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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  Oh My GOSH - 2003 Porsche Boxster
  By Josh Larosa - July 8 - 10:00 am

  THis car has everything. The looks,horsepower,torque,smoothness, and over all quality. Everytime I drive it I think I have died and gone to heaven!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  Cayman - 2008 Porsche Cayman
  By Cayman 1 - July 7 - 10:15 am

  Easily the most enjoyment Ive had driving. Tremendous value as well. Incredibly designed vehicle.

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  One World Class Drive - 2010 Porsche Panamera
  By Vanquish S - July 6 - 11:10 am

  Having lots of cars over the year, I appretiate the Panamera Turbo. It has the power of my Turbo Carerra and Aston, and the smoothness and comfort of my BMW 7series. My wife love it- not intimidating, but a sleeper that the whole family can fit in with equal room front and back and lots for shopping bags. She feels that it handles like her Boxster, but a much larger car is it. I still love the sound of my vanquish s, but the Panamera Turbo gets all the looks too. They just know what it is. Truly, a world class drive. Would never think of a Ferrari 612- why?

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  Finally got one - 2005 Porsche 911
  By d1coach - July 5 - 1:19 pm

  After forty years of wanting one badly, I bought my Porsche 911. Low mileage well cared for Tiptronic Coupe. So much fun to drive, fast without a lot of noise or fuss. Plenty of cabin and head room even at 63.

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  Great handling SUV - 2005 Porsche Cayenne
  By Dan Kohn - July 5 - 4:00 am

  I have just moved up from a Freelander, which also is a very good handling car. The Cayenne is far more responsive and fun to drive.

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  Midlife Crisis - 2003 Porsche 911
  By Ed - June 29 - 5:43 pm

  Crisp handeling, acceleration is awsome, and an overall dream car. A must have before you die and leave this world, because you dont know if theres going to be one wherever your headed.

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  gods gift - 2004 Porsche CARRERA GT
  By see ya - June 27 - 2:00 am

  this car is trully spectacular handles like a dream and is an absalute pleasure to drive

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  Amazing - 1995 Porsche 911
  By Joor - June 27 - 2:00 am

  Ultimate sports car.... Looks as well as performance. You can never get it wrong by buying this car

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  best car - 2004 Porsche CARRERA GT
  By alex Bobston - June 20 - 2:00 am

  very good car, it had great handeling. i love the roar of the 10 lter engine, speding along at 95. sweet car.

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  A Geriatric Buys A Boxter S - 2001 Porsche Boxster
  By Mortimer Levy - June 20 - 2:00 am

  At 75 yrs of age, a Boxster S was the last thing I had in mind. Contemplated an Audi A6 and saw this little Lapiz Blue sculpture on the showroom floor. I had to have it before I die. Have never regretted it. Have owned exciting cars all my life but nothing like this. The design and performance is a tribute to mans quest for excellence. I hope they never change the shape,..like the Taj mahal,..its eternal.