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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  Cayenne S - 2004 Porsche Cayenne
  By Cayenne Guy - April 19 - 2:00 am

  A Porsche in power and performance with the added off-road ability and towing capability that is simply unmatched anywhere else. The build quality is fantastic, the look and feel is great, its fun to drive, is safe and practical, if also a little pricey. The ride quality is a little stiff, but not overly so, just stay away from the 20 inch tires with the short sidewalls.

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  I love this car for going on trips. - 2004 Porsche Cayenne
  By J-Unit - April 19 - 2:00 am

  You will love driving this car. It ay be expewnsive but its the best

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  Fatal Attraction!! - 2002 Porsche 911
  By Frank - April 16 - 1:56 am

  What can I say more. The title says it all! I finally got my dream car and it was absolutely worth the wait! I have a triple black 911 and I look forward each week for the Fridays, the Saturdays, and the Sundays to take her out for a run!! Thank you Porsche!!

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  2012 Porsche Cayman R is the next great classic!! - 2012 Porsche Cayman
  By Broward - April 13 - 7:40 am

  I have owned several Porsches including twin turbo 911s and driven Lambos, Ferraris and Nissan GTRs. The Cayman R is more fun than anything I have driven. It completely connects you with the road more than these other exotics. My guess is the value of the Cayman R has bottomed out as of mid 2017 so now is the time to buy one!

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  Nearly perfect - 1997 Porsche 911
  By John D, Berkeley - April 11 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Targa as a year-old car with 12k miles. This car does so many things well that it would be hard to criticize anything. I have used it as one would a Camry for the last four years. The car now has 52k miles and hasnt let me down once. The Targa is my daily commuter for a 100 mile round- trip commute in the Bay Area. It also takes me up and down California Highway one from Monterey to San Luis Obispo. The fact that it does both things equally well should tell you everything you need to know about this car.

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  The BEST all round vehicle - 2010 Porsche Panamera
  By Chris S. - April 9 - 8:40 pm

  This vehicle is for the typical daily Sunday driving, (relaxed, cruising) as well as the driver that is hitting the pedal to the metal every chance possible. The Panamera has multiple settings, for the mood of driving. The standard is very laxed such as a 7 series BMW and the 2 levels of sport and Sport plus will pin you to the end of your seat. The interior is very impressive as much as the exterior in my opinion. I feel very in control. The seats contour your back and all buttons are there in direct reach for the driver. The Panamera is fun and in my eyes one of the best looking cars on the road. I have had about every high end vehicle or at least driven them all and this by far is best.

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  2003 911 cabrio - 2003 Porsche 911
  By Jersey Guy - April 9 - 10:00 am

  Recently acquired a used 2003 911 cabriolet that was traded in on a 2004 C4S cab. The word outstanding does not do justice to the car. Fit, finish, ride, handling, acceleration, and the "oh wow" factor are simply first-rate. In the 40 years I have been driving my 2000 Boxster and the 03 911 cabriolet are simply the finest cars I have ever owned or driven. The 00 Boxster was flawless. It was never in the shop for anything other than the most routine of maintenance. The new car gives evidence of having the same quality built in. For me, the Prosche advertising slogan: "Porsche, there is no substitute" is spot on.

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  What could be better - 2004 Porsche CARRERA GT
  By Homie - April 2 - 10:00 am

  This veichal makes me look and feel younger. I can rely on this car to get me from point a to point b. The cost well that is a different story but I have been saving for a car like this since I was sixtenn and now at the age of 43 I can afford it easily not a high price if you look at all of the cars features.

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  Dependable Daily Driver - Thats Sexy - 1999 Porsche 911
  By PorscheGuy - March 25 - 10:20 am

  All sports cars offer some degree of fun, often coming with a high Cost of maintenance. The Porsche company has refined the 911 over so many years that no other sports car can match the dependability of the 911. Turn the key and it goes every time and Oh yeah the fun factor is off the chart not to mention the head turning from those wanting to be you. I have had eight Porsches mostly air cooled but starting with the 996 Porsche raised the bar. If you want a true sports car you can drive every day get a Porsche - because it really stinks when the mechanic spends more time with your ride then you do!

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  Little Fast Tank - 2002 Porsche 911
  By goodtogo - March 22 - 6:43 pm

  I drive it to work everyday depending on which office between 20 and 60 miles. I cant get over how solid and rigid it is, just like a fast tank. I put one O2 sensor in it (it has four) and an oil separator thats it, except for tires.