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:

• 

  Manage your expectations - 1997 Porsche Boxster
  By RavenFan - November 19 - 10:00 am

  First, this is a fun car. I purchased this a replacement for my Vette. It turns just as many heads, but bang-for- your-buck, the Corvette and S2000 are clear winners in the price category. However, this car is far more reliable. The power is limited and the exhaust note is soft. A little cramped inside for the six footer. Minor problems and it eats tires.

• 

  Red Toy - 2003 Porsche Boxster
  By kens toy - November 19 - 10:00 am

  The perfect car to cure your mid life crisis, the Boxster is the best all around sports car for the $ I have owned. Great looks, performance and relative value, especially compared to the 911 convertible. Dont spend the extra 10K for marginal performance improvement offered with S model.

• 

  Cayenne GTS manual - 2009 Porsche Cayenne
  By pulluru - November 17 - 7:23 pm

  Was surprised how good the ride, comfort, and build quality was. With winter tires, handles great in snow. My cousin who just bought a BMW 3 series, took it for a hard drive and couldnt stop talking about fun it was to drive. If only I didnt have to fill the tank every other day. Get the dynamic chassis control option if you can; worth all the pennies.

• 

  Nothing Compares To You - 2005 Porsche Cayenne
  By Larry Favre - November 16 - 5:20 am

  The Cayenne is without a doubt the best performing SUV out there. I put 20" technos with 275 Michelins on mine for non-winter driving (which are specifically designed for this vehicles suspension and rated at 186 mph) and the Cayenne is transformed to near 911 handling - what a difference, not that the 18" 255s are bad. These tires are a must have for the true performance seeker with $5,000 to spend on great fun. It is hard to get my PSM to kick on, wet or dry, with these on! Aggressive males and females will enjoy the most it has to offer. Why bother otherwise?

• 

  great car - 2017 Porsche Cayenne
  By David wang - November 14 - 7:47 pm

  some dealers do not provide more option or price option for consumers (cars type)

• 

  The Bomb - 2003 Porsche Cayenne
  By zunnndog - November 14 - 10:00 am

  The Cayenne behaves like a true Porsche. This is my 5th Porsche and I may add my favorite. I have to allow that I am older and slower now, but the Cayenne is the SUV of the future. I notice people gawking at the car repeatedly, more so that any of my 911s. I guess that is Ok but I honestly believe that they are looking at a Auto like they have never seen before.

• 

  My Boxster S - 2003 Porsche Boxster
  By caryrangers - November 14 - 10:00 am

  This is my 2nd Porsche and first Boxster. I love it. Ive also owned BMWs and Corvettes, but there is nothing like a Porsche. The handling, speed, dealer network and Porsche panache is hard to beat. If I had my choice of any car in the world, and I do, Id still chose a Porsche. And the Boxster S is a real Porsche and a great value

• 

  Best Sports Car on the Planet! - 2013 Porsche Boxster
  By ghost1214 - November 5 - 12:57 pm

  So I decided I wanted a sports car. looked at the BMW z4, Mercedes SLK and the Porsche Boxster. There is no comparison, its not even close....Box! I test drove the 911 but it didnt have the same balance as the Box. I ordered mine with the red leather interior, Agate Gray exterior and 6 speed manual. I pull down the street heads are turning. The car is quick. get on the highway with some curves its all giggles. I have never driven a car that was just so much spiritual fun. corners are a blast. be careful you will catch the car in front and you wont need to slow down because it lives for the curves. No problem you have the best brakes on the planet. "there is no substitute"

• 

  Four door 911 turbo - 2010 Porsche Panamera
  By jbald - November 3 - 11:36 am

  Porsche has built a four door luxury fitted sedan with the handling and acceleration feel of a 911 turbo. By what miracle is this accomplished. If you want to relax and enjoy the superb sound system on the highway, so be it. If you prefer to leap off the line and humble most sports cars and then out run them in a sweeper then do that too

• 

  911 S way to go - 2006 Porsche 911
  By John - November 1 - 6:30 pm

  I purchased this car used one year ago and I am still going around driving it just for fun on a daily basis. This car is just plain fun to drive. It picks you up, keeps you happy. For a car I cannot think of a better purchase. Ferrari? Got 200K? Lotus? Looks like a Go Cart. Vette? Stiff American muscle car, no sophistication. Sorry, but this car is tops. Expensive but not unreal. I can think of no faults. Sure, it could use a blue tooth and XM Radio options but this is just a classy, amazing automobile. Buy one before life passes you by! Oh, and if you live in a nice climate get the convertible!! Just adds 50% more fun to the drive. Amazing car.