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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  you can have it all - 2005 Porsche Cayenne
  By Jerome Casper - December 22 - 4:53 am

  In the past, I needed an SUV plus a "fun" car, but with the Cayenne Turbo I have it all. Its great fun to drive and I can have more than one passenger to enjoy it with. The size is perfect.

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  No Substitute - 2001 Porsche Boxster
  By wavefraser - December 9 - 3:10 pm

  Fun Fun Fun to Drive. Put down the top and people will wave, stare, offer to trade.

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  Would buy another! - 2004 Porsche Cayenne
  By Marshall Howell - December 7 - 2:00 am

  I considered an E320 and the new 530i while searching for a new business car. I had not considered the Cayenne until I drove home one night in the ice and snow in my old Land Rover Discovery and decided I needed all wheel drive. I drove the Cayenne S the next week and my decision was made. It is great to drive and feels like a sedan. Although no turbo, I feel the power is ample. All the kids fit in well. The stereo is awesome with the surround sound feature. I read that after I drove it, I may want to trade in my 911 Cab...Its good, but not that good! Im definitely getting rid of the Discovery.

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  Very Good - 2004 Porsche CARRERA GT
  By Mark Twain - November 25 - 10:00 am

  The one thing about this vehicle is that when I shift it into 4 gear, the engine kind ofs hummmms until I shift again or shut it off.

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  oil and coolant mixing - 2001 Porsche Boxster
  By Bruce Gray - November 18 - 11:43 pm

  My car at 8 years of age, but only 39,000 miles developed mixing of oil & coolant. There is no fix except a rebuilt engine ($14,000) from Porsche. One mechanic stated ran into problems needing parts on teardown that Porsche wouldnt supply. Turns out my problem not unique, Could not find one mechanic (coast to coast) or PCA or other tech advisers who had any other fix. Do your own research before buying any Porsche with M96 engine family which includes all Boxsters and 911s from 1999 through 2008. Bruce Gray, Roadrunner Region PCA

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  Satisfied - 2003 Porsche Cayenne
  By Kev - November 10 - 12:43 pm

  I am 62 and have desired a 911 even before I could afford one. However, I refused to pay that much for a vehicle I could not be comfortable in. My prayers were answered with the Cayenne. I love this vehicle, like no other SUV on the market. Certainly, I have encountered small issues that were addressed and fixed quickly. This SUV is the best: Performance, power and comfort.

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  V6 Cayenne - 2004 Porsche Cayenne
  By Porsche owner - October 30 - 8:00 pm

  Purchased as an intended economical second car. Paid $39K for stripped model with heated seated/steering wheel. Compared against BMW, Volvo, and Audi and decided on Porsche SUV. Just hit 10K and car has been very reliable and solid to drive. Since this car is not widely owned, you do receive many inquisitive looks and comments; but these come at a price. You are forced to have the car serviced at a Porsche dealership. First service light came on at 10K miles (even though book states first oil change at 20K), and it cost $250

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  Fun, fun, fun, fun.......... - 2006 Porsche Boxster
  By FurnitureGuy - October 24 - 6:36 pm

  I traded in my BMW 330 for this great machine - passing up the BMW Z4. All it took was one test drive and I was hooked. Driving the twisties is as fun in this car as it is on my motorcycle! Top down, wind in my hair, the sweet music of the exhaust - could you ask for more? The BMW was comfortable, but this car rocks! We get a little bit of rain here in Oregon, so not having to stop to put up the top when it sprinkles is a plus.

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  Fun in the sun, but lacks torque - 2000 Porsche Boxster
  By Dave Kalz - October 24 - 10:00 am

  My Boxster has been a great car. The most confidence inspiring and best handling car that Ive ever owned. I also have a Viper GTS and the Boxster instills much more confidence - though it doesnt have the torque or sex appeal of the Viper. Still, its a fun car - very useful for every day driving. I used to own a Miata - which was a great car, but was frustrating to drive because of its lack of power. Think of the Boxster as a better Miata. It goes faster and can handle the turns faster - but the over-all driving experience is very simiilar to the Miata. Whether the Boxster is worth the extra 20K over a Miata could be well argued, but hey, its a Porsche.

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  Family Values - 2005 Porsche Cayenne
  By claudio dicovskiy - August 10 - 12:00 am

  My Porsche Cayenne Turbo is really something. I own an a Mercedes-Benz SL 55 a Porsche Boxster S and this SUV hangs in there niceley in performance with the added benefit that I can take my whole family for the ride! My kids get a blast from the acceleration through a tight corner like the on ramp to the George Washington Bridge when comming from the Henry Hudson Pkwy. Its like a roller coaster ride! The fuel economy is notoriously bad, but one is rewarded by the thrill of driving this.