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:

• 

  My 11th Porsche - 2006 Porsche Cayenne
  By Gene Bussian - May 16 - 11:16 pm

  In 1955 I purchased my first Porsche. I have had a 356s, a912, a 911 Targa and two RS Spyders. I raced them all. Comparing an SUV with these sports cars might seem hard, but the Cayenne S is really a Porsche at heart. It can corner and brake with ease. The ride has three adjustments with my air suspension. It is the finest automobuile I have ever owned or driven. There is no spare tire...but then could I really change 20" wheels by myself?

• 

  Great for a change on the fly! - 2002 Porsche 911
  By ccandjzc - May 15 - 10:00 am

  This Targa has been a great car. I owned a 996 coupe before it and several older Targas. The large moon roof when up and wind and volume free driving, when down are a lot of fun. The hatchback feature is terrific and I dont understand why Porsche hasnt done this on the coupe. Unlike prior Targas, it corners as well as the coupe. When it slides back, the rear visibility is reduced. Great car!

• 

  owner - 2005 Porsche Cayenne
  By dsta - May 14 - 8:36 pm

  Outstanding experience from the moment we walked in to test drive the car to today. The salesman, the dealership, the service departmenat, yet most important THE CAYENNE have all performed at 100% at all times to our expectations! We researched every automobile in the marketplace. There isnt anything out there that can compete with this in safety, design, comfort, excitement, performance as well as we feel we are getting great gas mileage. What more could a consumer ask for! Thank you for delivering a great product.

• 

  2 months in and still love it!! - 2017 Porsche Macan
  By Pat - May 14 - 8:04 pm

  I came out of a newer BMW convertible. Loved that car but needed something with just a bit more practicality. I looked at these on a whim and fell in love with the styling both inside and out. As soon as my wife sat in it she said....I want this car. Opted for the base with the premium plus package and 20" wheels plus a couple other options. Bought it for $52k net. I feel that its actually a great value for what you get and there isnt another compact crossover that can touch it in the driving dynamics department. Handles like a 911. Average mid 20s on the highway on premium fuel. No complaints so far. The back seat could be a bit bigger, but it suits my 12 year old just fine.

• 

  No Better Choice - 2003 Porsche 911
  By A. Zuazua - May 7 - 2:00 am

  Cabriolet 2003, no better choice yet! Performance is excellent, you will need no more, and if it had it, you would not be able to use it...this car goes fast! and it accelerates quick. Fit and finish are outstanding, no rattles or flaws. Full leather is just that, awesome full stitched leather. Drop top at up to 25 MPH an improvement over previous years. I installed a short throw shifter(6 sp) and the gear shifting is precise and very short. This is a much better car and a lot more fun to drive than any other sports automobile I have had in the past including a Ferrari 328 and a TR.

• 

  The best roadster in its class - 2010 Porsche Boxster
  By Lead foot - May 6 - 2:46 am

  Just bought this car last week, fun to drive and super nice to look at. Im most impressed by its speed, hugs the road on turns. I took few turns at high speeds, car responded beyond my expectations! 7-Speed Porsche Doppelkupplung is a blast. This car will turn heads.

• 

  Boxster S Replacement-Almost as Much Fun - 2004 Porsche Cayenne
  By Dr. Warren Bruhl - April 27 - 9:16 pm

  I have owned my 2004 Porsche Cayenne S with 20 inch wheels for 7 months and it has been a great SUV with awesome power and handling. Although, the ride is a bit stiff, I have become accustomed to the ride now. I previously owned a 2001 Boxster S and love it. I sold it last year and have enjoyed driving my Cayenne.

• 

  second time around - 2006 Porsche Cayenne
  By sonogun - April 24 - 6:03 am

  This 2006 replaced my 2004 turbo. Strangely, it is not as peppy in that the tranny does not adapt quickly enough for your spirited driving mood. This prompted me to put it on an all wheel Dino and it is putting out on the first pull but suffers from heat sink on the second and third pull. My 2004 lost the heating pipes and the Cardon shaft along the way to 100,000 miles where it loss the fuel pumps. During that span I did two brake jobs, replacing rotors both times. My 2006 six had 60,000 when I bought it and after 20.000, I have had zero repair cost.

• 

  It just felt right - 2007 Porsche Cayman
  By bhegg - April 23 - 10:00 am

  Ah, what a car. I tested several others - STi, Vette, 335i, 370Z. This is the only one that felt just right. Came from a 06 Miata so I didnt want a large car. This had the power, sound, handling, looks...everything. Its just right for me. Sometimes I just wish it had a backseat so I could share the experience w/ more than 1 other person at a time. I have the Carmon Red and its a beauty but Im actually surprised at the smiles I get. She definitely holds her own at track days as well of course. Yes, the cup holders seem rather delicate and not well placed - thats why I dont use them. The xenon headlights are very good and Im happy w/ the stereo. Certified warranty is excellent too!

• 

  Great Handling Ride - 2008 Porsche Cayenne
  By dj - April 23 - 3:23 am

  I got my Cayenne base tip with Nav, Bose, Auto Climate, Park Assist, among other options. The climate control is a bit inflexible, but one can learn to modify setting to allow it to be shut off for heating and AC, The park assist sensors for the front are too sensitive or erratic. The Bose speakers are great and a must-have since the standard system is awful. The overall ride is wonderful in handling and braking. We are getting 18-19 mpg for overall driving with about 40% highway. On a recent road trip between northern and southern California Driving 75-80 mph on the highway, we got 20.5mpg. Our car is white and the Cayenne plaque was black and looked cheap so we removed it.