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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  Performance, no customer brand immersion - 2007 Porsche Boxster
  By Perfrmnc not amenity - October 2 - 2:00 am

  Exhaust note and handling captured me, over leasing another BMW Z4. Just 400 miles on it, but getting 18 mpg around town. Needs Bluetooth and assist like BMW or Northstar.

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  Porsche - There Is No Substitute - 1998 Porsche Boxster
  By Schnellman - October 1 - 10:00 am

  While living in Germany I owned a 924, then a 944 and then a 911 Carrera. I left them in Germany because I felt it wouldnt be fun to drive a Porsche in the States. I was wrong. I bought a Boxster as a second car and love every minute of driving it. Porsche quality and Porsche ownership can not be beat. The twisty roads around my house have become my playground. Ive owned Zs, an RX-7, a Lancia and a Quattro. But Ill say it again Porsche - there is no substitute.

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  Base Cayenne Value with Sport Chrono - 2016 Porsche Cayenne
  By LIS Boater - September 27 - 6:02 am

  We bought a base Cayenne loaded with Sport Chrono. Drive the S and could not tell the difference around town and on highways despite the fewer horses. With Porsche, its about handling and overall performance. The base with Sport Plus and Chrono met our needs despite some less than flattering reviews by "experts" of the base engine/HP. We drove them all, including the Jeep SRT. All I can say is nothing made me smile as much as the Cayenne. Sport Plus and the Sport exhaust is a blast. Gurgles and pops are a welcomed noise for my family who often installs aftermarket cat-backs on our performance cars and trucks. No need here. Porsche engineers got it all right and at a push of a button, it can be as silent as a Mercedes. But, we hit the Sports Plus button upon starting to hear and feel the performance. No regrets not getting the S. while its faster 0-60 by two seconds, most of us dont stage race daily. On the open road its no slouch either. We can hold 4th gear to 110 MPH on the track, with 4 more gears to go.

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  The Great SUV - 2004 Porsche Cayenne
  By Lou - September 26 - 5:03 am

  The SUV is an amazing vehicle. Its an SUV Carrera. The gas mileage is about 20 highway and 15 around town. Not bad for the suburbs. Handling is excellent. Just need an extra aux. pwr up front.

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  WOW!!! - 2003 Porsche Cayenne
  By asoccerdad - September 25 - 2:00 am

  I had the opportunity to drive both the S and the Turbo on the Barber Motorsports Race track in Birmingham Alabama. I also drove the vehicle offroad. In a comparison drive vs. the X5 and the new Rover it was the hands down favorite. Off road it did stuff I would have never thought to try. On the track I was on the tail of a 911 going full tilt. WOW what a thrill. The interior is that of a luxury car, tastefully done with superior fit and finish. To all you Porsche nah sayers, ....go drive it. If you have the $$ their is no substitute.

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  Even better than what you imagine - 2009 Porsche 911
  By Northwest 911 - September 21 - 11:56 pm

  Just got my 2009 C4S coupe and it is just absolutely awesome. Very tight build, not rattle or hum that doesnt belong. Very much as one reviewer said - Clark Kent around town and easy going, a raging hulk when you want it to be. Ive got the stick and it is really fun to drive and also helps you from going 90 around town without realizing it. If youve been wanting a Porsche and considering a sports car I cant make a higher recommendation. Take from a guy who just got his first one after 30 years of dreaming - even better live and in person!

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  2000 911 Cabrio - 2000 Porsche 911
  By 2000 911 Cabrio - September 15 - 3:36 pm

  Ive owned this car since new and used it as a weekend toy, and what a toy it is. On the 1 or 2 occasions where I thought about selling it, Ive only had to go and drive it for a few miles and Ive come back with a smile on my face. Its hard to believe that it could be improved on. The only problems Ive had have been with the top was not working correctly when I first got the car. The performance, handling styling and overall experience of ownership have been above my expectations. I would absolutely buy another Carrera.

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  Convertible Fun - 2007 Porsche 911
  By FastThinker - September 10 - 3:43 am

  A little wheel hop if you drop the clutch, but is an absolute joy to drive.

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  goodbye bmw - 2009 Porsche Cayman
  By ricardo c - September 9 - 5:36 pm

  I recently purchased a cayman S 09 and sold my bmw 3series. This Cayman is simply awesome. Its acceleration and handling is unlike any car I have ever driven. Additionally, the looks are superb. I just never get tired of looking at the car.

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  the ultimate 4 wheel experience - 2003 Porsche 911
  By rapid roger - September 8 - 10:00 am

  The only fault I have with this car is the new wwireless Porsche CD CHANGER and audio system still is not available. I have been waiting for months.