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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  the car to be in - 2004 Porsche CARRERA GT
  By bradford - September 27 - 2:00 am

  This car is sooo much fun to drive on the highway because heads turn and on empty roads because you can go as fast as you want to.

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  unbelievable - 2004 Porsche 911
  By seastack - September 27 - 2:00 am

  This thing has it all.

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  Bill Phelps - 2004 Porsche Cayenne
  By Bill Phelps - September 27 - 2:00 am

  Awesome to drive!Best car I ever drove and I own a Mercedes S600 and Navigator. Worth every penny!

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  After One Full Year of Driving - 2006 Porsche Boxster
  By TomK17 - September 26 - 2:26 am

  Just completed one full year of driving my 2006 Boxster so here is a quick assessment. Car is not a daily driver for me so miles are limited. Car drives very well, not as harsh as you might think. I have the 17" wheels which may add to that. To me, the 17s offer a more "big rubber" back tire look as opposed to the 18" wheels with a short sidewall. Handling difference is negligible. Build quality has been very good, no problems, no squeaks / rattles just like you would expect with a new car! Long maintenance terms, factory says first oil change at 20K miles so even if you chicken out and go 15K its still a long time. Car gets a lot of looks - hopefully resale will be good as well.

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  Great car! - 2002 Porsche 911
  By Eric Twiste - September 25 - 10:00 am

  The best all-around sports car you can buy! The exterior speaks for itself. The interior is comfortable, set up great for driving, and (with full leather) looks and feels expensive. The interior design is not beautiful, however. Performance is amazing. The car pulls acceptably from 2000 rpm, strongly from 3500, and like a rocket over 4300. Great exhaust note. Braking and handling are incredible. Even with all this performance, around town the C4S is quiet. The interior is roomy. The ride is firm but nice. Noise is not a factor at normal speeds. The stick shift is smooth and effortless. This car can easily be your daily driver, and it is for me.

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  Greatest Car Ever ? - 2007 Porsche 911
  By ALAN.AYLING - September 23 - 9:53 am

  The Car is simply exhilarating but extraordinarily straightforward to drive. However it is not for the faint hearted or uncommitted driver. It demands concentration every moment at the wheel. It is the first car that I have driven that ensures that I am not interested in a radio, the CD player or the scenery beyond the road ahead. The car obeys every input, is totally surefooted and yet blows your mind every time you hit the accelerator. On top of this the car is a great investment and has a fantastic build quality. I hate cars that shake or squeak at every twist, turn or bump in the road. This my second porsche and I doubt that I will ever be happy with any other alternative in the future.

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  WHEEL ALIGNMENT - 2004 Porsche Cayenne
  By NICHOLAS CESARELLO - September 22 - 10:00 am

  THIS AWD (CAYENNE S) IS QUICK IN MANUAL. EATS TIRES, THE DEALER CANT OR DOES NOT HAVE THE KNOW HOW ON HOW TO ALIGN A 4 WHEEL DRIVE SUV. I HAVE A SHIMMY AT 68 MPH SINCE 10,000 MILES. THE DEALER HAS TRIED TO BALANCE THE TIRES (ORIGINAL ONES AND NOW NEW )AND ALIGN WITHOUT SUCCESS. THE CAYENNE S RIDES VERY HARD

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  My Cayman - 2007 Porsche Cayman
  By Dr. DeVore - September 18 - 6:26 am

  I have owned Benz, Z3s, Z4s, Boxsters, RX7s, Talons, and I am ashamed to say 6 Corvettes. The Cayman is one of the most wonderful cars that I have owned. With the rear spoiler up, people actually think I am driving a 911. With the quality and look of the interior, I did not have to go with the 911. The ride is smooth, the handling is superb, and the middle range power and acceleration (60-120) is out of this world! I purchased this one and will own it forever. I retire in 3 years and am looking forward to driving cross country and seeing every sight that I have missed before I pass away. Love my Cayman!

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  Bad SUV - 2004 Porsche Cayenne
  By rob - September 16 - 5:06 pm

  The 2004 Porsche Cayenne S has poor ride comfort, no dampening of bumps, a harsh road feel, the interior room is small for an SUV, and a poor acceleration curve with flat spots. Mine has been in the shop for many minor and major part failures.

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  Lasting Contemporary Design - 1995 Porsche 911
  By dicktoth - September 15 - 1:03 am

  The 1995 Porsche 911 has one of the best car designs in the world. It is fun to drive. I have had it for eight years and it is still an exciting car to drive. I have a 6 speed and Polar SIlver is the color. It is hard to tell what year the car was designed. The exhaust sounds fantastic. The power vs. car body is balanced. Most importantly this is an exciting car to drive!