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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  A decade of Porsches are lemons - 2003 Porsche 911
  By autofahrer1 - May 30 - 10:15 am

  Forget your prejudices about Porsches and German engineering. With the 996 and the Boxster (water cooled Porsches for over a decade until 2009) Porsche built and sold a car it knew had a self-destructive intermediate shaft bearing that could easily and without visible warning destroy the engine on any car, and has not issued a recall to correct the design defect. It has also not recalled the more common leaky main bearing seal. This is especially egregious because the 996 has the highest gross profit margin of any automobile ever in production. They could have replaced every engine on every 996 sold and still made a handsome profit. And yes, it is a hoot to drive.

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  Cayenne Turbo - 3 months - 2003 Porsche Cayenne
  By ChliPwr - April 11 - 10:00 am

  Have over 3,000 miles in 3 months. Everything worked from day 1 and nothing has broken. Build quality is exceptional. Sales rep at dealer was exceptional. Used service department ro install after-market options. Their calendar is tight. Like almost everything about the car. It is everything I hoped for and more. Power is great and it handles the dirt as well as our Range Rover. Gas mileage sucks, though - 12 mpg consistently. Expected that. Takes a bit of work to get back seats down for an extended, flat stowage space in back. Feels extremely safe. Good selection of dealer options. Particularly like the rubber floor mats.

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  too much fun - 2004 Porsche Cayenne
  By psycho-mom - April 9 - 11:30 pm

  traded in my Lexus LS430, Cayenne is a kick to drive and practical too. I can take kids, dogs, or just lots of stuff. Great on dry pavement, off road, or in the snow.

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  Its A Nice Car, A Really Nice Car - 1999 Porsche Boxster
  By Stephen - April 7 - 10:30 pm

  Just picked up my 1st Porsche, a Boxster. This car is not ment for long trips. Its a very tight fit, seats are a bit hard. Its also a bit noisy with the top up. It is nuch better with the top down. And, the plastic rear window is just stupid. Other than that, I love this car! When Im in it I feel like Im Flying! Its very fast, handles like its part of me and Looks so sexy I feel a little naughty just sitting in the seats. And, I got a great deal on the price! Mantainance it a bit high but worth it, If you can get one, Get one! Get one! "And thats all I have to say about that."

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  great but expensive - 2004 Porsche Cayenne
  By noturn - March 30 - 2:00 am

  Great handling. Tows heavy loads with ease up hill. Points like a sport car on the track (it does have a LOT more mass, though).With active suspension it was surprising to see how little body roll there is when cornering at speed. Off road and in mud and snow the high performance tires are useless, however. Mine came with 20" tires that are great in any condition except snow. In the snow I would recommend the Dunlop WT M2 tires 235/60/R18. No technical or mechanical problems to date. Quart of oil per 600 miles of hard driving used.

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  Nice improvement - 2011 Porsche Cayenne
  By choocho - March 29 - 5:12 pm

  My last car was 04 Cayenne TT. This TT is definitely a much improved car. From being almost a ton lighter (helps maneuverability and speed) , 8 gears (quiet shift and the right gear at any speed), starts from 1st gear instead of 2nd (lighter gear box and better launch), PCCB (no break dust but still squeeks a bit), PDCC (keep turns level), vented sports seats, 4.6 seconds, touch screen navigation, and the list goes on... Still waiting to take this car to an autocross.

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  Its a Beautiful Car - 2017 Porsche Macan
  By Ursula - March 15 - 1:36 pm

  I really wanted this Porsche and we traded my BMW X5 for it and my hubbys 911, however, now I dont want to take it many places because it was so darned expensive that I just want it to sit in the garage! lol I miss the shoulder and open room of my X5 and some other little features that you dont realize you enjoyed until they were gone. Soft close doors, heads up display, just the roomy feel in general. I love, love, love the Macan, however, being in my 50s now and not in my 20s, I enjoy the ease of getting in a vehicle as well as getting out, and that is very tight in this beauty. However, once youre in, it fits like a glove and rides like a dream. Im torn with keeping her or getting the new Audi SQ5 or the Volvo XC-60 R Design. Im truly a car person and giving up that Porsche for one of those is definitely going to feel like going a few steps down. Im torn I tell you!!

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  Reliablity down the drain - 2005 Porsche Cayenne
  By Porsche - March 11 - 12:50 pm

  Beautiful and nice and fun to drive, thats if it wasnt at the dealer most of the time for repairs, reliablity sucks, other than that its pretty fun, you should consider the FX 45, faster and better reliablity

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  A true Porsche - 2005 Porsche Cayenne
  By Hot Pepper - March 4 - 9:13 pm

  My wife says this is the only SUV I couldve bought; and its true! Good performance with great handling keeps alive fine Porsche heritage. Manual 6-speed is the only way Id buy this vehicle, just wish itd be the V8. Not to take anything away from the Tiptronic, but this is a drivers car, shift it yourself. Not that my wife minds being a passenger - she definitely doesnt. Firm, stable, & comfortable, not floatly; just what I expected. Good hauling capacity - not the biggest in the SUV world, but just fine for our needs. Friends & neighbors love the looks & it always gets positive comments. Installed Porsche factory bike carrier on roof - no wind noise at all. Gotta drive it to enjoy it.

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  Buying it is the cheap part - 1998 Porsche Boxster
  By Mordant - March 4 - 10:00 am

  I was so excited when I got my Porsche Boxter, but my excitement soon turned into disgust. Yes, there is no argument that this is a fun car to drive, not to mention it looks great. Its the high & frequent repair bills I can do without. The repairs are small, but their price ticket is over the top. I paid $750 for a spring for the roof, and $3K and all I got for my buck was 2 front tires, brakes, and a repair to a small oil leak. According to the tech at the dealership, this is not unusual. The scheduled maintenance will run you hundreds for your fluids and belts to be checked. Love the look, but no thank you. This is my 1stand last Boxter!