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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  Great - 2004 Porsche CARRERA GT
  By Greg12345 - June 4 - 10:00 am

  This car was the best car i have ever owned. it is my favorite and easy to clean. just the other day i went to the gas station cause my tank was empty and it only cost me $5.00 and ot gave me a full tank of gas.

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  Glad I bought one! - 2008 Porsche 911
  By BayAreaC4S - May 30 - 11:56 pm

  Always wanted a Porsche but didnt think I would enjoy it this much. Feel very confident when driving on the highway or mountain roads. Power is always on tap and when you want to go, it moves! Handling is like being on a roller coaster . Built quality is top notch. Not as quite as my wifes Lexus but hearing the engine roar is beautiful too ! Bose Premium Stereo is wonderful. Clear, good highs and bass. Stereo / Nav. takes a bit of getting used to . More complicated then it really needs to be. Should have had Lexus engineered it. Over all this is a great car ! Love the opt. Sports Chrono / Stiffer shocks button ! Makes the C4S a different animal...

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  911 of SUVs - 2004 Porsche Cayenne
  By DWL - May 30 - 10:00 am

  The 911 I drive in the summer is a blast; thought Id have to give that fun up for upper Midwest winters. No way! The Cayenne Turbo has a feel surprisingly close to that of my base model 911 (No S, no turbo, no PSM), and I can still haul my family up north for skiing. I finally enjoy long car rides with my tots in the back!

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  Porsche 4S - 1998 Porsche 911
  By Harrykj - May 27 - 2:00 am

  The performance of the Porsche 911 4S is totally awesome. It has great handling and accelerates like its got a plane to catch. I previously owned a Boxster and there is simply no comparison; the 911 is serious, the Boxster is a toy.

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  Love the Cayenne S - 2006 Porsche Cayenne
  By Mark - May 19 - 3:43 pm

  Have had my Cayenne S for five months and love it. The S model is incredible to drive, I cant imagine having a turbo. It is very smooth. Its navigational system is excellent. The only drawback I can find is the small cup holders on the interior.

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  Exotic and Drivability! - 1999 Porsche 911
  By Dr. W T - May 18 - 1:20 pm

  Owned similar cars and brands, but NEVER liked a car more than this one. It has the best combination of a daily driver, exotic car, looks, and best of all reliability. Its looks are ageless. I got more compliments on this one than any other cars I owned (though the classic Benz came close). The best thing is it leaves me with a great smile every time I drive it.

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  WOW CAR OR TRUCK? - 2003 Porsche Cayenne
  By BOB - May 17 - 10:00 am

  BEST DRIVING EXPERIENCE EVER HAD

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  Porsche Boxster 2.7 - 2003 Porsche Boxster
  By Blueblazer - May 17 - 10:00 am

  Handles in the turns with quick response, plenty of power, and holds the road like it is on rails. Low to the ground, it is a beautiful sports car that is not equaled in style and performance. The 2 storage areas hold an amazing amount of luggage, but the driving and passenger seats are a pritty snug fit. The c/d and radio are adequate, however, the controls are kind of complex and hard to understand. The bottom line is, its fun beyond imagination. Don

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  Excitement on highway. Good day-to-day. - 2003 Porsche 911
  By Mick - May 17 - 10:00 am

  Overall: * Great ride for someone who needs a day-to-day ride that is humungous fun on the open road! * Excellent torque from 4000rpm and up to the 7200 red-line. * Beautiful intake roar as the engine moves above its middle point * Beat the convertible M3, Corvette, Jaguar XKR, Aston DB7 Vantage, and other luxury convertibles to 60 and 100; and have your friends and family wave from the back to the Viper and 360 Modena 2-seater crowd just as they creep past you!

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  Targa is back and in GTS form - 2016 Porsche 911
  By eddiebp - May 11 - 3:16 am

  What a fantastic car. I have owned more than 20 Porsches in my lifetime (Im blessed) and this Targa GTS is the best....and that is saying a lot because they are all great. I love the open air feel when the top is down. The GTS gives that little bit of added "spunk" and a great sound from the exhaust. What a car! That says it best....what a car!