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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  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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  Porsche misses big - 2017 Porsche Macan
  By Roman - May 12 - 9:31 am

  This car is full of mechanical problems. To include leaking fuel line, and exhaust brackets that easily brake causing horrendous noise. Well below even average quality. The roadside (yes you will need it!!) service is poor. The "concierge" service is a joke. They will tell you where you can go rent a car and they might pay for it after your $90,000 crappy car breaks down for the second time in 20k miles. Porsche has become a watered down brand with poor quality and even worse service! AVOID!!

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  If you like to be different from the crowd - 2015 Porsche Macan
  By adm77450 - May 11 - 10:31 pm

  For the most part I love my new Macan. It was what I was looking for in the way of sportiness and practicality after having a Mercedes CLS that couldnt handle the bad roads of Houston. In sport mode it is engaging and quick but in traffic I just drive in comfort mode. Perfect size and easy to park. Only problem so far is my Sat radio function stopped working after 4 days and I have been waiting over 2 months for a replacement. Pretty disappointed that Porsche has not fixed this yet but hopefully soon. Getting about 21MPG combined so far.

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  Brother of the 914 - 2000 Porsche Boxster
  By bwlaclair - May 11 - 9:40 pm

  Porsche has always made a well built car but the Boxster is very well bulit... the design is flawless I always get looks in this car the interior is sporty but a little dull. This car delivers most of it all except the power its a little slugish but not bad power for only 217 ponies. This car is what you would call a Porsche cruiser that can get up when you need to and get out of the way....and the canyons well their really no match for Boxsters.

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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!

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  I Love My Car! - 2003 Porsche Boxster
  By DianeDavani - May 10 - 10:00 am

  This is such a fun car to drive... quick and NIMBLE... so much more fun than the Carrera. This thing turns on a dime - great! I have the upgraded 18" rims, sound package, xenon lights, and heated seats as well as full stitched leather. All around, this car has been a delight. Its perfect for a second car cuz every time you get in it after not driving it for a while, its SUCH a pleasant suprise!

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  Best Car I have ever owned - 2001 Porsche 911
  By Melanie - May 9 - 9:36 am

  We have a small car collection (including an Audi R8 and Audi RS6), the Porsche is not the quickest in the group but it is the most reliable. Its a C4 with the sports package. The C4 corners better than either Audi and there is nothing to compare to the freeing feeling of driving the Porsche with the top down! I have replaced the sound system and added navigation and a radar detector. The car now has 60k mi on it and I have not had one mechanical problem.The battery had to be replaced once and general maintenance thats it! The Audis have had numerous problems and they are both years younger. You cannot beat the elegance, classic style, performance, and reliability of this piece of art!

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  Sports Car Excitement in an SUV - 2004 Porsche Cayenne
  By pichin - May 5 - 5:46 pm

  I also own a 2002 Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet. So stepping into an SUV like the Cayenne S with the family does not mean I have to give up the fun of driving a sports car. The handling is almost as tight as the Carrera. There is no lack of passing speed and the seats are some of the most comfortable Ive seen in an SUV. The hardest decision is which one to take out when it is just the wife and I. The braking and safety features are second to none.

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  Pure FUN! - 2006 Porsche Boxster
  By Robert - May 3 - 1:53 am

  Rock solid fun! This car has more than enough power to throw you back in your seat as you zoom around town, and the handling enables you to never take your foot off the gas. It has an interior that is larger than most of its peers, important to those of us with above average height, and a ride to go with this no-toy feel. Test drive on a real world street with lots of turns and opportunities to punch it and you will be hooked. Bring your check book!