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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  Cayenne IS a Hot Chili Pepper! - 2006 Porsche Cayenne
  By Debra - January 26 - 9:10 pm

  We had a Boxster and decided to try the Cayenne as we have four dogs and horses. The Cayenne is very comfortable, easy to drive, gives me the power when I need it. It is a good solid car. Best of all I feel very safe in it.

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  Camry reliability/Ferrari performance - 1997 Porsche 911
  By relinuca - January 25 - 11:36 am

  After 9 years of ownership, heres what I conclude. (1)Annual inspections by a competent 911 technician are very important for spotting oil leaks, etc., in the early stages. (2)Avoid cars that have been tracked or modified...these can be a money pit for subsequent owners. Otherwise, the type 993s represent the best sports car for the dollar available.

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  A tremendous sports car for the money - 2002 Porsche 911
  By eDoug - January 22 - 4:53 pm

  Since prices have come down on these, they represent a tremendous value for anyone seeking a sports car, and anyone charmed by the voluptuous shape and performance of a 911. While many snuffed the new looks of the 996 chassis and design, its unmistakably all 911... and the performance on and off the track are testimony to its heritage. There are some weak points mechanically in some cars, but this is factored in to the low prices were seeing for these models. 2002 added some nice goodies - and its a great year... Would I love a 2009 997? Perhaps, but when you might be able to pay cash for a 2002 with only incrementally lower performance (but less weight, too), its an easy decision.

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  Should have got the Turbo first! - 2007 Porsche 911
  By Woods - January 21 - 3:23 pm

  Bought a nice 07 C2S and only had it for a couple months before getting the Turbo. Night and day! This car has it all...comfort, tons of power and the looks to go with. Mine has the tiptronic transmission and you can find a lot of good and bad reviews about it. For me since I dont track the car I am ok with it. Put it in sport mode and let the fun begin!

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  Cant Bring Myself to Replace It - 2007 Porsche Cayman
  By FTS - January 21 - 3:00 am

  The vehicle has been perfect for my needs; I commute daily and also enjoy performance driving at the track. I kept the vehicle in stock form and it has not given me any grief or issues. A coolant leak that occurred was handled promptly by dealer under warranty, and that has been the only reliability issue for the past 68K miles. This vehicle exceed my expectations in terms of reliability, versatility and fun factor.

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  No substitute! - 2000 Porsche 911
  By Rob - January 19 - 7:10 am

  Have owned car about a year, purchased used with 50k on it. Had original window sticker and records. Always wanted a 911 since I was a kid 30 years ago, but fearful of cost of owning a performance German car, but wish I had done it years ago. Awesome driving car, a solid rock. Bullet like acceleration, brakes that stop on a dime and give 9 cents change, on rails handling, visceral exhaust noise. Classic style that will never be mistaken for some pseudo Asian competition. This car is addictive to drive. I find myself always taking the long route home.

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  The best car ever - 2003 Porsche 911
  By SSpalmieri - January 19 - 2:00 am

  This car has an extremly exelent ride, elegant and enpowering ind I love to be see in it!!!!!

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  My 911 Turbo - 2003 Porsche 911
  By Cezary L - January 9 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car in the begining of 2003 in Orlando. I have always dreamed of a 911, but the only question was, witch one. after test driving everyone from the carrera to the turbo, I decided I would drive home to Miami in a Turbo. I drive this car all the time weather Im going to Jacksonville or New York.

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  Easy to drive quickly - 2003 Porsche Boxster
  By soccercoach99 - January 9 - 2:23 am

  We have seven cars, including a Honda S2000, Jaguar XJ8, and the American muscle classic 96 Impala SS. The Boxster is amazingly balanced, and really easy to drive quickly -- with the tiptronic, its my wifes favorite drive now, and she goes "top down" on all suitable days. I like the Jag for traveling, and enjoy the motorcycle like qualities of the S2000, but have to marvel at Porsches little roadster!

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  Porsche Cayenne - Fun to Drive! - 2005 Porsche Cayenne
  By Marginal-VFR - January 7 - 3:23 am

  My 1995 Porsche Cayenne has excellent quality throughout. It is fun to drive, but go easy on the gas pedal - this thing drinks like a fish! If you can set the 16 MPG aside, you will fall in love with the Porsche Cayenne.