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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  Porsche 997 is Hands Down Better than 996 - 2005 Porsche 911
  By Niten Luthra - January 14 - 5:56 am

  I just bought this car trading my 05 Boxster in. Wow! This car is...unbelievable in every way. Its fast, fun and damn good looking. My brother says it well - engineering excellence. I am so happy and privileged to be an owner and to be able to drive a vehcile that so many people dream of driving and owning. I bought an Artic silver one with 19" Carrera wheels, bi xenons, sport seats and so forth. There is no substitute!

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  THE BOMB - 2003 Porsche 911
  By COOPER - January 13 - 10:00 am

  THE BEST CAR IN THE WORLD

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  First 911 coupe - 2003 Porsche 911
  By nine6811 - January 13 - 10:00 am

  I love the car, but I felt the stock suspension was too soft and the exhaust too quiet, I love performance so I modified both and the result is fantastic. It now handles and sounds like it should of from the factory. I would like more power also. but i had a Zo6 Corvette prior to it.

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  Cayenne Turbo - 2004 Porsche Cayenne
  By ecies - January 6 - 2:00 am

  Fast, Fun and an all purpose car!

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  Best one Yet - 2008 Porsche 911
  By Porsche is the best - January 2 - 4:43 am

  In April I decided to trade in my 2000 Carrera Cabriolet and upgrade to the Carrera 4S. While this is my 7th Porsche since 1978, it has by far the most improvement in any I have had. Obviously the AWD is a luxury along with the turbo wheels and tires and I have yet to hear a peep out of the tires regardless of how hard I push the car. The leather interior upgrade is well worth the price.

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  WOW - 2004 Porsche Boxster
  By heat15hot - December 31 - 2:00 am

  this is awesome the best car ive ever had i luv it

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  1995 Porsche C2 CAB - 1995 Porsche 911
  By Jim McDonald - December 24 - 10:00 am

  Purely fun to drive and extremely reliable.

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  Fun car - 2007 Porsche Cayman
  By bulldog - December 24 - 12:13 am

  This has been an absolutely fun car to drive. It is driveable on a daily basis and just a kick to be in. Bought with preferred package plus with tip and love every aspect of it.

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  7,500 Miles, so far, in My Cayenne Turbo - 2005 Porsche Cayenne
  By Ginger - December 23 - 10:16 pm

  It is faster than my older Porsches, but does not handle as well as a 911. On the other hand, it can cut through esses on ramps better than any vehicles other than the exotics and Porsche sports cars I encounter. The Turbo can be a little explosive, like the old 930s, but the large engine with the 457 ft pounds of torque at 2200 rpm really hides any turbo lag. I wish they would let me use it at a PCA track event.

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  The BEST car - 2017 Porsche 911
  By Ed P - December 22 - 2:57 am

  The 2017 911 Turbo is the most impressive Porsche (or any car for that matter) currently produced. It is a refined race car that you can drive everyday....and you know the power is there no matter what car pulls up next to you! While you are waiting for that to happen, you can simply drive a beautiful automobile and if you get the Burmeister Upgrade to the Stereo, you can just enjoy the driving experience while listening to the BEST music system in the industry. I am lucky to have this car, and considering the cost of the competition, it is fairly prices for what you get. It is a sexy car that drives like the race cars it is born from and it is pure driving pleasure.....not to mention the looks you get! Congratulations Porsche for making the best car in the industry. One word....OUTSTANDING.