Ive wanted a Porsche for as long as long they have been producing the 911 but never could justify the cost. The Boxster fit my budget and has given me everything I could have wanted in roadster. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a really fun car to drive.

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  A Rocket on Steroids - 2006 Porsche 911
  By CardinalsFan - January 5 - 6:46 pm

  This is my second 911. The 2006 Carrera S is lightning fast. Press the Sport Crono package button, hit the gas, and what a blast. The difference between by 2001 911 and my 2006 is substantial. The 2006 model offers much more comfort and more acceleration. It is more expensive, but in my opinion, its worth it.

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  Go get one - 2010 Porsche Boxster
  By Surfinjoe - January 1 - 8:36 pm

  Wow, always wanted one and finally took the leap and its well worth it. Handles well, PDK is just plain fun and with the top down, well, the skys the limit. Just an outstanding vehicle.

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  No Substitute! - 2005 Porsche Cayenne
  By Stambo - January 1 - 7:20 am

  Bought Cayenne S as first new car in decades.Had Mercedes E 430 4matic(2001) which was destroyed in a wreck in Feb.Porsche fit and finish is outstanding.340 horses and smooth transmission transport us effortlessly.Have put 1400 miles on it and have no complaints.Has 4 seat heaters,heated steering wheel,very comfortable seating on Napa leather.My 2 big dogs,Boris and Natasha enjoy their view from the back.The Porsche dealer did all the paperwork,got my tags,etc.Got nice letters from corporate welcoming me aboard.A true class act.This is clearly an instance where you get what you pay for.

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  boxsterS - 2003 Porsche Boxster
  By mikelange - January 1 - 2:00 am

  Hands down most fun Ive ever had.previously owned 96M3.

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  A Mans Dream Car - 2000 Porsche 911
  By Big G - December 29 - 4:46 pm

  I went from a boxster to my conv. carrera. What a huge difference in power, speed and handling. I love getting the looks from other drivers when I pass them and that engine roar makes people turn and admire this powerful looking car. Like some of you out there, I take it out for a spin and return back home with a smile.

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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.