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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  Who Needs the "S"? - 2007 Porsche Cayman
  By Jim Sirna - March 3 - 1:23 am

  I traded in my 2004 Nissan 350Z and what a difference. The Cayman is refined, has smooth power, incredible brakes, and handling that is go-cart like. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and this design is a BEAUTY! It has class, balance, and style. My Cayman has no options except 18" Cayman S wheels which I highly recommend and the Arctic Silver Metallic paint. You dont need anything else and this gets you a sub $50,000 race car for the road.

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  I cant imagine a better choice - 2003 Porsche Cayenne
  By JimMc - March 2 - 10:00 am

  As much fun as Ive ever had driving. Its an incredible head-turner...people trying to figure out what it is. The most comfortable seats in my memory and that even includes my Mercedes 300SE. The aluminum trim option is a must. Ive yet to drive a turbo...Im scared I would want it.

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  The Wow Factor - 2008 Porsche Boxster
  By SonzTwin - March 1 - 7:40 pm

  Bought my S-LE (almost) fully loaded with <6k mi - on eBay from a stranger, sight unseen. "Dumbest move imaginable" turned out to make me the "smartest buy guy" - this is the ONLY way to beat Porsche price-gouging. Sour-grapers sneer, "Whats up with the..." or "Who drives an ORANGE car?", but theres no question this baby is a head-turner - more so than the PD or the Spyder. Folks at work I never talked to stop by for chats, strangers walk up wanting to know the name of the color, and little boys run after me in my hood shouting "I LOVE your car!". But thats vanity - what you experience behind the wheel is inSANity! Ive named her my "joy toy"!

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  Should have bought one long ago - 2007 Porsche 911
  By C. Myer - March 1 - 7:00 am

  Coming off a 06 SL, I cant tell you what a world of difference in quality this car has over the SL. Obviously totally different vehicles, but this car is fun in every drive scenario. Almost everyday I get interesting looks and comments. The new Bloodlines commercial has recently caused two episodes where I was asked to give it a rev! Heading to Porsche Driving School in B-Ham this fall with friends for golf and driving.

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  Boxster - 2004 Porsche Boxster
  By jp - February 24 - 12:30 am

  This car has been very reliable. It is very quick and handles like it is on tracks. This has to be one of the best cars out there for the money. The quality of the car is excellent. The Bose stereo system sounds great as well as the sound of the engine. Im very happy with this car and will not but any other brand than Porsche.

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  4 door 911 turbo update - 2010 Porsche Panamera
  By joe baldinger - February 23 - 6:10 pm

  Eight months in and the turbo Panamera continues to delight. Thus far no problems to report. Car fires up with the usual Porsche exhaust rush and with the sport button pressed the throttle and transmission are poised for fun driving. Sport plus is held in reserve for those special occasions when there is a worthy vehicle to offer a challenge. Still could use a stronger exhaust note to round out the sensory thrill of G forces on your back. The ultimate four seat luxury sports car that will out run all but a few mega priced cars.

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  The Second Best Sport Sedan - 2010 Porsche Panamera
  By Princeton73 - February 23 - 2:43 am

  I absolutely am infatuated with this car. I believe its only the second best sedan because my wife has the Mercedes Benz CLS 63 AMG. Though I believe that the CLS is slightly better, this car is a close competitor. The Panamera is slightly less luxurious and ever less sporty, but given that we needed a second sedan, we didnt want two of the same car. The Panamera is great for road trips and trips to the supermarket. The CLS is made for the night in the town or for weekends. Both are fantastic cars, and Id recommend them both. We have put around 5,000 miles on the Porsche so far. Both the MB and the Porsche have breathtaking performance. Both cars were around the same price ($145,000).

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  Great - 2004 Porsche CARRERA GT
  By bogeymajority - February 18 - 2:00 am

  What an amazing car

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  Amazing - 2007 Porsche 911
  By bobc - February 15 - 6:26 pm

  I cant say enough about this Porsche. I have had over 30 cars over the years and this Porsche is nothing but a complete joy to drive. This is my second Porsche and it is nothing short of amazing. It handels great and the interior has been well done (unlike the 1997 Carrera 4 I had before). I love it and have put 9,000 miles on it im a few short months (so much for resale value). Oh well, I am having to much fun in it.

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  911 S Review - 2006 Porsche 911
  By mpulos - February 12 - 5:46 pm

  This is the best car I have ever owned! I had a BMW M3 before this, but the 911 is definitely a car for the true enthusiast.