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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  2000 Boxster, 5-speed - 2000 Porsche Boxster
  By Jim Arnold - March 18 - 10:00 am

  This is my first Porsche and the one thing I didnt anticipate was that the car would be so well made and reliable. The car had no flaws whatsoever when I received it and to this day, Ive had only very, very minor repairs. The car is an absolute pleasure to drive, it performs well and runs as smoothly and as tightly as the day I got it which is amazing considering I drive it every day to work in heavy traffic, starting and stopping constantly. The car currently has 36,000 miles on it and I have no hesitation to buy it outright when my lease is up in a couple of months. I would highly recommend this car to anyone!

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  No Garage Queen Here - 2005 Porsche 911
  By Ed - March 18 - 8:03 am

  After logging 1,000+ miles in the first 2.5 weeks of ownership, I can already tell it will be difficult to keep the annual mileage under 15,000. It is that much fun and that easy to drive. The 6-speed transmission and clutch are no problem, even in heavy traffic. I went for the "S" over the base, after realizing that I would be adding PASM, xenon lights and a sport steering wheel to the base model. So the net difference for the bigger engine and 30 extra horsepower was "only" about $6,000. I highly recommend the Sport Chrono for the enhanced throttle response. The navigation system is OK, but not as good as Acuras. My two daughters, 7 & 10, fit reasonably comfortably in the back seats. This is the ultimate "family car"!

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  Cayenne Diesel Delivers - 2013 Porsche Cayenne
  By reed23 - February 26 - 11:59 am

  This review after first 5k mile mice ... low end torque makes the car quick at all speeds. Transmission shifts are butter smooth. Doesnt sound like a diesel. Gas mileage on the road is low 30s, in town mid 20s. Interior is quiet and ride is all Porsche. First oil change was $200 at dealer. Build quality is excellent. Nav is best in class. Traded an X5 and what a difference. Cant wait to get in and drive!

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  Tight and Nimble - 2006 Porsche Boxster
  By Craig Dickinson - February 25 - 12:00 pm

  This car seems to be well thought out with easy to see displays and a trip computer that provides exceptional trip information. It is fast off the mark, smooth at speeds over 70 mph, and sticks to corners like glue. I use for business trips <250 miles. The two trunks are still small, but I find that, with creativity, all needed items can be stored. The two coat hooks on the back of the seats let me store my suit coat. The seating positioning is comfortable, but only for those who are 6 feet tell and under. I suggest adding protective coating (option) to protect front and wheel areas from nicks from stones, etc.. I have put 2,300 miles on mine in 10 days, enjoying the journey as much as destination! Buy it!

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  The Benchmark of Sports Cars - 2003 Porsche 911
  By John933xx - February 23 - 10:00 am

  This car defines what a sports car should be! Superb acceleration, ride and handling. Very comfortable on long trips for 2 people. Windscreen makes top-down driving a joy. AC and Bose sound are right up to snuff. Car is a dream at 80 to 100 MPH. Quiet for a convertible.

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  40th Anniversary - 2004 Porsche 911
  By solarwinds - February 22 - 6:36 am

  Love this 40th Anniversary 911... It is a blast to drive and been reliable driving all over east coast... Rides great for a true sports muscle car. Ice cold A/C I did change the Navigation Head unit. The car is beautiful a head turner acceleration is instant in any gear the clutch is crisp...

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  All the Porsche you need - 2006 Porsche 911
  By Phil - February 18 - 4:16 pm

  A fantastic car, very fast, incredible handling, wonderful quality. I have owned other Porsches and BMWs, but this car never fails to impress me, a real treat to drive.

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  responsiveness: an extension of self - 2003 Porsche 911
  By tomas - February 17 - 10:00 am

  Thus is foremost a drivers care. The handeling is superb. It can be used for an everyday driver as well as a weekend sports car. While I purchased the convertibe triptronic, I would recommend a fully optioned coupe from a value standpoint. One of the few cars purchased where I cant wait to purchase my next Porsche. You will be happy, very happy.

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  Street Legal Race Car - 2005 Porsche 911
  By Silver GT3 - February 13 - 1:33 am

  Just one thing comes to mind everytime I drive my GT3. Incredible. To be able to drive a Cup car on the streets is a real treat. The sound of the engine is mesmerizing. I find myself shifting at high RPM each time just to hear it. The acceleration, brakes and handling are out of this world. I had a 2003 996 Carrera before this and it is night and day difference. This car is very rough and loud, but that is what I like about it. It is the essence of a Porsche and pure driving pleasure. My only regret is that I didnt get one sooner. Everyone Ive taken out on a ride is spellbound. My wife makes me take her out at least twice per week. Get one and enjoy it.

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  Best sports car for a value - 2004 Porsche Boxster
  By ken - February 12 - 4:10 pm

  Possitive: Great handling(better than 911), comfortable ride(17inch wheels),lovely sweet engine sound, well built body. Getting better every year. Negative: 5 speed manual, expensive oputions. Truely best buy pure sports car. No other cars come close around this price range.Why buy 911.