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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  08 C4S Cab - 2008 Porsche 911
  By Carl B. - November 28 - 6:30 am

  This is my 3rd Porsche and somehow they just keep getting better and better. Its an amazingly civilized car around town. You think its a pretty quick car until you realize that, most of the time, youre hardly pushing on the accelerator - but when you "floor it, you better be ready to shift because itll hit the redline before you can blink. The handling borders on absurd. Supple leather seats are very comfortable. There really is no substitute!

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  Amazing Machine - 2002 Porsche 911
  By DP - November 26 - 12:33 pm

  After a disasterous experience with a Ferrari, I returned to Porsche but wanted something more aggressive than my previous 2002 996. After seeing the depreciation hit the GT-2s had taken, I bought one with 9,000 miles on it. It is an amazing car, no issues, starts everytime, doesnt miss a beat. This one had a Techart exhaust and equal length headers - the power is just insane (made my 355 w/ Tubi seems downright slow in comparison). Zero to 100, I dont think anything can keep up with this car. Given how cheap these are selling for, I would recommend to anyone who wants something more exotic than the Turbo. Also, with the low production, it is destined to be a collectible.

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  Exceeding my Expectations, Former BMW Guy - 2006 Porsche Boxster
  By Mikeebear - November 25 - 12:16 am

  I just got mine a few days over a BMW X4 si. It is a true dream to drive - its smooth shifting and hydraulic clutch make it easy in traffic. The steering is precise and responsive. Its handling is excellent. Its not eye-poppingly fast but still very quick and inspiring. The brakes are powerful. This car has a LOT of trunk space. One in the back and one in the front, you can use it for groceries even! Its a little cramped inside but I am 62" and I fit fine. The interior is just right. I strongly suggest the full leather option. Power seats are not necessary for this car. The build quality is excellent, as Porsche uses only high quality parts which equates to low maintenance. I got it for only $40,000 and it has a $52,000 MSRP. Get one NOW!

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  1999 911C2 Cab - 1999 Porsche 911
  By JD - November 23 - 7:53 pm

  Overall my 1999 911 C2 cab is awesome. It is a second car for me. I just drive it on nice days. This is the best overall performing sports car I have ever driven when you factor, handling, speed, performance, and not to mention style. You can buy a warranty form your local Porsche dealer for about $2,500 for four years / 48,000 miles. It is well worth the money as the dealer is not cheap and dont trust local mechanics to work on this machine.

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  Like no other - 2004 Porsche Cayenne
  By carfan - November 19 - 2:00 am

  7th SUV owned and while the Cayenne costs lots more,you get lots more. Sports car performance and handling highest of "tech", great utility and one of kind looks. Being able to light up the tires on a 6000 pound vehicle is well......fun.

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  finally bought one- 2002 Boxster base - 2002 Porsche Boxster
  By tjw914 - November 16 - 6:31 am

  This is my 4th Porsche. Its been about 6 years and 2 motorcycles since my last one. Ive owned a 76 911 Targa, and 2- 914s. My "new" Boxster is the best of both worlds. Power of my 70s 911 and mid engine handling of the 914. Every time I think I might be pushing too hard on it, it hunkers right down and just goes! At some point when the right S model comes along Ill trade this for one, but for now, its just a fun responsive exhilarating ride!

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  great - 2004 Porsche 911
  By szr - November 13 - 2:00 am

  its all around great

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  V6, still sounds like a Porsche!! - 2004 Porsche Cayenne
  By J-DUB - November 13 - 2:00 am

  This car is sooo sweet.. Love the exhaust note, sounds like a Porsche..haha.. Interior is classy and well built. Overall car is wonderful.. Well worth the price. Lots of standard equipments. Very fun to drive.

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  2001 996 Cab - 2001 Porsche 911
  By lfbmdpc - November 12 - 10:00 am

  Nothing new to add that hasnt already been said

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  Its a wonderful car! - 2005 Porsche Boxster
  By T L Weiss - November 11 - 2:20 am

  I could not imagine my life with out it! I thought my Audi TT was great and before that my BMW but I drove my Boxster cross country in the winter into the northeast and it was a delight!