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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  Worth the Wait - 2006 Porsche 911
  By Cruz - July 12 - 2:10 am

  After driving a Boxster S for two years I couldnt wait any longer and went big for a 2006 Carrera S convertible. So far all I can say is WOW! The performance of the car is unmatched with more potential than I will probably ever use. I loved my Boxster S but the power and handling of a 911 S is worth every dollar I spent on it. I did reseach on all the top end sports cars and if your looking to upgrade look no further than the 911. I had plenty of "competition" come up to me in the Boxster...now when I have cars come up fast from behind you can literally see them back off after reading the Carrera S on the back.

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  Cayenne S @ 5500 miles - 2003 Porsche Cayenne
  By gm austin - July 10 - 10:00 am

  The Cayenne does an extraordinary job of providing sports car like handling with real off-road capability and five passenger utility vehicle functionality. I have driven the vehicle on some fairly demanding off- road trails and the Cayenne was great. On pavement performance on a winding road is also impressive. It is very predictable with fairly high cornering limits. You can also load a bunch of passengers and cargo for long, comfortable trips as well. There has never been another vehicle with this range of capability.

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  black beauty - 2003 Porsche Boxster
  By alenco - July 10 - 10:00 am

  Pleasure to drive, sit in or just wash in the driveway!

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  It is Incredible - 2003 Porsche 911
  By harryb2678 - July 10 - 10:00 am

  I have owned this, my 6th Porsche for just more than a year. It is incredible, the best yet. I specially went through and ordered it just as I wanted it and it was worth the wait. The handling is wonderful, the braking absolutely incredible and the tiptronic, my first, has made my enjoyment of the car so much more practical. I am a long term, 20+ years PCA member and this 911 is the best yet. Getting the Tiptronic was a big decision, but so very practical for the actual day to day driving in traffic and using the phone ( yes, we all do use the phone in the car, dont we?).

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  997S break in - 2007 Porsche 911
  By Alan Eland - July 9 - 1:53 am

  My fourth porsche and its my most enjoyable car, I had the dealership add sport exhaust and the sound is outstanding in the open mode, it handles great and rides a bit rough in sport mode but I love it.

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  Best car Ive everdriven. - 2003 Porsche Boxster
  By Craig - July 8 - 9:26 pm

  Wonderful driving experience. Maintenance has not been near as much as I had feared. Fast, rugged, reliable, fun to drive and a great track car.

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  Great SUV with ONE major flaw... - 2008 Porsche Cayenne
  By jfcpamba - June 30 - 6:52 am

  I bought a used Cayenned S with 50k miles on it. It is a great vehicle as most of the reviewers have noted. However, there is one major flaw which no one has pointed to in their reviews. The front buckets seats are extremely uncomfortable, probably the worst Ive ever sat on. The middle section is only about 16" wide and go up sharply from there to provide support, but it is extremely firm. My bottom side and hamstrings are literally sore after driving for an extended period of time. I am now driving with a pillow. A quick note, I am averaging about 15 MPG in mixed driving and the vehilce is solid. No other complaints other than those seats. Cmon Porsche, you can do better!

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  Cayenne S has been good so far - 2004 Porsche Cayenne
  By cayennes - June 27 - 2:00 am

  This SUV has been no trouble yet.

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  Maximum smiles per dollar - 2003 Porsche 911
  By lexprosnap - June 27 - 2:00 am

  The acceleration of the X50 version is breathtaking...makes you want to get off the freeway just so you can zoom back on. Goes around corners like a scotch taped eel. (T. McEwen, Mechanix Illustrated) Having owned three previous Porsches including a turbo in the 80s and 90s, the 03 is clearly superior. Great entertainment, especially blowing off the Gallardos!

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  Always fun to drive. - 2001 Porsche Boxster
  By jwulk - June 26 - 10:00 am

  The Porsche Boxster is always a pleasure to get in and drive. Wheather you go for a leasurly drive with the top down or rev up the RPMs to almost 7000 you have the response and controle of a true sports car. Never get tired of getting and driving this car.