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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  Defying the laws of physics - 2005 Porsche Boxster
  By j. zolyn - October 24 - 4:43 am

  This is my first Porsche and the best car I have ever owned. The main feature that I enjoy the most is taking turns at 65 mph when the yellow caution sign states 30 mph. I have to fight my wife when it comes to who gets to drive and she hates to drive...until now.

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  wonderful car - 2004 Porsche 911
  By bluecat - October 21 - 2:00 am

  This car is all expected and more. It lives up to the reviews. It is at least twice the car as the Vette. The speed and handling of this car is fantastic.

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  On the 8th day, God made Turbo... - 2004 Porsche Cayenne
  By gawerra - October 21 - 2:00 am

  This is a wonderful car/SUV/truck, whatever you call it. Smiles/mile peg high. You dont buy this for economy, though. If I had it to do over, I would not have gotten a black one, maybe silver or titanium; but it looks awesome when its clean.

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  First Timer - 2005 Porsche Boxster
  By Patrick - October 20 - 7:30 pm

  I have waited a long time to purchase a Porsche. I have not been disappointed in the least. The available power and steering through sharp curves is incredible. I really feel as though I have total control of the car.

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  Best SUV in the World - 2004 Porsche Cayenne
  By Arizona Turbo - October 17 - 10:00 am

  The Porsche Turbo is a new breed of SUV. I have never driven a car like it in my life. Turn off the PSM click the transmission into manual and this car is a beast. But in normal traffic it purrs like a tame feline. The Turbo is truly the best auto on the road. Fast, fun, big, nimble and it can even pull my boat. I got it when my previous S version blew a cylinder and they agreed to give it to me for 89,000 down from 99,900. Best deal I have ever made. If you have the $$$ you can not do better.

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  The joy of driving.... - 2004 Porsche Cayenne
  By chris roark - October 17 - 10:00 am

  Bought on faith that Porsche would not let me down.Looked really hard at the Touraeg- (a great car) yet, “I couldve had a V8” for the same money as this V6; yet it just didnt stir my soul. So far,zero disappointments. Joy is found in taking freeway exit ramps at almost double the posted speed with little muss or fuss. The engine sound is intoxicating. Because of that I use Tiptronic quite often as the automatic mode shifts too soon for my taste. One sees 6th at 40-45 MPH. Because of my driving habits, mileage is low (13-14 MPG). The "rarity" of this vehicle, a refreshing site in a sea of single occupied behemoths. The looks it receives are amazing.

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  Like driving a High Tech Video Game - 2008 Porsche Boxster
  By James - October 17 - 1:33 am

  This car is so fun to drive. It handles likes its on rails and sounds so good that Im always turning down the $1000 upgraded Bose stereo down so I can hear the 3.4 growl. I love going anywhere now. Havent said that in a while. This is my daily driver and with the traffic here in town chose the triptronic. I never thought that I would be saying this but I am so glad I went with the Auto. Its like driving a high tech video game. Flying around corners and shifting is a blast. I can also be holding hands with my date and still drive the car like it should be driven.

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  Glued to the Road Always - 2007 Porsche Cayman
  By Carmona Red - October 16 - 9:10 pm

  Bought 6 speed manual Cayman S as pleasure driver, not everyday commuter. Have had for 2 months, have about 3000 miles on it, highlight was a drive up and back on back roads including Highway 1 LA to Monterey for MotoGP a few weeks ago. Handling, shifting, road feel superb, I spent a lot of time going through the twisties and laughing out loud with pleasure. Has plenty of power on the street to get you tickets even if it does not have 911 hp. And it is not even broken in yet. Car gets a lot of looks, and I love the look of it (and I hate the Boxster.) Yes the car is noisy and a very firm ride (19 inch wheels), stereo is so so but listening to the engine is the real musical experience!

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  Cayenne S is Great - 2004 Porsche Cayenne
  By ridger84 - October 11 - 10:00 am

  I just bought the Porsche Cayenne S. It is an amazing SUV type of vehicle. Even with the ability to carry five passengers, it drives like a fine sports car. Some of the features make you think that the car has a mind of its own. It is extremely comfortable and lush especially with the full leather interior. The dealer is awesome. We are having a blast with our new ride.

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  The Best SUV available - 2008 Porsche Cayenne
  By D Kueter - October 6 - 7:30 pm

  I had actually started out looking for a truck to replace my Toyota T-100. No truck on the market seemed "just right" and so my search turned to SUVs. On a whim I stopped at the porsche dealership and drove one. I bought it the next day. No other car has ever been such a pleasure to drive. Everything about it is superb. Handles like a dream. Accelerates like a sports car. Lots of room. Turns heads. Comfortable. Really responsive. I highly recommend paying extra for the V8 as opposed to the V6. Just a whole different level of performance.