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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  Get a Cayenne - 2005 Porsche Cayenne
  By huron - August 17 - 2:23 am

  I love the looks of this car. Performance is cat quick. As for handling, its a porsche and you get what you expect. Rock solid and built like a tank

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  Fun! As Soon As You See It - 2003 Porsche Boxster
  By blindguy27 - August 13 - 10:00 am

  Black/Black/Black....Fun, Fun, Fun! I know the "S" is faster, bigger wheels, etc. How much more did I really need? This was a great decision and for a first timer, even more than imagined. Excellent handling, turns heads at every light - in other vehicles as Im blowing by them...the only ones that seem disinterested are 911 owners (imagine that)...now to dream of the GT.

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  This car is excellent! - 2010 Porsche Panamera
  By SpikeZ - August 5 - 10:00 am

  This is an excellent car, period. The sheer volume of technology in this vehicle is astounding, its performance is superb and its styling is elegant and timeless. This is my ninth Porsche and, by far, the best I have owned over the past two decades. I was initially a little skeptical about buying a four seat Porsche despite my longstanding experience that anything Porsche either designs or builds is usually excellent. And, but for a five minute test drive two weeks before my car came in last November, I had not spent a lot of time in the vehicle. However, when I took delivery of the car I was immediately impressed by its pick-up and handling. Fast and beautiful, Porsche does it again.

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  Excellent SUV - 2006 Porsche Cayenne
  By matt rinard - August 4 - 5:20 pm

  This is my second Porsche Cayenne S. The Germans fixed few items since the 2003 model, such as improving the horrible keyless entry. The new one is great. The seats are a total pain in the rear to fold down, you have to take off the head rest and move the front seat forward. It only takes about three minutes but it seems like forever. The build quality is great. The handling is the best out there. The downfall is its closest competitor is the BMW free service for 3 years. The Porsche people stick it to you for the oil change...over $200 and you have to leave your car. So buy the paper filter for $15 at Porsche and go to Speedy Oil and it is only $80 but done in 15 minutes. Great car if you dont mind spending the money.

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  Great Car! - 2002 Porsche Boxster
  By Alan - August 4 - 10:36 am

  Ive had this car since 2003, and to this day I still love it. I was one who used to change cars every few years, Ive owned a BMW 5 series, Z3, 323i convertible, and a 318. Ive also owned a clk430, c320 and a 1999 beetle. So as you can tell I love cars(!) and this so far has been my favorite one. Its never given me any mechanical problems, everything still works, nothing is broken. Wait... the only thing that did tear was the convertible top window, it came unstitched. Aside from that everything works fine. To anyone thinking of buying a car like this one, you wont be disappointed. If possible get one with the upgraded Porsche exhaust... it makes this puppy purrrrr.

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  Join the Herd - 2004 Porsche Cayenne
  By Frank JG - July 30 - 6:30 pm

  Traded one of 911c/2 (cab 6 spd) for CS. Tested at high speed, rides like 996 c/2 only one foot taller. Gas mileage was surprising when I keep my lead foot off. Had 7 BMW (740, 740l, 735, 528, 318c, Z3, 325), 4 MB (430CLK, S430, SL380, S550). This SUV rides like 911 c/2 in an S550 interior.

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  Daily Driver or Dream Car? - 2005 Porsche 911
  By MountainManiac - July 26 - 12:06 pm

  I have owned my 05 Carrera S for almost 3 years, and I continue to love it. Full supple leather is a great option that makes the car smell like a Coach store ever time you open the door. The light front end and immediate steering is the 911s best trait - - along with the phenomenal power. Dont be misled by factory number or magazine writeups...the S model will consistently do 0-60 in 4.1 seconds. The low-end torque is unbelievable, although at 6000 rpm the car is running out of steam and wants to be shifted. The acceleration and braking are dizzying -- its unlike any other car that can be used as a daily driver. Plus, you can fit 2 kids in the backseat and get 27 hwy. Amazing.

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  Wow - 2008 Porsche Cayenne
  By Chizzy - July 21 - 6:26 pm

  Worth every penny. Initially purchased the base cayenne with 6 cyl. Later drove the GTS and I was hooked. NO comparison. I Love this car. I have had them all range rover, bmw, lexus... this car blows them all away hands down.

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  Boxster S is a Blast - 2005 Porsche Boxster
  By Henry - July 21 - 1:30 am

  Looked at Z4 and even the new 911, but I thought the Boxster had the best styling. New 280 HP engine just rips and mid-engine design make handling world-class. Seats are very comfy, the automatic top (with glass rear window) is awesome. Boxster used to remind of SLK--a bit of a girls car. No more--new Boxster is one of the worlds best sports cars.

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  More fun than any other P car Ive owned - 2006 Porsche 911
  By mark - July 14 - 8:06 pm

  Ive had 911s, 996, 996 C4S, and a few Boxster S for for second home drivers. Nothing compares to the 997 CS. It has plenty of speed, wont tire you out like a GT3 or a box S, the handling is superb, in or out of sport mode. Bought this used with 8500 miles on it. Got rid of a 04 C4S, no comparison. Been driving P cars for almost 30 years and this one has me smiling. Drove the Big Sur coast this am with the sun coming up with a big grin.