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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  Porsch Carrera GT - 2004 Porsche CARRERA GT
  By Jesserarias - October 5 - 10:00 am

  This is a good car to have

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  This car ROCKS!! - 2007 Porsche Boxster
  By Mark - October 4 - 5:26 am

  The Boxster S has come into its own with this 3.4L 295HP Engine. What a Car! It has perfect balance and plenty of POWER! The exhaust note is intoxicating, it is just loud enough. The Cayman with the same engine is way too loud inside the car. I can not wait until the engine is broken in so I can really drive the car.

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  Happy owner - 2005 Porsche Boxster
  By mackay spears - September 30 - 12:06 pm

  This is my first Porsche and definitely the finest automobile I have owned to date. It has been more fun to drive than I imagined and its quality and engineering continue to impress me.

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  Great car - like a big 911 - 2008 Porsche Cayenne
  By Mark Serjak - September 29 - 10:23 am

  This is my 2nd Porsche, have a 997 C4S. What surprised me the most was how close a 5000 pound vehicle can come to it. Great handling, engine, performance. Also it is a beast off-road. Dont expect much with MPG - the more fun the driving, the worse it gets. Ive averaged 14mpg +/- since owning. Fit and finish are excellent, dealer as always has been exceptional.

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  overpriced under performer - 2016 Porsche Cayenne
  By Bill l - September 19 - 11:14 am

  we orderd this car, Iam a huge porche fan. the infotanment system on this car ( not suv) is awfull. the weather only shows large cities, not curent location. no headlight washers, the VW and Audi varients have them. the traction system is awfull. the car drives in rear wheeel drive until it slips. no center or rear locker on the diesel or hybrid, weight savings. So this car was 88K and the dealer will not make a deal on a differnt car beacause of the restriction on diesel sales. at this point i am so diapointed i am canceling my plans to upgrade my 2012 911 gts.

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  Awesome/Affordable Sportscar - 2005 Porsche Boxster
  By tom_dz - September 18 - 8:55 am

  I purchased my 2005 Boxster in 2006 (then 9,000 miles; now 64,000). I have not looked back since. It is surprisingly comfortable for such a tight-handling car. It looks and feels as mean as it sounds. And to my surprise, maintenance issues have been few (air/oil separator replaced). I could not ask for a better all-around sportcars. I highly recommend the model and year.

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  Porsche-YES Mercedes-NO - 2008 Porsche Cayenne
  By TLFDallas - September 16 - 11:53 am

  I researched every SUV from the H3 to Lexus to BMW, etc. After driving and researching every other SUV I tried the Cayenne S and immediately fell in love and have never had a single disappointing monment. I definitely recommend the V8 but everything else is strictly optional. It comes extremely well equipped as is. Gas mileage is better than expected, 21mpg hwy/16mpg town. I am 64" and this is the only car I have ever owned where I had to move the drivers seat forward and up.

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  WOW! - 2004 Porsche Cayenne
  By Fatmix - September 15 - 9:03 pm

  I love this car! It is a dream come true! Drives like a sports car but gives you the confidence of a 4wd rig. Fast, classy, well designed!

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  new boxster s owner - 2004 Porsche Boxster
  By g monroe - September 9 - 2:00 am

  The car handles & drives extreamly well. I have never driven / owned a car that had such a feel of connection with the road. When dirven,the car instills a sense of confidance. No lack of power at any speed. The interior of the car is very quiet for a convertable with the top up or down. This vehicle really is a true pleasure to drive. German technolagy at its best.

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  owner - 2004 Porsche Cayenne
  By marcel - September 9 - 2:00 am

  Fantastic car that combines an allmost sportscar with luxuries features