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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  This Car Has It All Together - 2003 Porsche 911
  By HE GOES! - August 21 - 9:26 pm

  I have owned several Porsches over the years. However, this is undoubtedly is the best one yet! Its power and handling are outstanding. The car is solid, and the ride, albeit harsh, creates a feeling that the it is glued to the road. It does not have much luggage space, but who cares. It has great instrumentation, which tells everything a real driver wants to know about the car and engine. Its gas mileage isnt great, but who cares, its a Porsche. I have no complaints.

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  WOW - 2008 Porsche Cayenne
  By JoJoCT - August 20 - 8:36 am

  Ive owned BMWs and Land Rovers. This vehicle is the best yet! I am simply in love with this vehicle. All I can say is WOW. I looked at the BMW X5 , MDX, Mercedes GL - nothing compares for it pure engineered greatness. Everything is solid, well finished, interior is luxurious yet sporty. All I can say is WOW.

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  Turbo or nothing - 2005 Porsche Cayenne
  By osufencer1 - August 18 - 9:46 am

  One of the best car Ive owned. BMW X5M or Mercedes ML65 cant come close. Ive been lucky to own all three vehicles at one point in time. Although X5 and ML63 has more power IMO but when it comes to handling nothing can compare.

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  Ive ruined all other cars for myself... - 2008 Porsche Cayman
  By blue098 - August 18 - 3:02 am

  I bought this car used 12 months ago and have put over 10K miles on it. Every mile driven has been a joyous one and Ive had no performance or mechanical problems with it so far (at 28K total miles). A few minor interior rattles (easily fixed) and some minor comfort issues for the longer trips but without a doubt the most fun & engaging vehicle Ive ever driven. And Ive driven cars of all types, sizes, shapes, and costs. People regularly give it some great looks when Im driving around town and rarely does a highway trip happen that someone doesnt pull up next to me with a "thumbs up". Sounds great, handles great, and has more storage room than youd think given its size.

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  Porsche Cayenne 2008 - 2008 Porsche Cayenne
  By Rob - August 17 - 4:20 pm

  Overall I been owing the 2008 Cayenne for 11 months and it is great enjoyment to drive with the combination of delivering good power and good torque from the newly design v6 direct injection engine.

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  You dont want to get off it - 2005 Porsche Cayenne
  By ivan sabido - August 16 - 1:33 pm

  I have had my Cayenne for more than a year now I got it when it was a rare model and i was a little nervous about it but after all this time I still feel excited every time i am going to drive it. Not only by its atractive exterior design but also for the performance and the response you get when you step on the pedal. If I want to feel that I control it the Triptonic option is fun because I get to control the changes . Sleek modern elegant interiors. Great sound equipment. Suspention is too hard you will feel any bump in the road double the size when moving slowly. Sometimes in the mornings it will take it some time (maybe about 5 minutes ) to heat up to perform normally. This is a great vehicle.

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  Best all around sports car. - 2006 Porsche Boxster
  By Greg Zoghby - August 13 - 1:10 pm

  I have had my 2006 Porsche Boxster S for less than a month. I test drove the Lotus Elise and the Honda S2000 side by side with the Boxster S. I can truely say it is a very livable, yet unbelievable car. I drive it every day. The space is excellent and it is a comfortable dayly driver. The car fits better than any car I have sat in. The brakes are stunning and the steering is great. I will take it for its first track date in two months (to Virginia International Raceway) and I am sure it will not disappoint. I will update this after that. This is the best all around sports car made.

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  400 hp of fun! - 1997 Porsche 911
  By dbtk - August 11 - 3:53 pm

  This car is amazing! Despite its age the 993 TT is by far one of the most rewarding cars to drive. The steering is not too heavy nor too light--just perfect for feeling the road and understanding where the car is relattive to its limits. I used to own Mercedes and this is definitely not a Mercedes.

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  Boxster S is a hit - 2003 Porsche Boxster
  By Hibits - August 10 - 10:00 am

  This car is fun to drive and the more you push it the more you will enjoy

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  seasoned porsche owner - 2002 Porsche Boxster
  By LB Zayszly - August 1 - 3:53 am

  I own a 1990 944 S2 convertible, and when I first saw the Boxster, I knew I had to have one. I also have the best Porsche mechanic in the business. I dont see him very often, because of the reliability of these cars. Personally, I dont want to ever drive another type of vehicle.The name Porsche speaks volumes and their reputation is unsurpassed. You have to know how to drive to appreciate these cars.