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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  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.

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  Best car I have driven - 2007 Porsche Cayman
  By Susan - September 6 - 10:00 am

  I previously had an SLK and a Z4 convertible. This 2 dr Cayman is so much more fun to drive. I feel like a million dollars whenever I get in it and have owned it for a year and I am not bored with it yet. I bought it used with low miles and would only trade it in if I was buying another Porsche.

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  Love This Car - 1999 Porsche 911
  By First Porsche - September 6 - 10:00 am

  This was the first Porsche that I have owned and would buy another one in a second. I have have had no issues with the Porsche and found it to be extremely reliable and problem free.

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  What a car - 2005 Porsche 911
  By HENO - September 5 - 2:33 pm

  This one is the best ever Carrera.

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  abesreview - 2004 Porsche Cayenne
  By abe fischer - September 2 - 2:00 am

  great performance,stunning looks,comfortable to drive.I also own other porsches like a c4 cabriolet and have owned numerous porsches for over 25 years. I also like the Turbo but not practical. My final price was approx 65,000 with goodies.Turbo should be a ten grand differential at most. Performance chips and enhancements are also in my repertoire when they become available as well as removable.

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  2004 Porsche Cayenne - 2004 Porsche Cayenne
  By ARES - September 2 - 2:00 am

  The Cayenne Turbo is truly an awesome machine. Its a 911 and a SUV in one. I owned an X5 (which I loved)and thought was a great car, but it falls short of the Turbo by far. It cannot comparied to a VW Touareg or a Cayenne S, there is no comparison. Its worth every penny that I paid for it and I would do it again tomorrow.

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  Porsche, no substitute! - 2004 Porsche Cayenne
  By Porsche Mama - August 28 - 10:00 am

  Just bought this baby for my wife. Took a 600 mile trip. Fun car to drive. It is excellent in bad weather. Its a Porsche, what more do I need to say. Besides, not many around. My wife loves it. And that is all that matters. I would recomend it anyone looking into buying a SUV.

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  Cayenne - 2004 Porsche Cayenne
  By brkr - August 27 - 2:00 am

  I use my Cayenne mostly for work and have taken it to Tahoe several times. Clients are very impressed and comfortable and the vehicle is very nimble in the snow and in icy conditions. I plan to tow a 6,000lb boat and will be using the vehicle on impassable logging roads this summer.