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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  The Jump to Porsche - Worth Every Penny - 2004 Porsche 911
  By Jeffrey Lubeck - December 10 - 10:00 am

  After considering a purchase for some time, I made the move to a Porsche (Targa) two months ago . I wish I would have made the purchase sooner. If you are like me, there will be countless hours of price/performance analysis and attempts at cost justification. If you have the money, do not waste the effort - buy the Porsche in the style you want and do not look back. I bought the Targa for its looks (a differentiator and rareness) open feeling and extra headroom. The power- roof works very well and there is little wind or road noise. It is hard to explain the drive in the limited words available.There is no comparison with any other street vehicle.

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  Fantastic Car! - 2007 Porsche Cayman
  By P Young - December 6 - 10:06 am

  In everyday driving the Cayman is civilized, comfortable, and easy to drive. When the traffic thins out and the road opens up, it takes on a whole different personality, gobbling up twists and turns with the engine roaring like a savage beast. After a month I still havent really used the Bose sound system. The sound of the engine is even better music to my ears. Now that the break-in period is over, I can savor the sounds of the upper rpm range... sweeeet!

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  One of the Best Porsches ever made - 1995 Porsche 911
  By Juan Pequeno - December 2 - 2:00 am

  The Porsche 993 is one of the best looking and best made Porsches ever made. It is the Last of the true air- cooled porsches. Couldnt be happier with this car.

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  Wow!! - 2006 Porsche 911
  By Mingus - November 28 - 5:03 am

  My 2006 C4S Cabriolet is more fun than what should be legal! Ive wanted a 911 for as long as I can remember, however, as a tall guy (63"), the cockpits on previous versions were too cramped. Porsche finally saw the light for the 997 and the redesigned interior offers more leg room, not to mention, with the optional "full leather" package, a classy appearance commesurate with a car of this caliber (and price!). This car is really FAST and the all-wheel-drive holds turns at speeds you wouldnt believe possible. Ive never felt so confident behind the wheel as I do with this car. Ive owned high-end Mercedes and BMWs and this car blows them away. The exterior styling gets a big "thumbs up".

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  as promised ... - 2003 Porsche Cayenne
  By rmetzger - November 26 - 10:00 am

  Ive been driving one Porsche after another since 1988 -- two 911s and one Boxter. Now I have a Cayenne S. I love it. It is is an astonishing accomplishment. On road, it handles much like my Carrera. Off the road, it is capable, even agile. It has room and strength, power and poise. Our family also has an X5 (6 cyl.) -- there is no comparison. Great work!

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  This Boxter is a champ - 2005 Porsche Boxster
  By mgallina - November 23 - 4:06 am

  Greatly improved ext/int. Good responsive acc & handling

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  Great 2nd Car - 2001 Porsche Boxster
  By jdwm - November 21 - 10:00 am

  As anyone who has drien one will know, this is not a great primary car. If you must drive it aruond every day, expecially on long distances, it may not be for you. If you are able to pick up a second car, definately consider the Boxter. I am most impressed with the handling and pickup. I could not be happier.

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  Awesome! - 2006 Porsche 911
  By Coop - November 19 - 11:56 am

  The 2006 C4S Cab is the most enjoyable car I have ever owned! Porsche did this one right by raising the headlights and widening the rear fenders. The power of the S model is perfect. I have owned a Turbo model in the past and would never go back as the 911 S is the perferct balance of power and control. Porsche remains my top pick with the new 997 model now out in a convertible!

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  All round Porsche - 2006 Porsche Boxster
  By keith - November 8 - 10:20 pm

  Excellent all around car. Fun to drive. Great performance with good gas mileage. No maintenance issues whatsoever in three years of ownership.

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  My Dream Car/SUV - 2004 Porsche Cayenne
  By jfk663 - November 8 - 2:00 am

  To all the criticts, dont knock it until youve tried it. It may be big, but this Porsche brings out the meaning of SPORT in Sport Utiliy Vehicle. Cant wait to take if off road.