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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  Brother of the 914 - 2000 Porsche Boxster
  By bwlaclair - May 11 - 9:40 pm

  Porsche has always made a well built car but the Boxster is very well bulit... the design is flawless I always get looks in this car the interior is sporty but a little dull. This car delivers most of it all except the power its a little slugish but not bad power for only 217 ponies. This car is what you would call a Porsche cruiser that can get up when you need to and get out of the way....and the canyons well their really no match for Boxsters.

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  I Love My Car! - 2003 Porsche Boxster
  By DianeDavani - May 10 - 10:00 am

  This is such a fun car to drive... quick and NIMBLE... so much more fun than the Carrera. This thing turns on a dime - great! I have the upgraded 18" rims, sound package, xenon lights, and heated seats as well as full stitched leather. All around, this car has been a delight. Its perfect for a second car cuz every time you get in it after not driving it for a while, its SUCH a pleasant suprise!

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  Over 100k and still a fantastic drive! - 2005 Porsche Boxster
  By jeremp - April 9 - 2:31 pm

  I purchased this beauty in April (2011). I Dr. traded it in at 100k miles. He did all the service religiously, and it works fantastically. The manual spoiler switch was broken when I bought it but a part from SunCoast Porsche fixed it. I do the work myself which keeps maint. costs down. I am a simple guy with a simple income but I feel rick driving the Boxster around town. I never put the top up, (I drive an 05 IS300 on rainy days) and I still get 24-25 MPG. I LOVE this thing!

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  Fun to drive when not in the shop - 2007 Porsche Boxster
  By topoff - April 7 - 5:03 am

  In the 4 weeks Ive owned the car, its been in the shop 4 times and going back again. Indicators showed low tire in the first 3 days of purchase. Had to buy a new tire. Wind noise around side windows, then controller went out for auto up driver window. While fixing that, they disconnected door side light. Dealer doesnt carry parts, so its always 2 trips for repair. BMW Z4 wasnt in shop this much in 3 years I leased it. But fun to drive when I have it. If this keeps up, next review will be titled "piece of crap." Evidently lots of understanding needed for intricasies of the brand.

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  Sweet Car - 2006 Porsche Boxster
  By greggroggendorf - April 5 - 9:40 am

  My Boxster is a blast to drive. I cant wait to go on a long road trip! It takes a little while to get the engine noise off your mind, but the pipes on the exhaust let you forget about it once you get on the pedal.

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  I Would Buy this SUV Again - 2004 Porsche Cayenne
  By sforman789 - March 3 - 11:03 am

  The Cayenne lacks only in on two areas; interior style and the back end, which looks a bit boxy. Other than that it is an amazing vehicle. Its fast, its built well, and it handles like a sports car. I love driving this car/SUV. It gets more fun everyday which is unusal. I would buy this over any SUV in its class.

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  Any Porsche = Great Sports Car - 2010 Porsche Boxster
  By KS - February 26 - 7:43 am

  I had my Boxster 2.9 for about a month and I enjoy it with every drive. There is really something special about driving a Porsche considering its racing heritage and legendary 911 roots plotted in the Boxster, its just a great fun cruiser Not a racing machine. In my opinion the manual 6spd transmission is the only way to go and the clutch/shifter feel is very precise, the gas pedal has way too much resistance for my taste, I am getting used to it though. Hill start assist is also something that takes getting used to, I prefer not to have it because on uphill traffic it could be very annoying. My previous car was 2007 Infiniti M45 and I really wanted a drivers car with style, Boxster was it!

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  Xlnt sports convertible - 2003 Porsche Boxster
  By GF - February 13 - 1:56 pm

  Great choice for sports car convertible; very pricey new (keep options list down !) but worth the xtra money in the long run. More comfortable and useful size than it looks. Bought mine new and have used it as daily driver/only car for a number of years. Out of warranty repairs expenses can be high, but maintenance is just once a year for low mileage cars. Hard to give this car up, makes for a great 2nd car keeper once its past its prime.

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  M96 engine class cars - 2001 Porsche Boxster
  By Bruce Gray - February 12 - 10:56 pm

  Great car. Owned Porsches for 35 years until this car began to mix coolant and oil. NO FIX except rebuilt engine. Discovered not unusual. I will perhaps buy a Porsche again but NOT with M96 engine (1999-2008). NO help from PCNA or Porsche even for car with only 39,000 miles. Since average Porsche owner drives 6,000 miles a year, cars are usually out of warranty when the trouble strikes. Problem seems that no mechanic wants to take the engines apart, so only fix is $15,000 factory rebuilt engine. There are estimates out there suggesting 20% of this engine group cars will fail before hit 100,000 miles. Kind of like playing lottery to buy one. Ask a few mechanics about this!!!

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  Beautiful Car! Worth every Penny! - 2004 Porsche CARRERA GT
  By Alexander Gratford - February 8 - 2:00 am

  I believe I made the right choice when I purchased my GT. I drive it whenever I can and it gets all the looks when I go shopping! I absolutely wouldnt have it any other way. If youve got the money come join the club of GT Owners.