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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  Best car yet - 2009 Porsche 911
  By porschefan - May 3 - 4:43 am

  Traded in 07 Turbo Coupe for new 09 Turbo cab. Extremely happy with it so far. New PCM is fantastic improvement. With current market conditions, got a used car price on a brand new car (25K off). The coupe was great on the track but my passengers didnt appreciate the ride. The 07 also had a clutch issue. This car is gorgeous, sexy and fun with some level of comfort and amenities that a car at this price should have. I have owned several BMWs, SL55 AMG, Cayman S and Turbo Coupe, this is my favorite. I test drove and considered Ferrari 360 and 430, although they have the sound and exclusivity, you cant compare reliability, cost of service and usability of this everyday supercar.

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  Brads C2 - 2003 Porsche 911
  By Brad Westfall - May 2 - 2:00 am

  I think this vehicle is one of the best I have had. Coming out of a 2001 and 2002 Corvette this vehicle is superior in quality,looks,and comfort. It took a little while to get use to not having the "RAW" power and torque that the Corvettes had, but this Porsche is FAST. The fuel economy is less then the previous cars; however 6th gear in the Porsche still offers some acceleration which the Corvettes did not. No complaints so far and I have 9500 miles already.

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  There is no Substitute - 2002 Porsche 911
  By mike - April 20 - 8:43 pm

  The Porsche 911 is the finest auto out there bar none. It is fast off the line and can out handle most professional race cars. The sporty looks really turn heads and maintanance is not as costly as it is on most Europeansorts cars. Own at least one in your life time!

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  01 996 Cab - 2001 Porsche 911
  By Another commuter - April 15 - 5:56 am

  If you are considering a Porsche, just do it. Though Ive not owned the car for long, I can honestly say that Ill be keeping it for a very long time. You get just what you want and expect from a true sports car: a rough ride, phenomenal handling, great acceleration, and the alluring tune of the Porsche Boxer engine. Those who complain about the rattles are missing the whole point of a car that has sacrificed body-stiffening weight for enhanced road performance.

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  The best car - 2009 Porsche 911
  By Victor - April 14 - 10:00 am

  I have had several cars Mercedes, Lexus, BMW and always I return to the best car - Porsche. All the Porsche line cars are great!

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  Sensational - 2004 Porsche 911
  By rob - April 13 - 12:56 pm

  I have owned a number of 911s (993, 996, 996-C4S) and a Maserati Coupe 04. The 911 40th Anniversary Edition is hands-down the best. It is almost a GT3 with the back seats in so the kids can enjoy the ride. Beautiful details, sensational acceleration and handling with extra horses and sport suspension. In my opinion the absolute best normally aspiarted 911 (I have no experience with the 997) available for the money.

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  Awesome Car! - 2003 Porsche Boxster
  By M4240Z - April 10 - 2:00 am

  Ive always wanted a Boxster, and its everything I ever imagined. Great handling, terrific sound, terrific acceleration (even without fully breaking in the engine), amazing looks, comfortable. Neutral handling, responsive brakes, telepathic steering - - you just think it around curves.

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  luvit - 2000 Porsche Boxster
  By doog - April 10 - 2:00 am

  Couldnt part with my car after lease was over

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  A ride in the theme park - 2007 Porsche Cayman
  By Taxol - April 5 - 6:53 pm

  I bought a silver 2007 Cayman with Tiptronic in September 2007. I believe its one of the few Caymen with Tiptronics in CA. Engine: Tiptronic still delivers excellent power / acceleration without the Cayman S engine. Best of all, its idiot proof. Inside: the cockpit design is unique. To quote my wife, it feels like getting into a 007 car. However, Tiptronic handle bar does not light up at night. Ride experence: a luxury sedan can get you from point A to point B quietly, without you ever noticing its presence. A Cayman, on the other hand, will turn each driving trip into a Disneyland theme park ride - fun, exciting, but not scary.

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  Mountainhunter Review - 2002 Porsche Boxster
  By mountainhunter - April 2 - 10:00 am

  Boxster S is a perfect balance of power and handling. Not a very satisfactory car for daily driving in city traffic. Unbelievable on open twisting roads and anywhere that there is no traffic in front of you. Last weekend I was stuck behind a BMW M3 who seemed to think he was going through the curves really fast; I wasnt even pushing the Boxster and was stuck on his tail.