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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  It only gets better - 2001 Porsche Boxster
  By T E Walker - May 24 - 10:00 am

  Driven 45,000 miles in 3 years. Snow, blizzard, sun and rain. Absolutely better each month Ive owned it.

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  the best roadster out there - 2001 Porsche Boxster
  By oliver986 - May 22 - 10:00 am

  i have owned a 97 and a 99 boxster and for 01- they fixed all my minor complaints!love the new steering wheel, love the key fob access to both trunks. as always the engine and transmission are perfection. just buy one if youre thinking about it - you wont be disappointed!

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  It just makes me smile... - 2006 Porsche 911
  By Lori Suggs - May 18 - 9:16 pm

  Precision, power, happiness...that saysit all about the Porsche 911. I am always complimented with a smile. It is such an incredible driving machine.

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  Love my car - 2005 Porsche Cayenne
  By Linda - May 16 - 4:36 am

  I was so happy with my Mercedes sedan, but didnt want a US made SUV, so I went looking. To my surprise only two SUVs were German-made. I tried the Porsche Cayenne and purchased the S because I like a V8 engine. I was going to purchase a 2004 but waited for the 2005 hoping they would have an available telephone.

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  Fantastic - 2007 Porsche Cayman
  By Jim - May 14 - 7:36 pm

  Beautiful car, fantastic performance. This car is great on the street and on the track. On the track, handling is precise and the brakes are awesome. Enough power to stay with all but the turbos. Wide power band. This engine loves 6200 rpm. On the street, it attracts a lot of attention. Lots of leg and head room. Interior quality is superb.

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  C4S over Turbo - 2007 Porsche 911
  By C4S is best - May 12 - 11:23 pm

  The balance of this car is marvelous. This is my 3rd Porsche and is the best. I had a 996 Turbo, but you couldnt drive it slow, as you were always in the turbo. Ive never felt so connected with a car and in complete control. The build quality is unequaled. Fit and finish are typical German quality.

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  The 2004 Porsche Cayeene is Very Safe - 2004 Porsche Cayenne
  By joe - May 11 - 9:10 pm

  I walked away from a head on 70+ mph collision with very large 4 door european sedan! Both vehicles were totaled and the other occupant did not fair as well initially. This is a very safe and well built SUV.

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  Porsche Carrera 2 Convertible is Great - 2003 Porsche 911
  By mystery man - May 10 - 2:00 am

  I bought a new car from Claridges in Fremont, California. The car was perfect. Never needed any dealer adjustment for any initial delivery defects. Totally perfect. Awesome convertible top - one button and/or key controlled. The fit/finish of this car is perfect and is better than a new Ferrari I bought. Needless to say it is much more drivable. Finally this car has outstanding performance - wonderful in 2nd, 3rd and 4th gear - pulls very strongly at all rpm. Only so so point is that all my driving resulted in rear tire wear. When I owned a C4 the tire wear was more distributed - this car is a C2 and hence the rear tires suffered.

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  Fun to Drive - 2010 Porsche Boxster
  By Tom B - May 9 - 10:26 am

  I purchased by Boxter in October of 2009 and already have 5000 miles on it. I take it on trips and to work. I live in Reno and have a good number of days with the top down. My previous Boxter was a 2004 and there is no comparison. This car has all the power and acceleration I need and is a blast in the mountains around here.Also the top is quiet. In the 2004 there was considerable wind noise. Unlike my previous Boxter I have not had a single problem or complaint. Maybe the gas mileage could be a tad better but for the performance you get it is quite acceptable.

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  Is this really an SUV? - 2003 Porsche Cayenne
  By jimmyzslc - May 4 - 10:00 am

  I have owned many Porsches & many other SUVs. After owning this vehicle for only 2 weeks, I had little trouble letting my 2002 C4S (my most favorite car EVER) go to the secondary market. Id like to see ANY other manufacturers vehicle hold the resale value that the C4S brought in the secondary market. While the Cayenne may not be all things to all people, it serves ALL of my transportation needs while providing a great value proposition.