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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  4 Wheel Drive System - 2008 Porsche Cayenne
  By 4 wheel Drive - January 10 - 8:40 am

  I recently purchased my Cayenne in October. The dealer told me there was no speed limit driving in 4 wheel high. This is not true. I find the 4 wheel drive system to be lacking in Cayenne. The shifting is jerky and there is a big delay when starting from a standstill. The system should also be shift on the fly. You can lock the diffentials when moving, up to a certain speed but the car must be in neutral. The 4 wheel drive system in my 1999 jeep wrangler is far superior. My thought is this is basically a sports car with all wheel drive. It handles great and rides well. However, if you want to go off road you are better off with a jeep. Fit and finish on mine are excellent.

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  1st Porshe - 2000 Porsche 911
  By JG - January 9 - 9:46 pm

  If you have never owned a Porsche. You should at least once in your life. It is not just a car it is pure man and machine made whole in one. It is perfection. Want to go fast in a straight line buy a Vette; want an experience buy the Porsche.

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  Makes you want to drive more - 2004 Porsche Cayenne
  By urgod001 - January 2 - 10:00 am

  Cynn S makes you want to drive more, and take the longer route! This is an SUV which handles like a fine sports car, responsive, able and very capable sports car. S with the bonus Utility Vehicle with the real cargo space. Outside noise level is minimal, BOSE sound system is excellent. Did I mention the breaks? Stops when u want & how u want it.

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  The Only True Sports Car - 2006 Porsche Boxster
  By Auto Guru - January 1 - 8:10 pm

  I used to own the 04 Boxster...now fast forward to November 06 and I just leased the new model. It surpasses a car I didnt think could be surpassed! It has exceptional handling, total control, and an exquisite ride (for 18" wheels). This car does it all and leaves the competition in the dust! The "S" model delivers the high power some of you may require...but the regular Boxster is a drivers "dream come true!" The Japanese manufacturers wish they could make a car drive like this one! The Americans dont even bother to try. What a roadster. What an intimate experience between the driver and the road...its unbeatable!

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  Great Ride! - 2004 Porsche Cayenne
  By ZOOOMZOOOM - January 1 - 9:00 am

  Great SUV for business and for fun! A real head turner. Best price for a SUV in the market!

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  There is no substitute! - 2000 Porsche Boxster
  By Dave - December 28 - 7:43 pm

  Bought my car from 2nd owner. Great emerald green color captured my attention. Very fast and handles like what you would expect from a sports car. Always wanted one and bought it now since I can protect it from inclement weather by hiding it in my garage.

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  99 Carrera 4 - 1999 Porsche 911
  By bcocar - December 27 - 4:06 pm

  This is an amazing car. Its acceleration, braking and cornering are phenomenal, yet I get 20 mpg around town and 28 highway. It is big enough to fit the kids with me. Its storage space is a bit tight due to the smaller trunk on the C4. My ownership costs have been modest - just gas, oil and coolant change. The Litronic lights are a must - they make a huge difference in visibility at night.

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  Best car I ever owned - 2010 Porsche Panamera
  By new2porsche - December 27 - 2:10 pm

  Only 3 weeks, but this is easily the best car I have owned. Unbelievable power, handling, and comfort. And great fun to drive. I have the 4S with entry and drive, sport chrono pkg, heated front and rear, front and rear A/C, plus all the standard features. Notable features are interior design, quality and control of nav/sound system (Bose), and huge convenience. More fun to drive than BMW, and electronics to match Lexus. Have been pushing the limits and still getting 22-24mpg!

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  What a superb car! - 2014 Porsche 911
  By Laurent C. - December 20 - 8:21 pm

  A (exceptionally good) car for the track or very good roads. Not designed to be driven on bad roads, unless you love to visit your back doctor!

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  1st but not last! - 2006 Porsche 911
  By spdmn - December 18 - 11:34 am

  I purchased a 2006 911 Cab six months ago w/ 10k miles on it. Think I paid too much, but, now I just think who cares?! Thats saying a lot since Im notoriously cheap, the car is simply fun to drive and it has a cool factor like no other so say my kids, which is the only opinion that matters in my book. Sports package, white, chrome wheels, and all the extras that can be crammed in. Its driving nirvana. Cant wait until the next one, although, how do you part with something youve grown to love???