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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  Love the Boxster - 1997 Porsche Boxster
  By blueboxsterlover - September 11 - 10:00 am

  Great car! Very fun to drive and handles beautifully. Its hard to drive my SUV after driving the Boxster--I have to slow down for the corners in the SUV. Easy to drive and maintain. Its a very classic car also--the body style has remained basically the same and its beauty is timeless. Lots of admiring looks when I drive this car around town.

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  This car is fun to drive!!! - 2004 Porsche 911
  By Michael Hamburger - September 11 - 10:00 am

  This is a super fun auto to drive. It has the get-up and go one expects from a sports car w/ the creature comfort one should expect from luxury models. One never forgets that this car is ALL PORSCHE!!!

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  power and lock system - 2004 Porsche Cayenne
  By Victoriavb - September 11 - 10:00 am

  I have had a lot of trouble withmy keyless entry and I get locked out of my car and I have to use the key and then my alarm will go off. It will only open 1 door when it works and it is just a pain. I have had it in for repair and recalls for the seat belts. I only have 6000 miles on it and I wish they would just fix the problem once and for all.

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  Im not worthy! - 2003 Porsche Boxster
  By Ohio Boxster - August 28 - 10:00 am

  This car is way too fast, far too much fun, and just too exceedingly beautiful for me. Never am I more guilt-ridden than when I hear the glorious sound of that engine while accelerating on the highway, passing all who cant hope to keep up. My torture continues as I observe the numerous admiring glances focused in the direction of my Boxster. The guilt subsides when I glance in the rearview mirror and notice not only the ever-present film on the rear window, but also the flashing blue and red lights, actually gaining on me.....

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  Mind Blowing - 2005 Porsche CARRERA GT
  By bill - August 24 - 12:03 pm

  The Carrera just oozes brawn out of every pore. I have owned 3 Porsches over two decades and have loved the refinements of their cars but the GT has just gone this bit further. The engine sounds magnificent, the seat positioning is good (I am 5 ft 8), the instruments are well aligned for the driver and visibility is extremely good for it’s class. Fine detail has been made to the interior which exudes rich quality. I will be looking forward to entering the cup races this year. It is always good meet other owners at these events. It is also good for potential Porsche owners to attended and see them in action.

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  Great lease deal - 2016 Porsche Panamera
  By Pana Mera - August 19 - 5:08 pm

  I couldnt pass this deal up! I know this is the end of the model year, and the 2017s will be out in about 5-6 months. The 2017s are gorgeous and undoubtedly will sell at pretty much close to retail. Since I lease for business purposes, a 39 mon lease will go by quickly. I never considered a hybrid, but the deal I was given was less expensive than my 2014 Bmw 640i, a car $25000 cheaper on MSRP! It was a better deal than an M5, S7, and other models in that range. Are the M5 and S7 great cars also? Absolutely! Either cars will be suitable. However, as much as I think I drive on racetracks , sporty mountain curves, and drag race stoplight to stoplight, I dont, except in my dreams, as I lust over a Ferrari or Lamborghini. So, to get a car, that easily fits my family of four, without being frumpy, or a luxury barge, this fit the bill. I was even considering an M3, as those cars are affordable and amazing. Sorry, still got a better deal on the S E Hybrid. The gas mileage is in the high 20s around town, and low 30s on the highway. The range is over 500 miles/tank, so you will not see me at the gas pump very often.

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  It is a sweet machine - 1999 Porsche 911
  By riverrock - August 19 - 10:00 am

  No problem to date. The car is fun to drive, and it is a true everyday performance car.

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  Fun Car - 1999 Porsche Boxster
  By flyguy - August 18 - 3:56 pm

  Owning a Porsche Boxster is a lot of fun. They handle great. It only seats two passenagers, but that can be good too. ;) Oil changes are pricy, but they only need to be done every 5,000 miles ($160).

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  impressive - 2004 Porsche Cayenne
  By satchmo - August 15 - 6:06 am

  I drove BMWS for years this is my second porsche and it has met all of my expectations and needs Handles like a dream awsume stereo system and a nav systems that can take you to the moon most people complain about no spare tire New flash folks they have a new thing called road side assistance use it. it is free from porsche and most of you who pay attention to your auto insurance policies will notice you have it also wrapped up in there for free in a package.

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  Cayenne S - 2004 Porsche Cayenne
  By Laurent - August 10 - 10:00 am

  Maintenance issues, trunk keep popping open.