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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  This Car Rocks! - 2008 Porsche Cayenne
  By 08 Cayenne - September 2 - 10:43 am

  Ive owned a BMW M Roadster, 4 Audis & 3 Porsches including Audi "S4s as well as Carrera CR4s, and I can tell you I love my Cayenne. Heavy and not so fast, but all Porsche. Stock, the suspension feels as refined as any SUV on the planet and better than most cars including my wifes Audi A4. Built like a rock solid as one too, comfortable, luxurious and a good compromise between speed and economy. We just traveled across country as a family (6,000 miles) and we all still love this car. Can you say that!

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  Glitches! - 2007 Porsche 911
  By rapan - August 29 - 10:23 am

  Electronic glitches plauge the 911! The electronic fuel gauge has a mind of its own! Overall, though it performs well and has good styling. The manual transmission shifts well and smoothly.

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  Fun Car - 2003 Porsche Boxster
  By jawgagirl - August 14 - 10:00 am

  While the Boxster isnt the "awe- inspiring" look as the 911, it is an awesome little car. I traded an 00 911 cab, so I do have insight in comparisons. Actually Ive enjoyed the Box more, the reasons: more luggage space, but more than that, is like having a trained dog vs. an untrained one. The 911 seems to always be at the end of the leash, pulling out of control, while the Box is a very enjoyable "walk" (ride) in the park.

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  Marriage with Porche - 2003 Porsche Boxster
  By theresaj - August 14 - 10:00 am

  I love my Porsche Boxster! I am hooked for life. The road performance and great gas mileage is enough but being fun to drive is an absolute plus.

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  Highly Recommended - 2003 Porsche 911
  By Ratty - August 14 - 10:00 am

  A good car..I would buy a second one to keep mine from being lonely.

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  996 Cab So Good ! - 2003 Porsche 911
  By Psuperpeter - August 14 - 10:00 am

  The car is really a joy to drive. Looking at the new Cabriolet Turbo this spring. You cannot find a better manufacturer or a better devotion to ensuring the quality of the brand! For example. I was contacted by Porsche that they didnt like the way my particular engine transmission was made ( they claimed it was a little too notchy in the 2nd to 3rd shift) so they sent a brand new $19,000 transmission from Stutgart and swapped it in a day! The car was and is in my estimation handling beautifully and I for one am duly impressed! Having taken laps at Watkins Glen at over 150 MPH I assure you Its a dream.

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  Fast, not much to look at. - 2003 Porsche 911
  By Captain Ron - August 14 - 10:00 am

  Drives and handles well. Acceleration and braking are excellent. However, I traded on 2003 BMW M3 and got more car.Met more people in love with cars as opposed to themselves.

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  Mixed review...want to love it - 2011 Porsche Panamera
  By breynolds1957 - August 13 - 2:07 pm

  First Porsche. Overall this car is an exciting car to drive. The interior is reminicent of a jet cockpit. There are many "hard buttons" to access features which may seem daunting at first. However, everything is logically placed and easily learned, and makes feature selection much easier than drilling down through computer menus. I have a mixed review on performance. Once the car is rolling, it is superb. However, there is a big catch in my opinion. When pulling away from a standing stop there is a sort of stall/lunge sequence that almost throws you forward then back in the seat. My dealer tells me this is a known issue and likely not resolvable. If so, this is a deal killer.

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  New Panamera Owner - Terrific Car - 2010 Porsche Panamera
  By Florida Owner - August 10 - 4:46 pm

  The car is terrific. I got a 4s (yachting blue) after a long wait. The styling is controversial but the car is stunning - stunning - in the metal. Have had multiple people stop to ask about it - see for yourself. Interior is fantastic and the car drives unbelievably. I have had a 911 6-speed and I like cars but I found it was too small, especially for a family as well as feeling unsafe around ubiquitous giant suvs. It really feels like youre driving a Porsche in a way that a Cayenne never would. As well, the hatchback is super convenient. In a purists world Porsche would only make 911s but in the real world of being a father/family man who also wants a great car, this is beyond compare!

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  sensuous - 2003 Porsche Boxster
  By jreynoso - August 8 - 2:00 am

  Its with great pleasure that I drive my 2004 boxster...no other vehicle Ive driven stirs the senses with a dash of adrenaline. The immediate response to the gas pedal puts you comfortably into the soft seats while hugging the road. Shifting is short and sweet with solid consistency.Well worth the price for a sensuous vehicle.