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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  Love and hate this car... - 2017 Porsche Macan
  By G Coeler - July 24 - 1:35 pm

  What I love about this Macan: Comfort, popular, good looks, quiet, fun to drive, good build quality. What I hate about this Macan: Maintenance is really expensive. In 40K miles I have spent $2250 versus Audi Q5 $1100 which I owned before. Audis brakes need replacement every 25K. The dealer also was very stubborn on taking anything off the MSRP. Would I repeat this purchase? Probably not, you can save a few bucks buying the maintenance contract ahead which they didnt even offer me.

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  An Excellent Sports Car - 2000 Porsche Boxster
  By go - July 24 - 10:00 am

  From the steering feel, to the velcro handling, to the engine melody ... nothing about the driving experience disappoints. Only two problems have cropped up: A minor oil leak, and a faulty sending unit that left my drop-top in the dropped position. Both fixed under warantee. Regular maintenace at the dealer, however, will cost a bundle. Still, for the money, I have yet to find a car that brings as big a smile to my face as the Boxster.

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  the good, the not so good but not bad - 2001 Porsche Boxster
  By blue - July 19 - 10:00 am

  The Good: Excellent handling especially around turns, fun with the top down, overall design, steering wheel, cup holders, quick, good engine sound, Dealership response to problems usually within the same day. The not so good: plastic rear window, rattle in door, manual seat adjustments, minor electrical issues. They dont call it a boxster for nothing. What you buy is the box...everything else is extra. For the money, some things should be included (wheel emblems, floor mats, etc.). It just feels like they are nickel and diming you.

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  the good, the not so good but not bad - 2001 Porsche Boxster
  By Blue - July 19 - 10:00 am

  The Good: Excellent handling especially around turns, fun with the top down, overall design, steering wheel, cup holders, quick, good engine sound, Dealership response to problems usually within the same day. The not so good: plastic rear window, rattle in door, manual seat adjustments, minor electrical issues. They dont call it a boxster for nothing. What you buy is the box...everything else is extra. For the money, some things should be included (wheel emblems, floor mats, etc.). It just feels like they are nickel and diming you.

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  1997 Targa -third week imperssions - 1997 Porsche 911
  By porsche in Atl - July 12 - 2:00 am

  All around great performance car. Could be a bit faster but what car couldnt. Smooth ride, tight handling and excellent style.

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  Why cant they build a truck - 2003 Porsche Cayenne
  By Currieel - July 6 - 2:00 am

  This is the best adaptation of a sports car to a truck on the market ever. BMW came close but the folks at Porsche made it fit real world drive- abilty. You can ford bodies of water up to 22 inches deep and still hug a turn better than any of the leading sports sedans. At track speeds the only thing you can feel is the desire to step on the gas harder.

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  Get a leak down test! - 1996 Porsche 911
  By digdoug - July 3 - 1:36 pm

  This is a great sports car, but buyer BEWARE! Get a leakdown test and compression test before buying. There are tricks that can be done to these cars to make the engine appear to be in good shape when the are clearly not. These cars are know to burn oil as the engine expands and contracts, but they also are known to have issues related to inferior metals used. A top end rebuild will set you back $6,000 or more! My car is definitely burning a little oil but it runs well. The biggest problem is the car will not pass emissions because of the burning oil. Eventually I will get the top-end rebuild. Do yourself a favor and RESEARCH these cars. They are fun but can be very costly if you get a bad one.

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  Porsche bliss - 1998 Porsche Boxster
  By riverdale21 - June 11 - 10:00 am

  I have driven some nice cars in my time. For quite some time now I have been obsessed with Audis powerful sedan the 2002 S4. Having driven a Porsche for the first time today I immediately fell in love. The Porsche Boxster is a excellent addition as a second car for anyone looking for a car that is loads of fun to drive in the twisty mountain roads, yet is still comfortable and roomy and can hold a set of clubs in the trunk. The Audi can be my family hauler, but my Porsche is my get-away car.

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  Cool Mid-life Crisis Car - 2000 Porsche Boxster
  By Dan - May 28 - 4:13 am

  I bought my Boxster on a whim. It is my first Porsche. It is a beautiful car and it is fun to drive. I got quite a deal, but in the three weeks I have had it, my starter went out as did the oxygen sensor.

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  Porsche 997 series 1 - 2007 Porsche 911
  By mcspeed - May 13 - 2:24 am

  Ive driven this low miles 07 Carerra S Coupe for 7 months now and its a joy every time I get in it. its my 2nd Carerra, after a 96 C2 Coupe. the difference is like night and day. This car sticks like its on RAILS, even with the sport setting in off. with it on, no telling how sticky it would be, but the ride is v harsh with it on. the engine sound is beee yoo tiful!. I like it better than the sound of the air cooled cars, though some will disagree. The S type brakes are very good-they invite you to go hard into corners. I have the basalt metallic black with black leather. looks great and drives great.