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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  Fun car to drive, but its improvable! - 2009 Porsche 911
  By xrayfun - June 23 - 9:10 am

  A great acceleration machine and I really enjoy roaring to speed limit in 2 or 3 seconds after every first-in-line red light stop. Handling around sharp corners at high speed is very good. Impressively very stable and the sports seat holds my body pretty well. Definitely like the looks of the car when the top comes down. However I dont like the look of the spoiler when it comes up, because the stainless steel lift shafts do not match the ruby red color at all. Unfortunately there is no automatic shut off function for the head lights. This is so common in all the luxury cars and it surprises me that Porsche does not do it. Measured MPG=12. Bad.

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  best car - 2004 Porsche CARRERA GT
  By alex Bobston - June 20 - 2:00 am

  very good car, it had great handeling. i love the roar of the 10 lter engine, speding along at 95. sweet car.

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  A Geriatric Buys A Boxter S - 2001 Porsche Boxster
  By Mortimer Levy - June 20 - 2:00 am

  At 75 yrs of age, a Boxster S was the last thing I had in mind. Contemplated an Audi A6 and saw this little Lapiz Blue sculpture on the showroom floor. I had to have it before I die. Have never regretted it. Have owned exciting cars all my life but nothing like this. The design and performance is a tribute to mans quest for excellence. I hope they never change the shape,..like the Taj mahal,..its eternal.

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  Adulating over Turbo - 2004 Porsche 911
  By Vince Rodriguez - June 20 - 2:00 am

  Great Car overall, GT 2 Package is awsome

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  My dream car - 2004 Porsche Cayenne
  By Benjamin Kim - June 20 - 2:00 am

  I never thought Id be this much happy with a car. I feel it very safe and fun driving it especially with my two kids. And I also enjoy when people recognize that you own one of the most luxurious car in the whole world.

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  2001 Boxster - 2001 Porsche Boxster
  By 2001 Boxster - June 16 - 12:43 am

  This car is a joy to drive. They did an excellent job of designing the car so that you can carry on a conversation at normal voice levels with the top down. This car makes driving fun again! This is the closest I have felt to a car - since I was a young pup and bought a new 944. I am getting tremendous gas mileage. I got over 29 mpg on a day trip a few weekends ago.

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  Amazing! - 2005 Porsche 911
  By Steven - June 14 - 4:20 am

  This is the most amazing automobile that I have ever driven. It handles like a race car, its brakes like no other car, and it accelerates like cars costing two to three times as much. This is the best sports car under $100,000 in the world, and one of the few that can handle the rigors of daily commuting.

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  A modern classic - 1997 Porsche 911
  By dbtk - June 14 - 2:56 am

  One of the most enjoyable cars that I have driven. It is both an exotic in its performance and modernly comfortable its demeanor. Outstanding acceleration and handling. Great for the open road and fun along the switchbacks. As a city car it is less enjoyable with poor mileage and constant attention. Overall, however, it can not be beat for bringing a smile to your face.

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  Amazing - 2000 Porsche Boxster
  By tourmalet1 - June 13 - 10:00 am

  This car has to be one of the most amazing cars ever built. Brings a whole new meaning to the words "fun to drive!"

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  Great Car - 2009 Porsche 911
  By Reek - June 4 - 4:03 am

  Came from an 04 BMW M3 w/ SMG. That was a great car but SMG was primitive. Porsche is more comfortable and seems to handle better. Also quicker to accelerate. BMW was more "involved". More mechanical and more intense. Porsche is more relaxed but simply responds the more it is pushed. Overall a better performing car. BMW was "edgy" so seemed to be a real performance car...a race car for the street. Porsche seems more sophisticated. I really need to adjust my attitude. The feeling is the limits of the car are far beyond anything I can (safely) approach on the street. I need more time, then I will hang the tail out on some turns. An amazing automobile.