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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  Boxster Review - 2004 Porsche Boxster
  By POPGATOR - December 3 - 2:00 am

  Wonderful car, fun to drive, engine sound is awsome

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  Porsche Cayenne - 2004 Porsche Cayenne
  By KiltyM - December 3 - 2:00 am

  Much better than I thought it would be.

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  Unmatched Quality, with a drinking habit - 2004 Porsche Cayenne
  By RADaniels - December 3 - 2:00 am

  My first Porsche and it met all of my hopes and expectations. Strength and comfort. Handling and seamless uptake power. All of it came with a shock of Premium only @ 13 mpg city and 16mpg highway. Ive driven 10 BMWs over 25 years and never thought I would switch, but I may never go back.

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  Boxster Standard, Y2k model - 2000 Porsche Boxster
  By ttheobald - December 1 - 10:00 am

  To date, this has been a remarkable car. I am still somewhat surprised - almost alarmed - that it only requires service every 15000 miles (including oil changes!). The vehicle is solid, easily kept, and drives like flight. It has an extremely quiet engine - and a throaty voice that comes out at 4k- 5k RPM, which is where your real neck- snapping power is. This vehicle eats noisy custom Hondas without breaking a sweat, despite their drivers testosterone rush at the sight of you. The joy here isnt in your fast takeoffs - its in the neck-snapping power youve got in high RPMs. In one word: Wow.

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  Best Upgrade from 986 - 2005 Porsche Boxster
  By gsd98jsh - November 29 - 8:16 pm

  I had 2002 Boxster (986) and upgraded to 2005 Boxster (987). So far I have 16,500 miles on the new 987. There are so many improvements done to the new model. Besides the obvious new look on both exterior and interior, now a tall person does not have to hunch due to the lowered seat. The gear shifter is shorter and more precise. The suspension is also tighter and feels much better. Overall, I am so glad that I upgraded from the 2002 986 to the new 987. I will probably end up purchasing 988 if such model comes up from Porsche.

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  attitude in a convertible - 2004 Porsche Boxster
  By ocedavid - November 29 - 10:00 am

  The S Boxster is fun and a real attention getter. the torque is amazing and the acceleration will keep you in your seat. Tight cornering and braking are enequaled. I have had Porsches for 30 years and this is the best.

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  The Most Fun Car I Have Ever Owned - 2001 Porsche Boxster
  By NorCal Enthusiast - November 26 - 10:30 pm

  Ive owned many sports cars in my time -- and convertibles too -- like my MG, and more recenly like my Miata. Both were fun. But graduating to the Boxster is like one day waking up with super powers. It is just that startling. The handling is sublime, the road feel and gearing are wonderful, the whole package is great. The torque curve is well, nonexistent. The engine and gearing are such that you just accelerate smoothly and very quickly. It has been a year, and I am still madly in love with driving this car. It is demanding to drive -- yes - can take your total concentration, but if you live in an area with twisty roads and a benign climate, the it rewards you on a daily basis.

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  The Perfect Used Porsche - 2003 Porsche 911
  By Paul - November 25 - 12:50 pm

  I love this car. 15 Porsches this by far my favorite. I was a purist not getting a water cooled 911. Quality of materials, dependable, fast (with K&N and Italian exhaust) decent ride, find one with the optional sport seat, these are really comfy.

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  Porsche Carrera GT is #1 - 2005 Porsche CARRERA GT
  By N$ane Duane - November 23 - 11:10 am

  I have owned many Porsches and Ferraris and the Carrera GT is one of the best, if not the best sports car ever made! It is miles above others in: handling, braking and performance. This car will go down in history for what it is. Way over the top and years ahead of everything else. $448,000 is big money, but a super value for what it is.

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  No Worries Performance - 2001 Porsche 911
  By vvassallo - November 21 - 6:53 pm

  After 5 months with the car, I can say it is pretty awesome. This is the most value for your money in supercars if you buy a low mileage 2001. Its handling stock is decent, but a bit mushy - coil over upgrades take care of that. Theres plenty of HP on tap to embarrass all but the most exotica on the road. Get a warranty. Parts and maintenance are better priced than Ferrari, but stout. This cars most dangerous trait is how it accelerates like a missile before you know it. PSM keeps it tame in the twisties. Its not a Ferrari, but its pretty close. The wow factor is not as much as you might like if you crave attention though.