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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  It makes me smile - 2004 Porsche Boxster
  By sam wilson - August 9 - 10:00 am

  We do not drive it unless we can put the top down. It is a great joy to drive, strong acceleration, smooth gearbox that I enjoy double clutching, and incredible grip. We seek out roads with curves just to feel the lateral force when it is accelerated out of curves. Dealer has been very good, although parts are pricey. I had to replace an ignition cylinder and it was $400.00. Two of us who do not pack very well can fit enough luggage for a long weekend, including carrying the car cover. Exceptionally strong air conditioner allows top down driving on hot summer days. This is my first Porsche but I know now why Porsche owners are so fanatical.

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  Porsche thinks out of the Box..thank you - 2004 Porsche Boxster
  By appliedrx - August 9 - 10:00 am

  usually use it as a weekend driver. very, very fun to drive. perfect for body frames around 56 to 60. car fits like a glove, handles like a roller coaster and has nice vintage lines with just enough modernism to let you know it is new.

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  Fine Automobile - 2004 Porsche 911
  By Fergie1 - August 9 - 10:00 am

  Great to drive. Wish it got better mileage. Guys always ask me what a chick is doing driving such a hot guys car and a black one at that!

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  There is no subsitute - 2008 Porsche Boxster
  By Slick Shift - August 8 - 11:10 pm

  Replacing my aging s2000 was difficult. Buying the RS60 was easy. There was no comparison. Price of admission was high, but the Porsche selectable suspension system coupled with smooth kick in the pants engine power, killer brakes, handling, and selectable exhaust makes an enthusiast dream come though. The car felt like home immediately. Rare and beautiful gray interior and that classic exterior makes my tail wag when the garage door opens. At 6 ft plus plenty of room and comfort. Bose system sounds very good when I am not listening to that beautiful exhaust note. Fit and finish is fantastic and having two trunks is even better. Ride comfort superb. It is a sensational auto that is a blast.

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  My 2nd Boxster and I still love it. - 2008 Porsche Boxster
  By SES - August 6 - 6:16 am

  I traded in my 05 for an 08. The changes I noticed were the seats were a bit more conforming (and no I didnt gain weight), and the shifting was a bit looser than the 05 (the 05 had a tighter shifting ratio). I have to get used to it because every time I go into what I think is 3rd it is 5th. I love the feel and look of the car and the ride. The gas mileage is respectable and even though I spend tons of money on a car, I still hate paying high gas prices. Whether you buy a Boxster or a 911, you have that Porsche prestige.

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  2007 carmon red c2s (3.8L, 6 sp) - 2007 Porsche 911
  By Tony - August 2 - 6:30 am

  Ive owned this for about a year now. Its still a thrill every time I get into it. Every drive is an event. I live in an area with a lot of twistys. I cant get enough of them. This is my first real sports car. Ive driven a lot of sports cars but nothing compares to this. Prior to this, I owned 1996 4-runner with a 4 cyl engine! I cant see myself driving anything other than a Porsche from now own. Im trying to convince my wife into getting the Panamera as a "family car" :). I average only 18 MPG mainly because the exhaust note is intoxicating above 4000 rpms that you repeatedly max out revs before each shift change. I guess if I didnt do that, I would get better mileage. But who cares.

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  Boxster 1997 - 1997 Porsche Boxster
  By porsche01 - July 31 - 10:00 am

  This is an all around great car. This car has lots of power and is fun to drive. This car has the coolest design. It is really an eye turner.

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  Porsche Boxter - 2003 Porsche Boxster
  By gurl - July 31 - 10:00 am

  Very good and recommended. A very nice car with style.

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  S-Box - 2000 Porsche Boxster
  By PorscheLover - July 31 - 2:00 am

  I love this vehicle. It has plenty of power, especially compared to the anemic regular boxster. Most people do not know the difference between the S model and the regular boxster, but if you ever get the chance to compare them head-to-head, you surely will remember the differences (handling, power, looks).

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  The Best - 2003 Porsche Cayenne
  By KngPorsche - July 27 - 10:13 am

  I am 62 and always planned to buy a 911 as a kid. However, a 911 is not comfortable to someone me size. Then came the Cayenne and my dream is fulfilled. I love this SUV it is the best of both worlds.........