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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  Cayenne IS a Hot Chili Pepper! - 2006 Porsche Cayenne
  By Debra - January 26 - 9:10 pm

  We had a Boxster and decided to try the Cayenne as we have four dogs and horses. The Cayenne is very comfortable, easy to drive, gives me the power when I need it. It is a good solid car. Best of all I feel very safe in it.

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  A tremendous sports car for the money - 2002 Porsche 911
  By eDoug - January 22 - 4:53 pm

  Since prices have come down on these, they represent a tremendous value for anyone seeking a sports car, and anyone charmed by the voluptuous shape and performance of a 911. While many snuffed the new looks of the 996 chassis and design, its unmistakably all 911... and the performance on and off the track are testimony to its heritage. There are some weak points mechanically in some cars, but this is factored in to the low prices were seeing for these models. 2002 added some nice goodies - and its a great year... Would I love a 2009 997? Perhaps, but when you might be able to pay cash for a 2002 with only incrementally lower performance (but less weight, too), its an easy decision.

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  No substitute! - 2000 Porsche 911
  By Rob - January 19 - 7:10 am

  Have owned car about a year, purchased used with 50k on it. Had original window sticker and records. Always wanted a 911 since I was a kid 30 years ago, but fearful of cost of owning a performance German car, but wish I had done it years ago. Awesome driving car, a solid rock. Bullet like acceleration, brakes that stop on a dime and give 9 cents change, on rails handling, visceral exhaust noise. Classic style that will never be mistaken for some pseudo Asian competition. This car is addictive to drive. I find myself always taking the long route home.

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  Porsche Cayenne - Fun to Drive! - 2005 Porsche Cayenne
  By Marginal-VFR - January 7 - 3:23 am

  My 1995 Porsche Cayenne has excellent quality throughout. It is fun to drive, but go easy on the gas pedal - this thing drinks like a fish! If you can set the 16 MPG aside, you will fall in love with the Porsche Cayenne.

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  2015 Cayenne S - 2015 Porsche Cayenne
  By tim merrifield - December 31 - 1:26 am

  I have had this SUV for about 4 months. I was driving a Mercedes S550 AWD the last several years. I miss some of the creature comforts of the Mercedes and the smooth ride.It is simply more refined. The Cayenne is more responsive and a blast to drive. I am sell getting used to the profound differences of the two vehicles.

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  Gorgeous, Fun But Quirky - 2005 Porsche Cayenne
  By Buck - December 30 - 2:50 pm

  If youve seen it, no comment necessary. To drive it you gotta learn to use the power; its not standard stomp and romp. Had lots of nagging "quality recall" issues. Back hatch lid pops. Automatic keying system is not predictable. Electronic display puts up fictional problems. Wiper blades smearing. Its gonna be an amazing and unique vehicle once all the quirks are out. Option package a bit thin given price.

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  Boxster - 2001 Porsche Boxster
  By angy - December 27 - 2:00 am

  I bought it used with 18K miles and have put over 20K miles in a year. It has been very reliable, comfortable, has plenty of luggage space and gets 24 mpg. Buying used, I saved about $10K and I get an extra year of warranty and did not have to deal with the teething problems it appears a brand new one has. Overall, it has been a fun wonderfull experience which the dealer has been a big part of.

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  Boxster S - Great product - 2000 Porsche Boxster
  By JulBox - December 21 - 2:00 am

  Car has never not started. Always fun to drive. Ride is a little rough, but thats a choice for the handling - which is superlative. The only drawbacks are: 1) for a tall person (over 6) the seat adjustment results in ones head being capable of hitting the roll bar in an accident. 2) Those non-glass rear windows (not in current model) are difficult to keep looking perfect.

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  What a car - 2005 Porsche CARRERA GT
  By Jealous of Me? - December 3 - 8:03 am

  Thank you Bill Gates for making me rich. I just got htis car, got it up to 200 on one of my favorite stretches or road and felt safe. This car is so fast, responsive, and sweet that I recommend anyone with cash to burn to make it a priority. Go for it.

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  Not a city car - 2007 Porsche 911
  By twocoasts - November 14 - 12:43 am

  I am a BMW driver - this is not a city car. You need open road to run it for an hour over a hundred mph while your eyes are peeled looking for the law. I cannot understand how any one can use this car running from 30 - 70 mph. I am coming up the Florida Turnpike walking past everything that moves - my passenger asks me how fast I am going - I am doing 75 mph and it feels like 45. This is my dream car, I need no more power, but hitting 50 years old, I am looking at Jaguar XJR so I can cruise and not destroy myself or lose my license.