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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  911 is King - 2004 Porsche 911
  By forgeahead - December 29 - 6:53 pm

  This car is everything I dreamed it would be, and more! It drives like a dream and when its on open road it just wants to go. Interior is designed beautifully. The wide body and fat rear rubber of the S are the icing on the cake. The new age 911s are a perfect blend of the 911s of the past and the grand touring vehicle the 928 was intended to be. This car is world class!

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  Worlds Best Sports Car, Red C4S Cabrio - 2007 Porsche 911
  By DLS - December 28 - 2:53 pm

  I have 8400 miles on it. No complaints, have run the car at Laguna Seca and Infinion Raceways. Powers out of curves like no other car in existence. Needs Michelin Cup tires instead of PS2 for track days. Most fun Ive ever had driving a car, build quality the best. Ordered 22 options, which are expensive, but this is my last purchase for retirement so thought it worth it.

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  The Ultimate SUV - 2005 Porsche Cayenne
  By bonitabum - December 28 - 9:00 am

  One ride in this SUV and theres no going back, to anything else. This vehicle does it all. Handling, safety, ready for any kind of weather event, and quite the head turner.

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  Cab Review - 2000 Porsche 911
  By jk08 - December 22 - 10:00 am

  Outstanding car! Runs like a dream. Extremely well engineered. Superb handling.

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  Best Porsche I ever owned - 2000 Porsche 911
  By enriver - December 22 - 5:58 am

  Fast and responsive -This Carrera is the best Porsche I have ever owned, it is quick, agile and and feels completely safe on any surface. Gone is the extreme over-steer and the front end lift under acceleration, and at 0-60 in 5 seconds, the 996 is nothing to sneer at. I bought this Porsche in 2012 with 53,000 miles, it looks new, it feels new and it is very well maintained and a pleasure to polish. Much maligned by the snobs who call themselves "purists" and the IMS and RMS fear mongers, this car has proven them wrong. Not a drop of oil on the floor, no additional oil between changes and including the recent 60 K inspection service it costs only $50.00 per month in maintenance.

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  Cayenne - 2005 Porsche Cayenne
  By Richard - December 18 - 4:20 am

  The Cayenne is fast, fun SUV that handles as well on road as off road. The suspension stiff which makes for excellant cornering. The design is noticed by by-standers and received a lot of looks.

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  Pricey...but worth it! - 2002 Porsche 911
  By blast! - December 14 - 10:00 am

  Waited years to own one...its been worth it! Power range is remarkable..Variocam system allows engine to pull like a freight train right up to redline. Handling is nimble, steering quick and light..brakes are outstanding, inspires confidence. Gearing allows plenty of pull/passing power even in 6th. Flawless so far. Tends to burn oil more than most cars (1 qt. per 800 miles..the $5 a quart stuff..) Back seats are handy for kids <10 years old...adults, forget it!

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  porsche cayenne s - 2005 Porsche Cayenne
  By maggietrenary - December 12 - 1:06 am

  This is the most fun sport utility vehicle I have ever owned. It is race car at hear with a SUV body. I have a Carrerre 996 as well, and I like the Cayenne almost as much.

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  The perfect roadster. - 2007 Porsche Boxster
  By bb - December 11 - 7:43 pm

  It is nearly impossible to stop smiling when driving this engaging car. The precise, responsive handling and cornering ability are superb. The 245 hp base engine provides plenty of power and torque when kept in the right RPM bands. It excels on twisty side roads, but is a fairly comfortable highway cruiser. Front and rear trunks provide surprising capacity. No problems whatsoever after 2-1/2 years of varied driving. I never want to drive anything else.

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  There is no better - 2003 Porsche Boxster
  By Pilot2519Juliet - December 10 - 1:06 am

  The car is the closest to perfection there is out there. The Boxster will outhandle anything out there now. Road and Track did a slalom run in which it blasted the Enzos (the Ferrari guy costing $700K) record. True it does not have an overabundance of hps but once you pounce on the accelarator you get usable power with unmatch driving dymamics. With a top speed of close to 170 mph I think it is fast enough.