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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  Awesome/Affordable Sportscar - 2005 Porsche Boxster
  By tom_dz - September 18 - 8:55 am

  I purchased my 2005 Boxster in 2006 (then 9,000 miles; now 64,000). I have not looked back since. It is surprisingly comfortable for such a tight-handling car. It looks and feels as mean as it sounds. And to my surprise, maintenance issues have been few (air/oil separator replaced). I could not ask for a better all-around sportcars. I highly recommend the model and year.

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  Porsche-YES Mercedes-NO - 2008 Porsche Cayenne
  By TLFDallas - September 16 - 11:53 am

  I researched every SUV from the H3 to Lexus to BMW, etc. After driving and researching every other SUV I tried the Cayenne S and immediately fell in love and have never had a single disappointing monment. I definitely recommend the V8 but everything else is strictly optional. It comes extremely well equipped as is. Gas mileage is better than expected, 21mpg hwy/16mpg town. I am 64" and this is the only car I have ever owned where I had to move the drivers seat forward and up.

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  WOW! - 2004 Porsche Cayenne
  By Fatmix - September 15 - 9:03 pm

  I love this car! It is a dream come true! Drives like a sports car but gives you the confidence of a 4wd rig. Fast, classy, well designed!

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  new boxster s owner - 2004 Porsche Boxster
  By g monroe - September 9 - 2:00 am

  The car handles & drives extreamly well. I have never driven / owned a car that had such a feel of connection with the road. When dirven,the car instills a sense of confidance. No lack of power at any speed. The interior of the car is very quiet for a convertable with the top up or down. This vehicle really is a true pleasure to drive. German technolagy at its best.

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  owner - 2004 Porsche Cayenne
  By marcel - September 9 - 2:00 am

  Fantastic car that combines an allmost sportscar with luxuries features

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  The Greatest Vehicle - 2004 Porsche Cayenne
  By Porsche Lover - September 9 - 2:00 am

  The Porsche Cayenne is the best vehicle I have ever driven. It combines so many different elements that I thought would never come in one vehicle. Sports car - Off road vehicle - Heavy Duty work / tow vehicle. I love driving my Cayenne!

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  S - The Poor Mans Expensive Porsche - 2002 Porsche Boxster
  By sxg - September 7 - 10:00 am

  My first Porsche Boxster S 6-sp. Had BMW 528i, 5-sp. Dealer experience – nothing special. Got options I wanted, except for CD changer. Buyers have to compromise on options. Car handling is exceptional, looks are a little ostentatious, but its a Porsche after all. Since car is still in break-in phase, cannot reach the superlative engine-note stratosphere, but will get there soon. Decided to go with this impractical auto instead of BMWs M3, which was a serious contender but lost out due to unavailability. Porsche certainly has its exclusive cachet, but other cars are offering better price/performance ratios.

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  Porshe Cayenne S - 2005 Porsche Cayenne
  By Sue Levine - September 6 - 4:06 am

  I love the car but wish the cup holders were bigger. This seems like a petty complaint, but other designers manage to work it in. Also, I wish I did not have to "pop" the gasoline door. With 12,000 miles I still have not had an oil change although Ive tried to schedule it twice. I was told both times to wait until I get closer to 20,000 miles.

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  Love It, Love It, Love It - 2008 Porsche Cayenne
  By JMCT - September 4 - 8:56 am

  Im not a car enthusiast, but this vehicle is simply extraordinary. I actually look forward to getting in and driving it. Ive owned Land Rovers and BMWs, and this vehicle blows them away. Its in a class unto itself.

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  My Cherry Red Boxster - 2001 Porsche Boxster
  By Frankie - August 30 - 1:16 pm

  I LOVE my Porsche!! It took me 20 years to get my Porsche. It is a dream come true! There is no substitute for this car. I have beaten dodge chargers, mustangs, etc. It takes a curb on a dime. I will never own another car.