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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  After One Full Year of Driving - 2006 Porsche Boxster
  By TomK17 - September 26 - 2:26 am

  Just completed one full year of driving my 2006 Boxster so here is a quick assessment. Car is not a daily driver for me so miles are limited. Car drives very well, not as harsh as you might think. I have the 17" wheels which may add to that. To me, the 17s offer a more "big rubber" back tire look as opposed to the 18" wheels with a short sidewall. Handling difference is negligible. Build quality has been very good, no problems, no squeaks / rattles just like you would expect with a new car! Long maintenance terms, factory says first oil change at 20K miles so even if you chicken out and go 15K its still a long time. Car gets a lot of looks - hopefully resale will be good as well.

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  Greatest Car Ever ? - 2007 Porsche 911
  By ALAN.AYLING - September 23 - 9:53 am

  The Car is simply exhilarating but extraordinarily straightforward to drive. However it is not for the faint hearted or uncommitted driver. It demands concentration every moment at the wheel. It is the first car that I have driven that ensures that I am not interested in a radio, the CD player or the scenery beyond the road ahead. The car obeys every input, is totally surefooted and yet blows your mind every time you hit the accelerator. On top of this the car is a great investment and has a fantastic build quality. I hate cars that shake or squeak at every twist, turn or bump in the road. This my second porsche and I doubt that I will ever be happy with any other alternative in the future.

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  My Cayman - 2007 Porsche Cayman
  By Dr. DeVore - September 18 - 6:26 am

  I have owned Benz, Z3s, Z4s, Boxsters, RX7s, Talons, and I am ashamed to say 6 Corvettes. The Cayman is one of the most wonderful cars that I have owned. With the rear spoiler up, people actually think I am driving a 911. With the quality and look of the interior, I did not have to go with the 911. The ride is smooth, the handling is superb, and the middle range power and acceleration (60-120) is out of this world! I purchased this one and will own it forever. I retire in 3 years and am looking forward to driving cross country and seeing every sight that I have missed before I pass away. Love my Cayman!

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  Love the Boxster - 1997 Porsche Boxster
  By blueboxsterlover - September 11 - 10:00 am

  Great car! Very fun to drive and handles beautifully. Its hard to drive my SUV after driving the Boxster--I have to slow down for the corners in the SUV. Easy to drive and maintain. Its a very classic car also--the body style has remained basically the same and its beauty is timeless. Lots of admiring looks when I drive this car around town.

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  This car is fun to drive!!! - 2004 Porsche 911
  By Michael Hamburger - September 11 - 10:00 am

  This is a super fun auto to drive. It has the get-up and go one expects from a sports car w/ the creature comfort one should expect from luxury models. One never forgets that this car is ALL PORSCHE!!!

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  power and lock system - 2004 Porsche Cayenne
  By Victoriavb - September 11 - 10:00 am

  I have had a lot of trouble withmy keyless entry and I get locked out of my car and I have to use the key and then my alarm will go off. It will only open 1 door when it works and it is just a pain. I have had it in for repair and recalls for the seat belts. I only have 6000 miles on it and I wish they would just fix the problem once and for all.

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  Im not worthy! - 2003 Porsche Boxster
  By Ohio Boxster - August 28 - 10:00 am

  This car is way too fast, far too much fun, and just too exceedingly beautiful for me. Never am I more guilt-ridden than when I hear the glorious sound of that engine while accelerating on the highway, passing all who cant hope to keep up. My torture continues as I observe the numerous admiring glances focused in the direction of my Boxster. The guilt subsides when I glance in the rearview mirror and notice not only the ever-present film on the rear window, but also the flashing blue and red lights, actually gaining on me.....

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  Great lease deal - 2016 Porsche Panamera
  By Pana Mera - August 19 - 5:08 pm

  I couldnt pass this deal up! I know this is the end of the model year, and the 2017s will be out in about 5-6 months. The 2017s are gorgeous and undoubtedly will sell at pretty much close to retail. Since I lease for business purposes, a 39 mon lease will go by quickly. I never considered a hybrid, but the deal I was given was less expensive than my 2014 Bmw 640i, a car $25000 cheaper on MSRP! It was a better deal than an M5, S7, and other models in that range. Are the M5 and S7 great cars also? Absolutely! Either cars will be suitable. However, as much as I think I drive on racetracks , sporty mountain curves, and drag race stoplight to stoplight, I dont, except in my dreams, as I lust over a Ferrari or Lamborghini. So, to get a car, that easily fits my family of four, without being frumpy, or a luxury barge, this fit the bill. I was even considering an M3, as those cars are affordable and amazing. Sorry, still got a better deal on the S E Hybrid. The gas mileage is in the high 20s around town, and low 30s on the highway. The range is over 500 miles/tank, so you will not see me at the gas pump very often.

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  Fun Car - 1999 Porsche Boxster
  By flyguy - August 18 - 3:56 pm

  Owning a Porsche Boxster is a lot of fun. They handle great. It only seats two passenagers, but that can be good too. ;) Oil changes are pricy, but they only need to be done every 5,000 miles ($160).

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  impressive - 2004 Porsche Cayenne
  By satchmo - August 15 - 6:06 am

  I drove BMWS for years this is my second porsche and it has met all of my expectations and needs Handles like a dream awsume stereo system and a nav systems that can take you to the moon most people complain about no spare tire New flash folks they have a new thing called road side assistance use it. it is free from porsche and most of you who pay attention to your auto insurance policies will notice you have it also wrapped up in there for free in a package.