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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  It is Incredible - 2003 Porsche 911
  By harryb2678 - July 10 - 10:00 am

  I have owned this, my 6th Porsche for just more than a year. It is incredible, the best yet. I specially went through and ordered it just as I wanted it and it was worth the wait. The handling is wonderful, the braking absolutely incredible and the tiptronic, my first, has made my enjoyment of the car so much more practical. I am a long term, 20+ years PCA member and this 911 is the best yet. Getting the Tiptronic was a big decision, but so very practical for the actual day to day driving in traffic and using the phone ( yes, we all do use the phone in the car, dont we?).

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  Best car Ive everdriven. - 2003 Porsche Boxster
  By Craig - July 8 - 9:26 pm

  Wonderful driving experience. Maintenance has not been near as much as I had feared. Fast, rugged, reliable, fun to drive and a great track car.

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  Maximum smiles per dollar - 2003 Porsche 911
  By lexprosnap - June 27 - 2:00 am

  The acceleration of the X50 version is breathtaking...makes you want to get off the freeway just so you can zoom back on. Goes around corners like a scotch taped eel. (T. McEwen, Mechanix Illustrated) Having owned three previous Porsches including a turbo in the 80s and 90s, the 03 is clearly superior. Great entertainment, especially blowing off the Gallardos!

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  Better than any other supercar. - 2010 Porsche 911
  By jtommy178 - June 24 - 5:59 pm

  Im a 40 year old investment banker. I have owned many supercars throughout my life such as Maserati GranTurismo S, Lamborghini Gallardo, Ferrari 458 Italia (recently traded in), Aston Martin DB9, Audi R8 5.2, and Mercedes-Benz SLS. I just recently bought a Porsche 911 Carrera S Cabriolet. It by far blows out all of the other cars. It is the best supercar I have ever owned. Believe it or not, people stare, people take photos, and people comment as much as they did with all of the other cars. Porsche 911 Carrera S Cabriolet is a real attention grabber. It has things that the other cars dont such as comfort, a lot of speed, and good looks. Stats say it take 4.7 to 60, it take 3.9 sec.

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  Hot car - 2004 Porsche CARRERA GT
  By Sean Paul - June 22 - 10:00 am

  this is really a nice overall care to choose for people who have alot money who want class and a real good car!!

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  Turbo is fantastic - 2004 Porsche Cayenne
  By X5owner - June 22 - 10:00 am

  The cayenne turbo is a fantastic blend of Performance and everday drivability. My old X5 was a pickup truck compared to the turbo. It is the perfect car for every sports car driver who needs an SUV. Price is high but worth it.

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  It is a perfect 9.9 - 2008 Porsche 911
  By GF - June 19 - 7:40 am

  Yes my dear wife is the only perfect 10. The is the most seamless driving experience I have ever had. Like many others, I have had many exotic cars including previous Porsches. I have/had many Porsche turbos, but this non turbo car delivers the performance without the turbo kick in the rear. You just look down and see three figures on the "clock" pretty quick. Previously, I felt that Porsche suspension, brake, steering and transmission engineers did talk to each other. Now I think they have one guy and he is tops.

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  Fun to drive, exhilaration, hesitation - 2009 Porsche Boxster
  By HoustonOwner - June 16 - 6:30 pm

  Ive had my 2009 Boxster for about a month. I love the car but Im having an issue with hesitation. The dealers computer doesnt find any problems with the engine, but the car clearly hesitates sometimes. Im not sure if the problem is with the PDK. It feels more like a problem with fuel injection. Its very annoying. From a dead stop when I press the gas pedal, I want the car to GO, not sputter and cough. Whats the deal Porsche?

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  coooool - 2003 Porsche 911
  By matthew - June 14 - 2:00 am

  this car is the best car i ever drove for preformence and luxery it is cool

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  2007 Boxster - 2007 Porsche Boxster
  By Texas Porsche Guy - June 12 - 9:30 pm

  I use to own an older 86 911 and always looked at the Boxster as a toy car and was not impressed. I recently went looking to buy a fun ragtop and was planning to spend $40,000 - $50,000 to buy a used 911 Cab, SL500, SLK, or a new Vette (go figure, I liked the look). I reviewed them and threw out the SL500 for being too expensive (I wanted an 03 or newer). I did not like how the SLK350 drive felt. A 911 Cab for $50,000 meant a 91 - 92 model, so for fun I drove a new Boxster. It was faster than my 911 and it drove much better. The Vette was nice but just wasnt my style and I cant explain that. The Boxster drives great and the Bose stereo is a must. If you love driving and listening to music then this is the best vehicle there is for the money.