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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  2009 Carrera S - 2009 Porsche 911
  By S car go - October 21 - 7:43 am

  An excellent step in the evolution of this venerable marque. PDK adds measurably to the enjoyment of this auto, but "launch code" useful only for the track and then maybe not. Sport mode makes the auto shine. New PCM easy to learn and use. The new 997 is a good daily commuter for the performance minded.

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  996 Porsche Rocks - 1999 Porsche 911
  By a356ser - October 21 - 2:00 am

  The car is a true sports care, fast, reliable, stable.Porsche has combined the comfort of expensive cars, the speed/power of a true sports car, and the handling/control you expect.The car is my dialy driver,I arrive at work with a smile and arrive home at the end of the day with a smile.Mine is a coupe, the noise is very low, but the exhaust sounds just like you would expect, a true musical symphony sports machine.It even handles well in wet weather and light snow. Maintenance has been normal, no major problems, I now have 41000 miles and it is going strong. Try it, you will never go back.

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  Not a "Pretender" Sports Car... - 2006 Porsche Boxster
  By the car guru - October 21 - 12:30 am

  What can be said about the new Boxster? Its top of world handling capabilities, more than decent power, elegant German design, and superior build quality make this sports car THE car to measure all other "pretenders" by! This is my second Boxster...we owned an 04 and enjoyed that one before getting this new model. All of the improvements Porsche has made were for the better...except for their BOSE audio system...which was cheapened for some reason? My old cars BOSE system sounded much better by comparison. But who cares? Turn off the radio and listen to the exhaust note! Thats what Im talkin about!

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  One Zesty Pepper - 2005 Porsche Cayenne
  By CrimsonPepper - October 18 - 3:06 pm

  This is my first Porsche but not my first SUV. Have had the Yukon, Acura MDX, Lexus LX 470, Cadillac Escalade and desired something sporty with SUV traits. I test drove an S but wanted the extra punch of the Turbo. The dealership worked hard to meet my price demands and satisfaction. This truck is very controllable at all speeds (even at 120). Its engine begs to cowl for you and to be driven fast. I would not advise the Turbo for my wife or a soccer Mom...stick with the S or V6. Mine has burned about a quart of oil since purchase which is consistent to what dealership advised based on how often you lay into the turbo boost. My kids love being dropped off at school in it because most dont know what it is. Much fun!

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  As good as it gets - 2004 Porsche Boxster
  By Dromq - October 15 - 10:13 am

  This is my 4th Porsche (356B, 356SC, Boxster) and they just keep getting better. How many cars make you smile when you turn the key and, at the same time have two trunks? Of course, it is all about the driving experience and this one has it all: Sports care manners in a car that you can use everyday. I know that some will find it outlandish, but I have a hard top and ski rack and I really use them. Handling in the snow can be exciting, but that is what driving this car is all about. The plain interier is very Teutonic and quite fitting in a real sports car--this isnt a Lexus or Mercedes after all. Just drive it!

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  love my gts red gts! - 2008 Porsche Cayenne
  By hellfire - October 14 - 2:13 am

  Went from 911(997)cab + Range Rover Supercharged to the GTS. Although interior appointments not as luxurious as the RR, it feels as expensive. Alcantara is lovely! Fat steering wheel the best Ive held. Took it on rough roads for a hike and with comfort suspension mode + raised height, felt just slightly more bumpy than the RR, though definitely need to be careful with the 21 inch rims. dealer added tooki bluetooth and ipod integration so gadget wise, slightly better than the RR. skipped the rear view camera - view is straight down so not as much visibility as RRSC, but parking assist is just about as good. in all, its made me forget my RRSC, but i still miss the 911 a bit.

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  Incredible - 2003 Porsche 911
  By E F - October 9 - 10:00 am

  Without question, the ride, performance, and handling of this vehicle is incredible. In addition, the engine "talks to you" when working at higher rpms. Light years faster and roomier than the Boxster.

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  The Ultimate Baby Transportation - 2003 Porsche Cayenne
  By C. Reinoso - October 2 - 2:00 am

  It was time to buy a new house & start a family my wife said. Poof, my 911 cab was gone! Fast forward 14 months later. The new home was purchased,the baby is here & a Cayenne is sitting in my garage. Unbelievable is what I have to say! Even the baby appreciates the Cayenne. I just strap her into the baby seat & the throaty growl from the engine puts the baby to sleep right away. On weekends, the transmission stays in automatic when the baby is on board. On weekdays on my way to work & back, its a whole different story! I never thought Id look forward to commuting each day. Thank You Porsche!!

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  The funnest car to drive - 2008 Porsche 911
  By Mel - September 28 - 11:50 pm

  2500rpms then HOLD ON-the power- handling-color options-fill my fickle, very picky needs! The leather, MUCH FINER than any Bentley- plus you do not have to plug it in at night (like Bentley -Aston-Ferrari- Lambo). The 150,000 is still 100,000 under the competition. Plus it ALWAYS STARTS! LOVE-LOVE IT.

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  Wow - 2001 Porsche 911
  By Gareth - September 28 - 4:56 am

  This is my 3rd Porsche 911. I previously owned a 1986 C2, then a 1999 996 C4. I vow have a 2001 911 Turbo. There is absolutely no comparison between this car and any other 911. This is like driving a Ferrari. Only superbikes can keep up. It will put a huge grin on your face shortly followed by a loud YAHOO! I love it. Ive had 911s for about seven years and this car for just under two years. The prices are very reasonable these days on used turbos. Go for it. I wouldnt recommend buying new, the depreciation in the first two years is brutal.