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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  Awesome! - 2005 Porsche 911
  By FSU1JESTER - January 6 - 11:50 am

  Absolutely the most fun you can have in a vehicle.

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  The best car! - 2003 Porsche Boxster
  By Jill Lea - January 1 - 10:00 am

  I love my Porsche Boxster S convertible. It is the best car I have every owned. I think anyone considering buying one should.

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  Next best after 911 - 2003 Porsche Cayenne
  By tjappe - December 26 - 10:00 am

  The best SUV car I have ever driven. You can not compare it to a 911 and you should not. It is very good car for long drives and terrain. One 911 and one Cayenne and then you´ve got it...

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  supper fun car, but....... - 2000 Porsche 911
  By hughbert - December 26 - 10:00 am

  This car is a blast to drive around, has a beatiful exterior design, very quiet convertable top. The most impressive part of the design is the way the top automatically folds into the rear. My only complaint is that such an expensive car should have at least the basics for a high-end interior. The stereo is B in quality, and there are no cup holders or storage space for CDs.

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  boxsterS - 2003 Porsche Boxster
  By Doody - December 26 - 10:00 am

  What a fun car! It is definetley extremely fast, but I would like to see 300 horsepower in this little car in 2004, then it would blow any car off the road. I always have fun burning old corvetes and people with cars they think are hooked up. I always do 0- 60mphs and my best recent one was a 5.38 which is awsome and fasttttt, my best 1/4 mile was 13.39 which is also great. Get on the road with one today it rockkks.

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  My New 2012-- 911 Carrerra S PDK Coupe - 2012 Porsche 911
  By motorhead22 - December 22 - 9:59 pm

  I really want to drive this car to California, or at least to the track at Lime Rock. This car puts a grin on me from ear to ear. I was hesitant when I traded my 09 Turbo stick coupe for this PDK 911S Coupe, but I am totally pleased with the decision.No regrets. Its a better more sophisticated car. Far less of a go kart, much more stable, smooth and luxurious. Did I say fast, oh yes..useable fast and snarly when you push it.The front end is no longer bouncy and light. Far better exhaust note, like a ferrari, with pops, blips,growls and attitude. The PDK is impressive, and in sport plus it rocks The elec steering feels great. Rock solid and a snake in the turns. This is a drivers car!

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  German Supermodel - 2001 Porsche 911
  By Foxtrot X-ray - December 22 - 12:13 am

  Car-girl analogies are a bit cliche but my experience with the 911 turbo is like a regular guy dating a German Supermodel. The first date is an intimidating experience that makes you feel twitchy, nervous, and out of place. After some time together, it becomes apparent that the supermodel is very special but also a "regular girl" with a wonderful personality. You do not have to drive fast to have fun in the turbo. With the windows down and the sunroof open you can hear the purr of the twin turbo flat 6 and you cant help but feel happy. I think I am beginning to understand the reasons behind the Porsche 911s legendary reputation.

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  Best Car Ive Ever Owned - 2003 Porsche 911
  By Jeannette Schuessler - December 20 - 2:00 am

  Everything on the car is perfect! The workmanship is exceptional and all car makers should strive to build cars of this quality. Ive had the car for a year and every day I feel like Im driving a new car. It is extremely reliable.

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  Great Car, but Overpriced - 2007 Porsche Cayman
  By Scott - December 17 - 6:13 am

  I wanted to test drive the new entry level Porsche. The Boxster S is the same price so it is a better deal. I liked the car, but it needs 50 more horses to really be worth the $55,000 price tag. The handling and shifter are the best. Compared to BMWs and the Corvette, which both cost same amount, this Cayman is way more fun to drive and it has better handling. But 245HP is way to weak for a $55,000 car. Porsche also needs to stop jacking people on the options which can easily add $10,000 - $20,00 more to the cars price. Skip the Cayman and get the Cayman S or 911. But that engine sounds sweet!

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  underpowered, but fun to drive - 2002 Porsche 911
  By junglemaster - December 12 - 10:00 am

  this car is underpowered