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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  2004 Cayenne S - 2004 Porsche Cayenne
  By lilly71 - November 30 - 7:43 pm

  I bought mines used 45,000 which is actually good. Had it 3 yrs and everything at once started to go and man was it costley. Over 10,000 grand in 2 months. The passenger brake goes constantly and the radio everyone I spoke to says they have issues with it. If I had to do it over I WOULD NOT GET THIS. Looks are good but so not worth the money. I could have bought a new car for 10 grand. The headlights are like 1,000 just to replace no spare tire. Batteries are like $500 Very costly to say the least.

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  Wow!! - 2006 Porsche 911
  By Mingus - November 28 - 5:03 am

  My 2006 C4S Cabriolet is more fun than what should be legal! Ive wanted a 911 for as long as I can remember, however, as a tall guy (63"), the cockpits on previous versions were too cramped. Porsche finally saw the light for the 997 and the redesigned interior offers more leg room, not to mention, with the optional "full leather" package, a classy appearance commesurate with a car of this caliber (and price!). This car is really FAST and the all-wheel-drive holds turns at speeds you wouldnt believe possible. Ive never felt so confident behind the wheel as I do with this car. Ive owned high-end Mercedes and BMWs and this car blows them away. The exterior styling gets a big "thumbs up".

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  as promised ... - 2003 Porsche Cayenne
  By rmetzger - November 26 - 10:00 am

  Ive been driving one Porsche after another since 1988 -- two 911s and one Boxter. Now I have a Cayenne S. I love it. It is is an astonishing accomplishment. On road, it handles much like my Carrera. Off the road, it is capable, even agile. It has room and strength, power and poise. Our family also has an X5 (6 cyl.) -- there is no comparison. Great work!

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  This Boxter is a champ - 2005 Porsche Boxster
  By mgallina - November 23 - 4:06 am

  Greatly improved ext/int. Good responsive acc & handling

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  Great 2nd Car - 2001 Porsche Boxster
  By jdwm - November 21 - 10:00 am

  As anyone who has drien one will know, this is not a great primary car. If you must drive it aruond every day, expecially on long distances, it may not be for you. If you are able to pick up a second car, definately consider the Boxter. I am most impressed with the handling and pickup. I could not be happier.

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  Awesome! - 2006 Porsche 911
  By Coop - November 19 - 11:56 am

  The 2006 C4S Cab is the most enjoyable car I have ever owned! Porsche did this one right by raising the headlights and widening the rear fenders. The power of the S model is perfect. I have owned a Turbo model in the past and would never go back as the 911 S is the perferct balance of power and control. Porsche remains my top pick with the new 997 model now out in a convertible!

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  Not a city car - 2007 Porsche 911
  By twocoasts - November 14 - 12:43 am

  I am a BMW driver - this is not a city car. You need open road to run it for an hour over a hundred mph while your eyes are peeled looking for the law. I cannot understand how any one can use this car running from 30 - 70 mph. I am coming up the Florida Turnpike walking past everything that moves - my passenger asks me how fast I am going - I am doing 75 mph and it feels like 45. This is my dream car, I need no more power, but hitting 50 years old, I am looking at Jaguar XJR so I can cruise and not destroy myself or lose my license.

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  Ill wait for the Porsche minivan - 2008 Porsche Cayenne
  By justbob - November 12 - 2:00 am

  This is a great car! Just not what I needed it to be, which was something that was more comfortable for a small family. Its not Porsche fault, Ive just changed.

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  My review - 2008 Porsche 911
  By James - November 11 - 6:20 pm

  This car has been my worst nightmare. Problems started at 400 miles and have only gotten worse. The car has severe cowl shake and I believe that lead to a broken driver side window.

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  All round Porsche - 2006 Porsche Boxster
  By keith - November 8 - 10:20 pm

  Excellent all around car. Fun to drive. Great performance with good gas mileage. No maintenance issues whatsoever in three years of ownership.