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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  Dream come true - 2004 Porsche Boxster
  By anmlguy84 - February 12 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car after looking for 2 years at every make and model available under 70K. Its built like a Panzer tank, fast, reliable, comfy, and FUN. I smile everytime I drive it. The mileage is in the mid to high twenties on the freeway. I use it as a daily driver and my wife and I have taken it on a weekend trip or two, so there is plenty of room for baggage. There is no comparison to the ultralight constructed japanese competitors. You feel like you are in a larger car that handles great. its solid and well crafted. I love it.

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  Owner Review in NC - 2003 Porsche 911
  By JamesDvorak - February 12 - 2:00 am

  Great sports car! A bit pricey and "plasticy" interior. Its hard to believe that a $90,000+ car does not have dimming mirrors standard!

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  Tire Eater - 2004 Porsche Cayenne
  By Duke - February 9 - 6:26 am

  I love this vehicle in its entirety. I also have its baby sister in a 2004 911, 996 cabriolet turbo. They both have great handling in all situations. The power of the Cayenne is remarkable and it is a joy to drive at high speeds. The Cayenne Turbo "eats" rubber with tires, all four lasting only about 6,000 miles. This appears to be typical of this model and it doesnt matter whether it has winter or summer tires - they all get eaten up by just cruising. Ive tried Pirelli, Michelin, Continental and all the same wear problem - they wear out far too soon. Also, it is difficult and time consuming to get the rear seats down - but the drive and handling are far superior to any SUV Ive ever driven.

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  2003 Porsche Carrera Cab Tip - 2003 Porsche 911
  By dollarbuys - February 8 - 10:00 am

  Excellent ride. Great handling.

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  Finest car EVER - 1996 Porsche 911
  By tuckersmith - February 6 - 4:22 pm

  By far the very best car Ive ever owned. Absolutely bullet-proof and a blast to drive.

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  Rock solid dependable awesome fun! - 2009 Porsche Boxster
  By johnc8551 - February 1 - 8:45 am

  This is the best balanced car Ive ever owned with no handling faults I can even think of. Its just an all around fun car to drive and care for. Oil changes and other maintenance is a bit expensive, but the maintenance intervals are spaced far enough apart that although each service is rather expensive ($450+), they dont come often enough to be excessive - especially for a car of this level. Like a loyal hunting dog, it just begs to go and play every time I walk into the garage. No unscheduled problems, so far with 32K miles on the odo.

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  Awesome! - 2010 Porsche Panamera
  By Mark - January 26 - 12:33 pm

  "There is no substitute" What an experience! This car is a dream. I have test driven just about everything out there in this class. From Maserati to Jaguar to BMW. The Panamera has them all beat! Luxury, power, comfort, looks. Amazing experience. I look forward to the ride in to work and going home. A real attention getter.

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  Excellent driving machine - 2003 Porsche Cayenne
  By Mike Weiss - January 24 - 2:00 am

  Handles and performs just like the famous sportscars. I sincerely recommend this to anyone who would like to purchase a Porsche but wants the feel of a sports car.

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  "Youre Hooked after the 1st test drive" - 2017 Porsche 911
  By "Car Lover" - January 21 - 9:01 pm

  The 2017 Porsche 911 Carrera is an Amazing vehicle. Ive owned several Porsches and by far, the new 911 is the Best! The car is quick, handling is precise, and very comfortable for a 2-dr sport car. Theres more room is this vehicle than you expect for a true Sport Car. Firing up the engine, and youll fall in love with the sound with or without Sport Exhaust. Every time I drive my new 911, I tell myself "It doesnt get better than this". Inside and out this vehicle is a Perfect 10.

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  Best Car Ever - 2010 Porsche Panamera
  By Bash - January 14 - 4:03 pm

  I finished 500 miles on the new Panamera. After BMW 750 and MB. I was surprised with performance and comfort of this car. It is without any doubt, the most fun car to drive I ever had. It is surprisingly very comfortable, roomy and powerful. Unmatchable experience.