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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  Finally - 2000 Porsche Boxster
  By L. Kelly - December 8 - 9:30 pm

  I have always wanted to own a Porsche, but like may, was unable to afford the hefty price tag. After owning a Miata, I decided to purchase a pre-owned Boxster. I love it! It corners on rails and looks fantastic.

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  Its a fine tuned machine... - 2003 Porsche Boxster
  By DrDavid - December 8 - 10:00 am

  It provides a "Wow" driving experience that doesnt go away with ownership. From the first test drive to my drive to work today this car continues to provide a feeling of precision and balance. Suspension is very versatile and goes between sport/touring and sport/race very well. This one blows the Z4 away in the driving experience I tested both extensively and have never looked back. So much Porsche for so little cash!

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  Funster - 2002 Porsche Boxster
  By Madisonman - December 8 - 10:00 am

  Makes the trip as much fun as the destination.

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  Jawdropper - 2005 Porsche Boxster
  By WECoyote71 - December 8 - 12:10 am

  This is a fantastically designed ride with one-of-a-kind racecar-like power and handling. The 05 refresh augments the beautiful lines of the classic Porsche and carries those design elements into the interior cabin.

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  European delivery - 2005 Porsche 911
  By Randy - December 7 - 2:00 pm

  We picked car up at the Stuttgart Germany factory after a test drive on Porsches Weissach test track and a factory tour. Fascinating! What an amazing production facility. The turbo was as easy to drive in city traffic with its 6 speed manual as it was to do 150+ on the autobahn. The car clung to the narrow Swiss mountain curves like it was a valley strait away. Its awesome power threw us back in our seats. 50 to 100 was like 25 to 60 in our old C4. The removable hard top made the ride quiet and smooth like an excellent luxury car. At 6 tall, leg room let me stretch out. The navigation system was supurb & got us to our Paris hotel with no wrong turn. Gas was 14 to 22 MPG.

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  What a Sports Car - 2006 Porsche Boxster
  By Hawaii1628 - December 6 - 10:36 pm

  I am have an Acura and Benz, this Boxster S gives me chance to truly experience what a sports car is about. It corners very well and is fast. The 18" wheel makes you feel you are glued to the road. The two trunks are the biggest you can find in all convertible. The seat is pretty comfortable. If you are ever thinking about buying a Porsche, dont think any more, go get one ASAP. You only live once, do I have to say any more?

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  Adrenaline? - 2009 Porsche 911
  By Drew - November 29 - 2:00 am

  Bought it used but low miles. Ive read that performance actually improves after 5k miles when the engine is broken in. After some deliberation, decided to get the pdk with sport chrono package. Glad I did. Took it on some backroads where we could open it up. Put it in sport mode, punched it. Wow. Nothing like Id ever experienced. My girlfriend took a turn, decided to try "launch mode." put it in sport plus mode. Foot on the break, she revs the engine, the car is lurching, wanting to go. She reluctantly pushes the tach to 6500 rpm, car is screaming. The console lights up "launch mode active" and off we go. It takes about 15 minutes to get her blood pressure back to normal.

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  There is not substitute! - 2004 Porsche 911
  By Vegas Len - November 26 - 2:00 am

  In the great words of Ferris Beuller, If you have the means, I highly recommend getting one, its so choice.

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  Cayenne - 2004 Porsche Cayenne
  By mhunting - November 26 - 2:00 am

  just one great vehicle. the best Ive ever owned

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  4S Cabriolet - 2005 Porsche 911
  By Randy - November 19 - 11:20 am

  After one year this car is still just as much fun to drive. The convertible top is a neat feature and this cars reliability has been excellent.