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:

• 

  Fantastic Ride - 2009 Porsche 911
  By billsquared - November 6 - 10:40 pm

  This is our first Porsche. The build quality is excellent and the ride is surprisingly comfortable for a sports car. We have the standard suspension with 18"wheels. Our has the PDK transmission which is extremely smooth in shifting. Fuel efficiency is 27-29 on the highway. As a daily commuter, it blends both comfort and fun.

• 

  Best buy Porsche - 2000 Porsche Boxster
  By opass - November 3 - 10:00 am

  This 986S is very fun to own. It got the best design, handling, braking and balance that no other cars in this price range to match. Folks...remember... Porsche is a Porsche. Overall it is a well made Germany car.

• 

  Fun, Fun, Fun - 2002 Porsche Boxster
  By Michael A. Tedeschi - October 30 - 2:00 am

  This car is fun to drive with excellent build quality and enough performance to put a real smile on your face starting at 6000 RPMs. It is so well balanced that it begs for acceleration entering curves.

• 

  Nice Ride! - 2008 Porsche Cayenne
  By dave - October 28 - 2:23 pm

  Spent about 2 weeks looking for the right car. New it when I found the GTS..Trading out of a land rover sport. But thats another story ... Porsche has done a great job- inside & out. Power out of the V-8 is great. Fit & finish also very nice.

• 

  How to wipe that smile off? - 1996 Porsche 911
  By ben993 - October 25 - 7:40 pm

  This is my 4th in the 911 range in my 12 years. By far the most reliable (save for the CEL issue which was resolved under warranty in my case) and beautiful of the air cooled series. Its a 4th car in the family, so gets limited use these days. Nonetheless, 15 mins in this thing, feeling every nook and cranny of the road, and feathering the throttle to keep the tail in check really, really turns a bad day around. Yes, the folks at the office know what I spend my lunch hour if I return in a better mood. Values are holidng well, and itll remain a cult classic. Ill add a 5th car soon - a 1997 Twin Turbo and this old workhorse will become my track buddy.

• 

  No regrets - Love my Boxster - 2001 Porsche Boxster
  By az66bug - October 24 - 10:00 pm

  I bought this car almost 4 years ago with 36,000 miles; I was concerned given the age but Ive wanted a Porsche my entire life and couldnt resist the deal. I did buy a 3yr warranty but canceled it after learning most everything I was concerned about was not covered and considered maintenance items - I was refunded $3000.00 and best thing I ever did. My Boxster just hit 45,000 miles and I still smile from ear to ear when I drive her. No major problems outside of routine maintenance and yes, they are expensive to maintain but your driving a Porsche guys, not a Chevy.... Just had the 45K service done, costed $1400.00 but I had all the pulleys replaced because 1 was squeaking. BUY ONE

• 

  Great SUV - 2003 Porsche Cayenne
  By C. Donsky - October 20 - 10:00 am

  I have not owned a Porsche for about 12 years. This SUV is superb in all respects - looks, handling, performance, features and design. I now look for reasons to drive long distances.

• 

  Loads of Fun, Very Little Downside - 1999 Porsche 911
  By TS911 - October 20 - 10:00 am

  I bought my 99 coupe with 19,000 miles and have enjoyed it very much. I am a little surprised at how quickly parts of the interior seem to be showing wear, but I like the overall interior design. I love the exterior. The tire wear has been a problem, but I have been told it was even worse (uggg!) on the previous model. The car is loads of fun to drive and almost universally liked. It is easy around town, but a little bit tricky from a standing start. It is absolutely horrible in the snow, even a very light dusting, bordering on dangerous. All in all, I have greatly enjoyed it. Regards.

• 

  third Porsche - 2003 Porsche 911
  By DonR911 - October 20 - 10:00 am

  this is my 3rd 911...it is awesome....even the Tiptronic is better then I expected.....worth every penny....and more....

• 

  Every Day Fun in the Sun - 2002 Porsche Boxster
  By jim - October 20 - 4:10 am

  I drive the Boxster every chance I get (except in the snow). Its great on long trips and holds enough luggage for two people for a weeks travel. I have had no problems and everyone wants to drive it. It is the best car I have ever owned.