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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  An old Mans wheelchair - 2010 Porsche Panamera
  By Paul Michaelis - November 17 - 3:15 am

  Be prepared to spend money, the initial price is high, any maintenance is costly and good tires dont come cheaply. On the other hand, driving it is a blast, even after 7 years of ownership I look forward to driving it. Of the 4 previous Porsche Ive owned, this one has met all my criteria. The previous Porsche included 994, 911 Cab, 911 Targa, and 993 wide body....each had its unique features and was enjoyable, but the Pany incorporates all of the enjoyments of the previous cars sans the ability to lower the roof. Its quick, agile, comfortable and different in appearance from all the other cars on the road, still gets thumbs up signals.

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  always a blast - 2002 Porsche Boxster
  By AMK - November 14 - 2:00 am

  I drive my car every day, and it is always fun. It handles every situation with finesse. Nothing could be better than a sunny day with the top down, but it handles rainy weather with confidence. It is more practical than one would expect from a two- seater sports car, but plenty of room with the two trunks. Its my only car, and the only car I need.

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  There is no better vehicle on earth - 2003 Porsche 911
  By carlaenriquez - November 14 - 2:00 am

  This car is bullet-proof in its reliability and durability. Awesome performance of 415 HP and 415 ft-lbs of torque with all wheel drive and six speed transmission. The incredibly smooth twin turbos feel like a V-8 with any noticable "turbo lag." The best brakes in the world give you great get-down to the fantastic get-up-and-go! It can be an every day driver, and equally comfortable on the track, unafraid of any stock competition. Race it all day, then drive it home on the turnpike! Wow!

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  Great Car - 2002 Porsche 911
  By Barrie Lepley - November 9 - 10:00 am

  The Porsche is incredibly well enginered and built and has all the bits to go with its outstanding engine. The suspension in particular is quite sophisticated; it is extremely difficult to get the PSM System to come to ones "rescue" because the car is soooo neutral under extreme cornering even on lousy gravely roads. I feel quite safe in the car under all conditions including heavy rain. After a year of owmership the car is better than when it was delivered.

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  own - 2009 Porsche 911
  By jyx - November 7 - 8:00 am

  This is a better than before, but the pdk is not good. A pedestrain cars with sport mode can not hold onto gear box longer. As a customer of Porsche, I can say the pdk is better than tiptronic.

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  Panamera Sports Sedan - 2011 Porsche Panamera
  By Tuck - November 1 - 10:00 am

  After looking at the 7, A8, S550 and XJ, the Panamera 4 was the clear winner. Not only does it drive like my 09 911 4S, it has Sport and Sport Plus options to remap the engine and suspension. Pictures do not do this car justice, as the subtle curves that are Porsche design elements just do not show. The interior is outstanding, clearly the best of all the cars in this class. The cockpit feel and the multiple adjustment seats with ventilation are outstanding. This car just feels great. This is truly a Sports Sedan

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  Suv that does everthing in stile - 2004 Porsche Cayenne
  By Be n Grudzien - October 28 - 2:00 am

  sporty and more confotable than BMW X5

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  An unexpected Pleasure - 2002 Porsche 911
  By Giovanni B. - October 26 - 4:43 am

  Always fun to drive, even after 7+ years of ownership. I would recommend buying a set of winter tires to anyone who lives in a cold climate, especially if you expect to drive in snow regularly. Without them, the garage is the best place for the car! However, with a set of snows traction becomes very good & driving confidence climbs considerably. This is my ONLY car and I use it in all sorts of nasty weather. I dont baby it at all.

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  Best of all - 2005 Porsche 911
  By JD - October 25 - 3:10 pm

  I own different cars, SL500 / 750LI .., this is best of all. You really feel a sport car from inside out. Not like other, change their style completely every 4 to 8 years, this sport can says out loud "Porsche". Its acceleration is excellent. The Tiptronic transmission can be enjoyed in both auto/manual shift. My only complaints are the vehicle is too low to the ground, hard to get in or out from parking lot and the Bose stereo system is not great.. It needs more space for the backseat.

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  Unbelievable - 2000 Porsche 911
  By jayman - October 25 - 2:00 am

  THAT WAS THE BEST CAR I EVER HAD THE MILLAGE ON IT IS GOOD AND I LOVE IT.