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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  UNNNBELIVEABLE - 2003 Porsche Cayenne
  By Thomas Enge - July 6 - 2:00 am

  This is a truly and amazing vehicle. Power and handling are superb. Fit and Finish are a step above the current Porsches. If can afford only 1 Porsche this is the one to own. You will never feel left out of the Sports Car experience.

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  Drove Both, Bought Cayenne S - 2003 Porsche Cayenne
  By SRV - July 6 - 2:00 am

  My dealer gave me a head start on Friday the 14th, allowing me to drive the S and Turbo. Both cars were equipped with PASM and most of the options available. Turbo was awesome, but impractical for me. Both drove identically, excccept for acceleration. Both had very civilized interiors, terrific Bose audio, no wind noise. I bought the S, based on practicality.

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  best one - 2005 Porsche Cayenne
  By tommie - June 29 - 6:40 pm

  This is the best SUV i have ever driven in my life! It is better then any toyota 4 runner

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  I want to leave a 10 review but... - 2009 Porsche 911
  By JOHN ON LONG ISLAND - June 28 - 11:06 pm

  I Bought this car brand new about 3 months ago. I love the car.. it brings a smile to my face every time I look at it.. Although lately. its a little more difficult to smile. 1st problem.. water in the tail lights. (condensation) but ALOT.. Second.. My Cell phone will not link to the cars system. Its a $400 phone. dont understand why its not compatible. Im pretty good with electronics and the simple directions were clear to understand in the manual. Third problem. it will not learn my Garage Door Code.? Today, The Radio seems like the antenna disconnected. its not tuning in clearly on any station. I hope this car wasnt built on a Friday..:(

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  Can be daily driver but I wouldnt. - 2001 Porsche 911
  By gio - June 19 - 2:00 am

  It has awesome acceleration and handling. Not to happy with quality of interior materials. Options increase price quickly. Recommend you buy the car with least amount of options.

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  Better than I expected - 2007 Porsche Cayman
  By jim lentini - June 16 - 2:00 am

  Have been interested in this car for a while. Finally had the chance to drive one and fell in love. Plenty of room with the seat all the way back, great driving position, perfect balance and the sweet sound of the engine. I dont think it gets much better than this. Plan on having this for a long time.

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  Porsche Panamera Turbo - 2010 Porsche Panamera
  By Deon - June 15 - 7:03 am

  What a fantastic and practical car. I have now done 5000 miles in it and have experienced no problems. I do not know how it is possible to get this fantastic performance out of the same engine that also gives me 29 miles per gallon on the open road at 80 mph. The car is very practical as well and serves my requirements for a sports car, family car as well as station wagon.

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  Pure Joy - 1995 Porsche 911
  By pajot - June 12 - 2:00 am

  Waited a long time efore finally buy this 993, one of the last "real" Porsche. Got lucky enough to get a 95 with only 22000 miles, a beautfull color and in perfect condition all around

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  Awesome - 2004 Porsche Cayenne
  By alin - June 12 - 2:00 am

  Absolutely a blast to drive. Reminds me of my 2000 BMW M5. What a sensation hurtling down the road in a 6000# meteor. But, even more amazing, is turning this meteor without significant body roll and sphincter tightening that I get with my wifes jeep. I had a C-S that I traded in for the TT. This TT has had ZERO problems thus far.

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  Fantastic and Sublime - 2013 Porsche Panamera
  By wrk - June 8 - 10:15 am

  This is one great car. Basically, a four door sport car with strong acceleration and precise handling. The four wheel drive really pulls the car through curves. The double clutch transmission makes almost instantaneous shifts when using the paddles. The cabin is strikingly attractive and very comfortable. I found the touch screen communication system very easy to learn and the Bose sound system is awesome. This car elicits attention no doubt. Ive had multiple people take pictures of the car and many others asking questions. If you are looking for anonymity, this is not the car for you.