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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  Where do I go from here? - 1999 Porsche 911
  By Ed Yates - November 8 - 2:00 am

  Longtime owner of an E36 M3, which I love and had worked on so it had about 300 hp. Always wanted a 911 tho, and found the perfect one, which i bought at a pretty good price (good enough so i could keep the M3). WOW. What a car. The driving experience is SO different from the M3, what with the 50/50 weight of the Bimmer and the much more tail heavy nature of the 911.Not quite as easy to drive fast as the M3 (the Bimmer being damn near impossible to break lose) but much more rewarding when you really dial it in.Cant think of another car I would rather have, and Ive driven Ferrari 360s, 355s,M5s, E46 M3s, etc. If you can afford it...Buy it!

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  My Dream Car/SUV - 2004 Porsche Cayenne
  By jfk663 - November 8 - 2:00 am

  To all the criticts, dont knock it until youve tried it. It may be big, but this Porsche brings out the meaning of SPORT in Sport Utiliy Vehicle. Cant wait to take if off road.

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  2007/8 Cayman after 10,000 miles - 2007 Porsche Cayman
  By Barry Lee - November 7 - 3:00 pm

  I am 6 and 220 lbs. Nice head/leg/cargo room. Have 11,000 miles on the car driving locally, and to and from CA from Fl. Comfortable long distance driver. Outstanding looks. Have been stopped several times by compliment givers. Handling is as though one were driving on rails. Acceleration is swift though not overpowering. Actual gas mileage is 23/27 so far. Have 18" wheels. Bose system has too much bass for my taste, and I have to dial the db down to negative numbers to get balanced sound. This is my first Porsche and I love it. . I highly recommend this car for what it is....an exhilarating driving experience every time. J.D. Powers #1 rating influenced my decision to buy. Im glad I did

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  A Great Car Just Got A Lot Better - 2005 Porsche Boxster
  By Body Imager - November 7 - 12:33 am

  Two days ago, the dealership that I have purchased several cars from within the past two years, brought my new Boxster S arctic silver with black top. I had to drive it off of the flatbed and as soon as I sat down, I instantly realized how much better the seat was than the 2004 model. Instant comfort! The interior is dramatically improved and much more comfortable. I traded an Audi A8L which had comfortable seats, but to be honest, the Boxsters fit my bottom much better with less lateral pinch from the lower seat sides. The new Boxster seems much more civilized, but with a better exhaust note. It, as well as the previous Boxster, are much more fun to drive than the 2004 Carrera 4S!

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  Owner - 2005 Porsche Cayenne
  By Felix Friedberg - November 4 - 11:26 pm

  Fun to Drive, respect of friends and neighbors. Good performance, good gas milage, excellent interior, air conditioning.

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  Porsche fun with family - 2005 Porsche Cayenne
  By The family Porsche - October 30 - 11:26 pm

  This car fills the niche of a Porsche that has the performance and feel of a sports car that the whole family can enjoy. People give me a puzzled look at the car because they do not know what it is. It has a solid feel with an incredible Porsche handling. Just returned from a 3,000 mile trip. The car was very comfortable, quiet, even with all the horses purring. At the end of long day of driving, I was not fatiqued due to the comfortable seats with lumbar support and the excellent sound system. Heavy snow is no match for this car even without using the low range. This car is definately a winner.

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  ya porsche - 2004 Porsche CARRERA GT
  By ibematt - October 29 - 10:00 am

  It is super fast, fancy, the interior is swell, and ride is strong. A must have for enthusiests.

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  Great Surprise - 2016 Porsche Cayenne
  By Richard Seban - October 27 - 8:16 am

  The is our second Cayenne and we love it. The diesel has over 700 miles in range and with the air flow seats it is so comfortable only bathroom breaks are necessary. We just took a road trip (5000 miles) and the car performed perfectly. Cant say enough good things about it. Worth every penny!

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  ZOOOOOOOOOOOM - 2004 Porsche Cayenne
  By hubbard - October 23 - 10:00 am

  The car is great to own, however I have had a few problems with my nav system. Other than that it is a beast, but be prepared not pass up many gas stations. I wouldnt waste my time or money on the V6. If you can afford the turbo, you wont be sorry, however my S runs with the best of them.

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  04 TURBO owner here! - 2004 Porsche Cayenne
  By liquidsilk - October 22 - 3:06 am

  Great car, super fast, great performance... I wish I was back home in Europe and use it to the limit instead of crusiing 60mph in Cali highways... I like the exterior design more than the latest ones (2012-2013). So musculan! Inside looks bigger to me, again compare to newer ones. Gas consumption might be a problem for some. I am not a commuter and I work 7days. Since I dont have time to drive that much I enjoy when I drive.If you can effort get a new one. Gas mileage is much better.