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 - 2002 Porsche 911
  By Porsche Fanatic - May 13 - 10:00 am

  Just bought the 02 Targa and it is awesome! The Targa top is very cool and the automatic sunshade is very nice!

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  Just for Looks! - 2006 Porsche Cayenne
  By Racer - May 12 - 11:13 am

  I bought my 6-cylinder Cayenne almost a year ago. I have owned Porsches in the past, but I must say THIS IS THE WORST MODEL Porsche has ever made! The fuel economy is absolutely not acceptable. I get about 12 miles per gallon! You would expect more acceleration and power with that kind of fuel consumption, but the vehicle shows very little power and acceleration! Theres a dead delay after you floor the gas pedal, and the transmission takes a long time to decide which gear to choose! I am very disappointed at this model!

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  Great SUV - 2004 Porsche Cayenne
  By Edwin C. - May 11 - 4:16 pm

  I LOVE my 04 Cayenne Turbo, except at the gas pump! I am averaging 14.1 MPG, having to add a quart of oil every 2,000 miles or so, and it goes though a set of Pirellis every 10,000 miles or so. Other than that its perfect. Im thinking of getting a n 8,000 lb trailer.

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  A Dog with Fleas - 2002 Porsche 911
  By JimV12 - May 7 - 10:00 am

  The car was delivered to me with a defective suspension. The shipping blocks were not removed at delivery and the suspension is bent. In 4 months the dealer is still unable to get the parts needed to fix it. They believe that the car is so strangely damaged that new suspension parts may not repair it. While this car replaces a previous 996 Im sorry that I bought this car since its manufacture is horrendous.

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  New to 04 Porsche Cayenne - 2004 Porsche Cayenne
  By Hudnut46 - May 6 - 8:36 am

  While shopping for the best price on an ‘04 BMW X5 4.4, I found my ’04 Cayenne S. First I thought the price was going to be more expensive than the ’04 X5, so I really only looked at out of curiosity. When I took this SUV for a test drive I was shocked at the performance…Wow! The power and handling are superb! I was able to buy my Porsche for $9,000 less than other dealers wanted for an ’04 BMW X5.

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  disapointed - 2001 Porsche Boxster
  By bummed - May 2 - 10:00 am

  This car sells by its looks only. My 1997 Jeep has more options on it. Dont plan to resell your Boxster because you will get half of what you paid. Thanks Porsche for shipping as many Boxsters as Ford shipped Taurus.

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  Different Porsche - 2006 Porsche Boxster
  By Brian Chaney - May 2 - 4:16 am

  Unlike other Porsches, this one has the older style, newer technology, and is more economic than ever.

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  Im Sure Glad I Didnt Get the BMW. - 2007 Porsche Cayman
  By Justs4l - April 29 - 6:40 pm

  I had ordered a 07 BMW 3-Series Coupe and I thank God every day I get into this car that I purchased a Cayman instead of waiting for the BMW. This car fits like a glove and drives like a dream. I find myself feeling sorry for all those people driving anything other than a Porsche.

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  Best vehicle Ive ever owned - 2006 Porsche Cayenne
  By LOVE THIS CAR!! - April 28 - 12:46 am

  I bought the Cayenne S Tip after looking for a long time, I wasnt sure I wanted to spend the money! It has been the best vehicle I have ever owned. I have had to change the headlights a few times, nothing anyone with a little common sense couldnt do themselves. I have three young children but wasnt ready to give up my need for performance! Handles awesomely, acceleration is amazing. I am in the market for another Porsche, although I dont like the new rear end on the Cayennes I love the Panamara!!

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  True Drivers Car - 2007 Porsche Cayman
  By bgsntth - April 27 - 12:46 pm

  This is the first Porsche that I have fit into, barring the sunroofless GT3. I have been in a sports car-less funk since I sold my 95 Miata R-package. The Cayman is the perfect replacement. It is a comfortable daily commuter with absolutely brilliant handling and perfect suspension tuning. The 2.7 liter six engine is an absolute gem, very flexible and aurally pleasing. It is also very practical with both trunks and cabin storage.