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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  911 Targa - 2003 Porsche 911
  By Cezary L - October 2 - 10:00 am

  Although I do not actually own a targa I did have the pleasure of driving one during a 5 month period before I purchased my turbo. Althought the targa can not be compared to the turbo it is also a lot cheaper and for a car that is not at all that expensive, Im really happy with it. I dont know whats wrong with the other guy that rated the targa.

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  Almost Perfection - 2003 Porsche Cayenne
  By Smerj - September 26 - 10:00 am

  The only thing wrong with this car is the rather stiff ride (his car only comes with regular suspension unlike the Turbo model which has three different suspension options). It rides like a dream on smooth payment but is rather jarring when driving in the city or on bumpy roads. Otherwise, this car is a joy to drive and truely worthy of calling itself a Porsche.

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  The best of the breed - 2003 Porsche Cayenne
  By Mwarrior7 - September 26 - 10:00 am

  This is probably the best SUV I have ever owned far better that the Escalade that I traded in.

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  Cayenne Limo - 2003 Porsche Cayenne
  By TRU Limo - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Recently, I purchased a Cayenne and had it stretched to fit a comfortable 12 passengers. I own a limo comapny in New Jersey and specialize in exotic limos. The Porsche was not the best looking vehicle on the market, it was the best built. Also, I built a BMW X5 back in 2001 and it got rave reviews. The Porsche really gives the X5 a run for the money. I never thought a Porsche SUV could handle like a car. I give it 5 stars.

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  Love it! - 1995 Porsche 911
  By Bob Dennis - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Amazing performance, extremely fun to drive, and a true work of art with 40 years of history. These cars are meant to be driven and will provide many miles of grins. Great local clubs for track and driving skill events so you can take advantage of this cars true performance capabilities. Ill never sell this car.

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  C4 Rocks - 2003 Porsche 911
  By Manni - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I love this car. IT rocks

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  2003 911 Cab. review - 2003 Porsche 911
  By Ron Olson - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Car handle like no other. Very responsive, but not overly powerful. Very good car for a "drive" or everyday use.

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  My 22nd new vehicle - 2015 Porsche Macan
  By gtfranklin - September 25 - 9:33 am

  My Macan S is by far the most enjoyable new car in my long car-buying history. I have purchased Ford, Olds, Nissan, Toyotas, Honda, Acuras, Infiniti, BMWs, but not since my 98 E36 M3 have I been so thoroughly impressed with a car. Great handling PLUS great ride, solid, quiet (almost too quiet), fast, plus much better mpg than I expected (23.8 @ 2600 miles)...I make up excuses to go places just to drive this car. Didnt rate reliability because its new & my 1st Porsche. Came from 08 and 10 MDX, & was going to try X-3 35i until the Macan info came out in January. Picked mine up in May.

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  2004 Porshe Boxter - 2004 Porsche Boxster
  By Alejandro Magno - September 20 - 2:00 am

  Overral is the ultimate machine. Need to improve the quality of the interior of the car.

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  boxter - 2004 Porsche Boxster
  By Rmracer - September 20 - 2:00 am

  Great car for the price!