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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  Cayenne - 2006 Porsche Cayenne
  By Ryan Deredin - December 26 - 2:26 am

  I love the Cayennes crisp handling and exterior styling. The flexibility of the interior and the supple leather and everything is just such a great combination. It really helps to get to work in the morning when Im in a rush. Excellent job Porsche.

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  The Reliable Alternative To Ferrari 328 - 1995 Porsche 911
  By Sportscarnut - December 25 - 2:00 am

  This is my fourth, and favorite 911. You dont really notice the lack of Varioram unless you are passing. Edmunds estimate of $34K for one in nice condition is pretty low. One with average mileage (4K - 7K /year) and maintained will cost more. Porsche ownership is not for everyone. This model has hydraulic lifters (no valve adjustments), but the exhaust manifold must be disassembled to access the lower spark plugs, and it eats 17" rear tires every 7500 miles. If you drive very gingerly, you can possibly coax 15K miles out of the fronts. Also, oil changes take about 10 quarts of Mobil One and an arm with two elbows.

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  A Little Bummed - 2008 Porsche Cayman
  By RandyW - December 22 - 7:46 pm

  This is my first Porsche. Ive had Lexus, Mercedes, Corvette,and Nissan Z, but this is the most fun to drive and boy does it get the stares and looks. Im challenged all the time on the highway to test driving skills by other drivers.

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  911 TT - 2004 Porsche 911
  By runnerware - December 21 - 2:00 am

  This car is awsome.

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  Porsche. There is no Substitute. - 2006 Porsche 911
  By Racer X - December 20 - 4:36 pm

  I have purchased my first Porsche, a 2006 C4S. I have owned many cars to include a BMW M3. Nothing compares to a 911! Period! A Porsche is a Porsche but, the 911 Carrera is a very special Porsche; which can be told by the amount of people that are still hand making them compared to the other Porsche models. I dont have to consistently say the 911 is an awesome car, go and test drive one yourself and become a believer. Dont worry about Bluetooth, iPod connections, cup holders, etc, etc! This is the epitome of a sportscar, not and SUV! Dont cry about creature features, just enjoy the pleasurable driving experience on a daily basis as Porsche intended you too from the beginning!

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  Totally engaging - 2015 Porsche Cayman
  By cayman132 - December 17 - 8:51 pm

  Ive driven it for 1500miles and still look forward to every drive. Ive owned other sports cars, yet none has come close to given me such driving bliss. My car has the PDK, and the 18" wheels, both are concessions to stop and go traffic and poorly maintained roads, yet its still fantastically engaging. I recommend PASM, it improves ride on poor surfaces, yet on better roads improves handling. Although, I have the sport chrono package, Im not sure its worth it. I highly recommend upgrading to the Xenon lights. The heated seats are awesome and surprisingly in the winter youll love the heated steering wheel. The Bose system is a must have if you like music. The build quality was perfect.

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  My Boxster S - 2007 Porsche Boxster
  By hts - December 16 - 1:33 am

  Coming from a BMW 330i, a daily driver that Ive adored since 2001, I wasnt expecting to enjoy this car as much as I do. I still only have 250 miles on it (picked it up with 6), but it puts a smile on my face every time I start it up. The car draws plenty of attention, and even though its far from broken in (Im trying my best to keep the RPMs under 5,000), the car is a real blast to drive. I even enjoy it on my lousy commute up/down the congested Rt. 7 here in N. Virginia, and if you know anything about Rt. 7 during rush hour, that should tell you something about the car!

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  Turbo is Top - 2009 Porsche 911
  By NPD - December 14 - 6:13 pm

  Hyperspace performance coupled with supreme handling, comfort and practicality. This vehicle is simply sublime. It draws a straight line through the laws of physics and laughs in the face of Italian Supercars, American muscle and Japanese wannabes. Untouchable!

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  Better than a car! - 2011 Porsche Cayenne
  By Richard - December 13 - 11:56 pm

  Replacing my high performance car with a Cayenne S has been an extra special treat. I get the performance, handling and comfort of a sedan plus utility and all wheel drive. The economy is better and the sound of the exhaust is intoxicating. Everything fits and everyone in the vehicle can see better. Recommend buying a 5th wheel and tire for trips. Use the compact spare area for small items and tie down a full size spare in the rear.

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  Best CAR I HAVE OWNED - 2004 Porsche 911
  By eddie jackson - December 10 - 10:00 am

  What else could you ask for in a sports car. Looks,speed,and fun to drive.That is this car in a nut shell. It just no better than this car