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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  The best 911........ever! - 1995 Porsche 911
  By Tr - July 21 - 2:00 am

  This car is a blast to drive, and by far and away, the best looking Porsche ever built. Everyone should own one!

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  boxster s 2004 - 2004 Porsche Boxster
  By schmitt - July 21 - 2:00 am

  The car is by far sharpest and classiest in this price range. Its the best looking car in its class of cars. I cannot say enough good things about the car.

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  SCARLETTS AUTO - 2004 Porsche Cayenne
  By LEE SCARLETT - July 21 - 2:00 am

  THIS AUTO IS VERY FUN TO DRIVE. MANUVERS GREAT VERY FAST. BUT TO MANY COMPUTER ITEMS STILL LIKE THE OLD PORSCHE IDEA

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  2007 Porsche 911 GT3 - 2007 Porsche 911
  By TK - July 21 - 12:06 am

  I recently traded my 06 Z06 for an 07 GT3. Best decision I have ever made. The Z06 is extremely fast, has awesome brakes and is one of my favorite cars that I have owned. Why trade in a car that I was perfectly happy with? While the Z06 is like being strapped into a massive rocket, the GT3 is like every limb having its own individual rocket. The connectivity to the GT3 is unbelievable. The response to every input is precise and right now. The "bang for your buck" argument of the Z06 is a lost one if you can afford a GT3. It is WAY more fun to drive and has a TON more character and refinement - crisp feel of the shifter, the rapid revs, and the absence of the "bath tub" feel set it apart

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  Panamera 4 review - 2011 Porsche Panamera
  By gaucho52 - July 19 - 11:14 am

  First Porsche. Considered and drove several times the following: E350/550, BMW535/550, Jaguar XF, Infinity 37/56, Audi A6. By far the most fun to drive was the Panamera. A bit more expensive than most on the list but the most unique on the road. The competition is common on the road. It is fun to get the looks and the thumbs up from many. The V6 has ample power compared to the V8. Been getting over 23 mpg on combined city/highway with average speeds of around 45 mph. This car is a bit sluggish right off the start but it really picks up once you hit 35 mph. Getting from there to 60-80 is a breeze.

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  One of the funnest cars at any price - 1998 Porsche Boxster
  By Lordblood - July 18 - 4:03 pm

  I got this car 2 months ago, and so far its been absolutely amazing. I upgraded from Nissan Altimas and Toyota Camrys, so I know reliability. The only thing that went wrong with my Boxster is that the left window regulator is broken, but that happened before I bought it. It is a bit pricey to run, you do have pay well out of your pocket for small repairs. But it is one of the funnest cars you can buy, no matter what price level you look at. Its mid engined, so it is perfectly balanced and provides for fun in every corner. Its a bit underpowered, mine produces around 215 HP because of a better exhaust, but 0-60 in around 6.7 seconds is pretty brisk. Worth buying!

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  If you can afford it, get one - 2001 Porsche 911
  By DIC_CAMARILLO - July 18 - 5:56 am

  This is our 4th Porsche (2nd water cooled) and its the best weve ever owned. The power is exceptional. Handling is superb. Comfortable to drive - great seats. This car looks fabulous. I recommend the non-turbo for a few reasons. The Carrera is lighter, has a true Porsche feel and you can get an extended warranty - should be purchased. The Turbo is incredible, but the all wheel drive takes some of the challenges out of driving. I like the feeling of knowing where the traction limits are. I think this is what makes a 911 such a fun car to drive. The tail gets a little loose, but not like the older 993 and 911. If youre going to drive this car hard, you need to pay attention.

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  Its a blast! - 2000 Porsche 911
  By No1touch - July 15 - 2:00 am

  This car performs beautifully. Precise handling, excellent acceleration and great, classic styling contribute to a great experience in the vehicle. 27 mpg at 65 mph is a bonus. It ended up my best mileage vehicle.

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  My Boxster has no substitute - 1999 Porsche Boxster
  By Tig Nash - July 9 - 9:40 pm

  After many hours of research on a convertible I thought a Benz was the way to go. Fortunately, I test drove the Boxter as well. No comparison! This car handles like nothing I have ever driven. And the response of the engine is that of a finely tuned machine. The design is sleek, sexy and powerful and taking a curve at 60+ miles and hour instead of the posted 25 is the best weekend thrill! This is what driving is all about and those that think an SUV is the way to go, well, you have no idea what youre missing. There is no substitute - Porsche has it figured out.

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  Great to Drive & Safe - 2004 Porsche Cayenne
  By PJ Guthrie - July 4 - 10:00 am

  Turbo Drive is wonderful in a SUV and sassy.