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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  Best sports car to own - 2005 Porsche 911
  By Art from Miami - August 23 - 10:20 pm

  This is my 1st Porsche. I am very pleased with the car. I love the looks, performance, quality and specially just driving it. So far I have no complaints or regrets about this car. This is the best car I have ever had so far.

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  1999 986 Porsche Boxster - 1999 Porsche Boxster
  By jccash - August 22 - 7:14 am

  We have 158,000 miles on our 1999 Boxster. We enjoy this car and its fun to own and drive. Drive it to beach resorts including Myrtle Beach from Longwood, Florida. When I have an issue I take it to Porsche of Orlando and Bruce Cameron and team in the service department take care of us. For the money these older 986s are a great deal. Fun to drive, handles well. I did replace the radio and speakers installing a Kenwood and Focal speakers). I may buy a newer Boxster in the future, but right now we are not in a hurry. 2013 and up Boxter or Caymans are amazing and Porsche of Orlando gives me a loaner when I make an appointment for service.

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  my 99 porsche boxter-Live Your Dreams! - 2004 Porsche Boxster
  By sunblocr - August 21 - 10:00 am

  The one thing I can say about my 99 porsche Boxster is, "Amazing". I cant believe how I feel when I get into the drives seat, after a long day of work or play. I almost feel untouchable! The sheer power, performance, and sleek design makes me feel so good! I recommend this car if you are serious about performance,style,and overall capabilities! What a Rush!

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  BoxsterS2002 - 2002 Porsche Boxster
  By rkeeling@yahoo.com - August 19 - 2:00 am

  "There is no substitute". Enough said.

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  Just Picked One Up... - 2007 Porsche Cayman
  By 767FO - August 17 - 10:43 am

  I just got a new 2007 Cayman S model. I am very happy with it overall. It is great looking, well built, and has a nice interior. Its also very quick. It drives like a sports car, meaning a firm, but not harsh ride. I went with the 19" wheels. Some options should be standard, but thats Porsche. Its gas mileage stinks, but thats to be expected. This car has great German engineering all around, even in the smallest details.

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  1996 Porsche 911 Twin Turbo - 1996 Porsche 911
  By John Lyon - August 13 - 2:00 am

  None better for DRIVING, handling. Handmade and reliable. Much more romance and performance than the watercooled production models of today. An incredible feel that gets better everytime you drive. This car grows on you, and makes anything else you might drive seem silly and mundane. It truly is like a fine pair of gloves or boots, getting better with every wear. Better than sex. Perhaps just a bit cheaper in the long run.

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  Can I see my engine please - 2011 Porsche Cayman
  By wxsusilo - August 12 - 8:58 am

  I just had the car for 3 days and put 200 plus miles on it. Its a fun car to drive, the handling is superb. Mine comes with sport chrono and comfort package, paddle shift steering, sound system upgrade, natural leather(red), 19" wheel, and most of other options (bi xenon, etc). I regret my choice of an optional 19" wheel, it makes the car too stiff and feels heavier then the test drive car. Maybe it would be better combined with optional PASM which I didnt take.

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  Porsche - is it worth the money - 2002 Porsche 911
  By Bill M - August 7 - 10:00 am

  Excellent performance, fun to drive. Quality is a different issue - manual shifter is not very smooth (dealer claims it responds as specd). Blew rear main seal at 12,000 - dealer does not stock the parts (claim porsche needs specific VIN before sending replacement part - does this mean they are aware of a major manufacturing process problem ?) - takes weeks to get. Radio & cassette player are bogus

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  Porsche Cayenne S - 2004 Porsche Cayenne
  By Johninsawgrass - August 3 - 7:53 pm

  This is a high performance SUV that is a lot of fun to drive. Gets lots of looks from other drivers. Service and follow up by Porsche is first class in all respects.

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  More Power Please - 2000 Porsche 911
  By BP69 - August 3 - 10:00 am

  The input from the steering wheel always impresses me. The car is terrific to drive, light on its feet, and a pleasure to drive. It needs more power though. I was looking at a GT-3 or a turbo but then found TPC on the East Coast. They are shipping me a supercharger and I will have around 440 hp. Problem solved!!