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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  Its a blast! - 2000 Porsche 911
  By No1touch - July 15 - 2:00 am

  This car performs beautifully. Precise handling, excellent acceleration and great, classic styling contribute to a great experience in the vehicle. 27 mpg at 65 mph is a bonus. It ended up my best mileage vehicle.

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  My Boxster has no substitute - 1999 Porsche Boxster
  By Tig Nash - July 9 - 9:40 pm

  After many hours of research on a convertible I thought a Benz was the way to go. Fortunately, I test drove the Boxter as well. No comparison! This car handles like nothing I have ever driven. And the response of the engine is that of a finely tuned machine. The design is sleek, sexy and powerful and taking a curve at 60+ miles and hour instead of the posted 25 is the best weekend thrill! This is what driving is all about and those that think an SUV is the way to go, well, you have no idea what youre missing. There is no substitute - Porsche has it figured out.

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  Great to Drive & Safe - 2004 Porsche Cayenne
  By PJ Guthrie - July 4 - 10:00 am

  Turbo Drive is wonderful in a SUV and sassy.

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  Best Car for the Year 2010 - 2010 Porsche Panamera
  By Panamera is Fun - June 30 - 11:20 pm

  The Panamera has the Porsche heart and soul and is very responsive. I was not sure on my move from multiple 7Series BMWs for the past 25 years, but the move is fun. The car has many excellent features specially the interior design and the equipment placement. The PCM has many aspects and it is very responsive to the driver demands.

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  Owner - 2005 Porsche 911
  By 2 door coupe - June 26 - 12:13 pm

  Replaced transmission at 19000 miles and again at 46500 miles the total cost for the repair was $13500. Porsche refused to collaborate.

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  Its a chunk of change... But worth it! - 2002 Porsche 911
  By Koka - June 26 - 10:00 am

  This car is perfectly balanced and it is pretty much impossible to get it off the road. Difference between 2001 model and 2002 (and up) is enormous, although only 20 hp). Fun to drive factor is incredible. I postponed purchase with a year, since I felt it was too much money. And granted, it is a chuck of change, but when I test- drove one, I understood, this car is worth it! My advice: Dont wait until your 50+ to get this car, get it while youre still young...

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  Exceeds Expectations - 2007 Porsche 911
  By colorado trooper - June 26 - 2:50 am

  This is my dream car! The performance, styling, and build quality is beyond comprehension. This car gets many lookers and questions. I was considering the 997 Turbo, but my wife asked "Where can you drive it?" (Drive like you mean it!) It is tricky and you have to pick and chose where you will "let it run!" Having the car where the public can get close does make one a "nervous nelly", unless of course you have endless financial resources. I saved for this car 25 years and it was worth it. Being a big guy 63" 230 I have plenty of room to move around. I love when the handling kicks in and the car bears down and grabs the curves!

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  Yeow - 2008 Porsche Boxster
  By Scott - June 25 - 5:03 am

  Stunning looks and performance to match. Sold my 2001 Boxster to get this one. The RS60 is light years ahead. I was surprised at the amount of improvement over what I thought was an already outstanding vehicle. The RS has the 303hp engine and it goes like a scalded cat. Passed my wife on the interstate at xxx mph and she said it sounded like we were at the racetrack. Handling is scarcely believable, especially in sport mode. Acceleration is unexpectedly strong, like being tied to the space shuttle. Its a little slippery on wet roads, but stable unless you do something seriously juvenile. The brakes: phenomenal, really kind of otherworldly in their ability to get you to zero in a hurry.

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  It doesnt get any better! - 2007 Porsche 911
  By ex BMW driver - June 23 - 7:33 pm

  What a phenomenal automobile! This car has met and surpassed my highest expectations, it does everything exceptionally well. Its nice low end torque makes everyday driving a pleasure but get the revs up and you better hold on, this car will fly. I have never experienced a nicer shifting manual gearbox or better brakes. The steering input is almost telepathic, the fit and finish is top notch, the ride comfortable, the seats supportive, and all controls fall readily to hand. It doesn’t get any better. Porsches list of options offers something for everyone (but they are pricey) and you can order a one of a kind car right from the factory, lots of fun.

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  Awesome - 2008 Porsche Cayenne
  By g p - June 18 - 10:30 pm

  The only vehicle Ive liked better is the Cayman. I love when I ask the car for power it responds, "Yes, sir! Right away, sir!" and were gone.