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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  Fun is an understatement - 2004 Porsche Cayenne
  By SBS - February 15 - 10:00 am

  This handles better then any other vehicle I have ever driven. It is a gas around curves even in the high altitude of Colorado. There are some negatives though....I purchased some upgrades that are more nuisance than anything. The back hatch never seems to close & it is supposed to be automatic and I have a "ghost" in my radio, it changes stations on its own. Otherwise I love this vehicle.

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  Think Again! - 2003 Porsche Boxster
  By tulsajack - February 14 - 10:45 pm

  My dream to own a Porsche. After 2 years & less than 57,000 miles, the engine self-destructed due to a design flaw - a GM alternator bearing used on the intermediate shaft failed and completely trashed the engine. Of course, Porsche lawyers admitted no fault on court documents when they settled, but somehow agreed to pay about 25% of owners expenses totaling millions. I fell outside the terms of the settlement, so its tough luck and $0. The repair will cost at least $7K, up to $12K with used parts. This flaw affects 911s also. Because this is a possible outcome, I will never buy another Porsche. Buy a Honda!

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  Great performance, poor reliability - 2005 Porsche Cayenne
  By Gustavo - February 12 - 1:26 am

  This SUV is a dream to drive. The handling is superb and the feeling of comfort and security are incredible. However, I had to: 1. Reprogram the software several times, 2. Replace a solenoid in the transmission (hard painful "clunk" when decelerating), 3. Replace crankshaft because of defective rubber housing, 4. cheap plastic parts in the interior keep braking at minor touch, 5. PCM2 system screen went bad after 60,000 miles. According to the dealer and my mechanic, all of the above problems seem to be common for the 2005 model. I hope that Porsche is listening. Would I buy another Cayenne again? Absolutely yes. The pleasure of driving one far exceeds the pain of repairing it.

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  quality - 2004 Porsche CARRERA GT
  By sully221 - February 11 - 6:36 am

  it is as reliable as the day i bought her -- so good to look at and so much fun to drive

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  best car ever - 2004 Porsche Cayenne
  By Porsche convert - February 8 - 5:33 am

  Great fun to drive in all weather. Extremely sure footed and responsive. No problem driving thru 2 blizzards. I find my journeys take longer as I find excuses to go the long way round.

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  gotta get one! - 2001 Porsche Boxster
  By Rick, Williamsville - February 7 - 1:26 am

  Very fun car to drive because of its looks, speed, and handling. It is definitely a head turner. The engine power is good with excellent passing gear acceleration. Great interior design as you can actually speak to one another with the top down at any speed. One of the best sports cars I have owned or have been in. Instrument panel is plain and all controls easy to get to.

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  Porsche, mispronounced & misunderstood - 2005 Porsche Cayenne
  By Joe - February 5 - 3:10 pm

  The Porsche Cayenne is an exciting vehicle because it is a Porsche. It goes over bumps badly and the legroom in the back could be roomier. It is awkward to get to the cup holders in the front which are too small for an average water bottle but perfect for fountain drinks or an evian. As far as driving goes it is a great ride. The speed of this vehicle is wasted on a stay at home mom such as myself. However, I bought mine for prestige alone. I am too cute for a minivan so this five seater accommodates me and my 4 kids comfortably. The looks and stares I get from people was worth the cost alone, that and the cool key. I would definately rate the Cayenne as an appropriate dream/practical car.

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  New to the Porsche Family - 2007 Porsche 911
  By WG - January 28 - 10:10 pm

  My new 911 C4S has been beyond fun to drive. I cut through traffic like a hot knife through butter. I take corners as if I am on a rail! The cars fit and finish is great. It feels like it will hold up for over 100,000 miles. I am a former BMW 7-Series owner (4 over 10 years), so I am getting use to the lack of space compared to my old cars. That being said every time I get in the car and take off, I get a rush and I forget that I cant place my clubs in the trunk. Having a stick again has been great. Every sports car or performance sedan should have one (Hint BMW and MB folks). Is it worth $100,000? Time will tell. I hope so. If not maybe Ill get an S8 next.

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  Are We There Yet? - 2005 Porsche 911
  By lol - January 23 - 4:56 pm

  I recently changed from a Porsche 911 996 to a 997s. The 997 is more of a car in terms of value for the money. It is gorgeous to look at and a huge improvement over the 996. The Sports Chrono package is a great boys toy. I find the sport setting too much on twisty bumpy roads, it seems to become unsettled. I will save the setting for track days or maybe I just need to drive it more and find just how good it is!

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  My Review - 2003 Porsche 911
  By John Doe3rd - January 20 - 10:00 am

  Its great