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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  Just got to drive one to be hooked - 2005 Porsche Cayenne
  By mabell - March 7 - 10:40 am

  Downsized from an Excursion. Wasnt really looking for this car but once you drive her, you will be hooked. Its really hard not to push her on the roads, she responds fast. Had a radar detector installed so I have only had her up to 120 but she still had power to spare. Love the interior, I opted for the exterior mounted tire which I think makes her sportier. Gas mileage is around 13 mpg but didnt buy her for the gas mileage but still gets more than an excursion. Handles every bit as well as a Porsche should especially since its an SUV. Go drive one if in doubt and its nice not to see yourself coming and going like all the other luxury SUVS.

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  Engine Needing Replacing - 2001 Porsche Boxster
  By Allyman - March 3 - 10:00 am

  Ive had this car 2.5 years, put on 10,200 miles and it developed an oil leak. Took it into the Dealership, they recommeded a 15,000 mile service because the time I had owned it not the mileage on it. Left the car there, got a call saying the car had a bad seal that could not be repaired and they needed to replace the engine. One good thing, Porsche is picking up the tab because its still under warranty. But why is a Boxster S with 10,200 miles need a new engine?

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  Just Love It - 2008 Porsche Cayenne
  By VT - March 1 - 1:33 am

  Yes, its a Porsche. Its not an SUV at all. Performance and fun definitely make a statement and can only come from Porsche.

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  good with some surprises - 2008 Porsche Cayenne
  By raytoei - February 28 - 11:10 pm

  Unlike the previous reviewers, I wasnt looking for a SUV, as such, I did not really do any due diligence on the Audi Q6 or BMW X5; it was really either a luxury saloon upgrade for my 520i or the Cayenne. In the end, we decided on the Cayenne because this is the only Porsche where the whole family can actually experience together.

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  Love It! - 2006 Porsche Cayenne
  By Marc - February 26 - 9:40 am

  Car is extremely well put together and fun to drive, vehicle gets expensive with ala carte options that are standard with the competition. Only annoyance is that when you need to park it for an extended period the battery will drain down, there is no "long term stand bye mode". Total plus of this design is the navigation, you can disable it and drive fr weeks without seeing an annoying navigation warning. Nice job Porsche!

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  Awesome - 2004 Porsche CARRERA GT
  By jimmy/x9000 - February 25 - 2:00 am

  It is REALLY fun to drive. Has superb turning, and on highways, man is it FAST!

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  Pure - True - Sportscar - 2005 Porsche Boxster
  By Dougiebaby - February 22 - 9:50 am

  The new Boxster is now a "complete Boxster." Every little aspect of this car has been improved. While many will not notice the exterior changes, the design is much better executed. The interior is worthy of a car of this reputation. The new Boxster S is truly one of the most intensely, pleasurable driving experiences I have ever enjoyed. Even if I could afford its bigger brother, I would not justify the 911 over the Boxster. Kudos to Porsche.

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  1999 PORSCHE 996 - 1999 Porsche 911
  By KBRN01 - February 20 - 2:00 am

  ALOT OF FUN TO DRIVE. ZERO PROBLEMS TO DATE.

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  Its a porsche - enough said. - 2002 Porsche Boxster
  By dan - February 19 - 7:33 pm

  This is the best car I have owned to date. Its fun, sporty, handles well and holds its own against any other car out there. You cannot beat the style and I still get strangers coming up to talk about it. I dont buy the "poor mans" Porsche. It has the same interior and front of the 911 - less power, but Ill put the difference in money I saved in the bank and have just as much fun! Regular service calls are a little expensive, but only needs to be done every 18 months. Great car for the $.

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  My Boxster - 2003 Porsche Boxster
  By Moki - February 16 - 10:40 am

  During 26 months of ownership it was down for repairs for a total of 90 days with multiple problems over multiple systems from electrical to suspension and lastly a new engine. Ive received no traffics tickets in this car to demonstrate it has been pampered. Porsche did extend the warranty for two years, but have been very slow deciding how to repair, obtaining parts, and scheduling the work.