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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  back to the shop again - 2004 Porsche Cayenne
  By corsam - August 10 - 2:00 am

  5 months and 7 trips to the dealer to fix the same items over and over. Tranny has to be reflashed and the door locks still work only 10% of the time. The radio and navigation system has it days of not coming on at all. The refrig pump in the front left housing still howls like a cheat refrigeration even after being replaced.

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  I Love My 2004 Boxster! - 2004 Porsche Boxster
  By Drjon - August 7 - 8:23 pm

  I have owned multiple foreign and domestic sports cars and have never owned a vehicle that gives me such pleasure to drive as my carrara white 2004 Porsche Boxster! This car was designed as a modern version of the Porsche 550 Spyder of the 1950s and it is a blast to drive as Im sure that car was/is. It has the technology to make even long drives comfortable and the Bose sound system is the best I have ever heard (home or in a car. It even beats my 2007 BMW 335i Harmon Kardon system). This car gets looks everywhere I go and rightly so-It is a beauty. I would strongly encourage anyone to purchase this car-you wont regret it!

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  Rip Snorting Fun - 2004 Porsche Cayenne
  By vetteman1962 - August 6 - 11:13 am

  I am a certifiable car FREAK. I have owned over 100 cars in my 54 year life and this car rocks my world. If you think driving a 911 is fun to drive, stick four other people in this rocket and cruise up Pacific Coast Highway from San Clemente to Laguna or Newport and just watch the smiles on all five faces. I own three old Corvettes and a 356 Porsche and they are just a lot of fun to drive. A year ago I had the opportunity to sell a Cayenne Turbo for a friend and I had the car for about a month and only had to drive it three times to be HOOKED. Turning an SUV into a Hot Rod/Race Car has to be one of the greatest ideas of the 21st Century. This is the most fun Sports Car I have ever owned.

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  Cant Take my Eyes Off!!! - 2004 Porsche Cayenne
  By Arlukyaw - July 30 - 10:00 am

  The first time I saw this car in Carmen Red with Havana soomth leather in dealers lot, I kenw right away thats what I want. After the purchased, I was suprisingly entrated by the Bose sound system and 18" wheels. The ride is smooth and handling is as precise as my previous car, 93 325is. I was impressed with the short turning radius which I need for driving in SF. For less price I could have gotten Toureg V- 8 fully loaded, but I dont regret settling for less options and power of VW because its priceless to see my family, friends, and co-workers reaction and excitment, not to mention the glow of the strangers on the road.

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  One Awesome Ride! - 2005 Porsche Boxster
  By Gator987 - July 29 - 6:26 pm

  After owning a 2001 Boxster, I decided to trade it in for a new 2005. I didnt know if the original could be improved. However, the test drive I took definately showed me that the 987 is better than the 986. The car is so much fun to drive. The bump is horsepower is enough to be noticed (especially in sport mode). Great handliing is retained. The interior is very nice! I could not imagine a better two seat roadster. The new updated exterior is gorgeous. Go Porsche!

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  Best car I have ever owned and driven - 1997 Porsche 911
  By Sean - July 27 - 2:00 am

  This is by far one of the best cars I have ever owned. I used to have Ferrari 512, and then Ferrari 348 spyder. Porsche 911 turbo is the ultimate beast. 1/4 mile 12.2 sec stock. Best handeling, best breaking and the most head turner car. I love it. If i had money, I would buy another 911 turbo and modify the turbos

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  Awesome car - 2005 Porsche Cayenne
  By Lori from Las Vegas - July 25 - 1:23 am

  I know that this is considered an SUV, but I think of it more as a car. I have owned many SUVs over the past ten years. I must have an SUV because I occasionally pull a trailer. I have pulled my boat behind it and it pulls great. My dream car was someday owning a Porsche. When your family grows, reality comes into play. With this SUV you can have the best of both worlds. I have owned every other high line SUV and nothing compares to the precision handling that you will experience in the Cayenne.

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  Why drive a car? - 2003 Porsche Cayenne
  By DArt - July 22 - 10:00 am

  Why drive a car???? When you could drive the best of both worlds!!!! Performance, performance, performance...with some function! Seats 5 and some cargo space. Drives better than most, if not all, mainstream cars on the road today. So, why drive a car? Big time head turner, especially when I pulled into the Lexus dealership. Was the envy of their sales staff!

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  greatest car. - 2003 Porsche Cayenne
  By teethdoc - July 22 - 10:00 am

  Sold my boxster"S" and Jaguar XJ12 tobuy this. Bought turbo cause it accelerates better than the "S", although S was not too bad. My other car is a 410 hp Stillen Suburban, but it cannot touch the turbo in speed, cornering or fun. Turbo drives like a sports car, and then climbs like an true 4x4. Stillen is for camping or cruising with lots of people/luggage.

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  Excellent Car - 2007 Porsche Cayman
  By michele - July 21 - 8:26 pm

  This is my first Porsche and I absolutely love it! I drove a Jaguar before this one and I definitely prefer the Porsche Cayman. It captures attention every time Im on the road.