Porsche has been around for almost 100 years and has produced some fantastic cars, but which are the best you can buy?
Porsche started as a small sports car manufacturer that has grown into a brand that is synonymous with reliability and performance. From the initial production of the 356, to the new all-electric Taycan, Porsche always strives for excellence.
Since the introduction of the iconic brand, drivers have believed that, “There is no substitute for a Porsche.” For over 70 years, the Stuttgart-based sports car manufacturer has delivered on that promise.
Let’s explore the history of the German automaker’s popular vehicles to establish the best new or pre-owned Porsche you can buy right now.
Porsche Cayenne (2003-Present)
The first-generation Porsche Cayenne was the top-of-the-food-chain performance SUV when it was first released. Its first generation (released for the 2003 model year) was offered in the Turbo and S models. The derivative GTS and Turbo S models were added with the model update, followed by the Diesel.
Second-generation Cayenne models include the S Hybrid, which later became the S E-Hybrid. This generation of the Porsche Cayenne (2011 to 2018) saw the SUV grow in size and get an updated interior.
In 2014, Porsche designers gave the Cayenne an even sharper design, including to the front body, the front wings, and the bonnet. The airblades also made their debut, which were fins located to the right and left of the vehicle’s front end that would guide cold air to the intercoolers. What’s more, they make a strong visual impact, too.
Today, generation-two Porsche Cayennes are reliable rides that generally have an asking price of anywhere from $20,000 to $60,000 and up.
The third generation was brought to market in 2017 with updated fuel efficiency and CO2 values. At the time, Porsche promised that the latest Cayenne would, “combine even more of the typical Porsche performance with excellent everyday practicality.”
At market launch, there were two newly developed six-cylinder engines to choose from. One was the Cayenne’s 340 hp, three-liter turbo engine that delivered 40 hp more than the previous model. The 2.9L V6 bi-turbo engine in the Cayenne S brought it up to 440 hp, an increase of 20 hp.
With this new generation, the Cayenne received the fully integrated Porsche Advanced Cockpit, which featured a 12.3-inch, full-HD touchscreen and a range of digital functions that could be operated intuitively, including voice control.
Today, the Cayenne is still a top earner for Porsche, and is known around the world for its performance and build quality. The 2021 Porsche Cayenne comes with a variety of power plants, and all carry an eight-speed automatic transmission and terrain adaptive all-wheel drive. The standard car is powered by a 3.0L turbocharged V6, producing 335 hp and 332 lb.-ft. of torque.
The cargo room is ample when the rear seats are down. Measuring at 60 cu. ft., it falls just short of the space you get from the likes of the BMW X5. Prices for the base model 2021 Cayenne start at $67,500. The options list is extensive and adds up fast, so a mid-range hybrid model may push $90,000.
Porsche Panamera (2009-Present)
Released in 2010, the Porsche Panamera made major waves in the four-door sport sedan market. Like most cars that Porsche built that are not the 911, the Panamera was initially hated by old-school fans. Now, any discussion about high-performance sedans has to include the Panamera.
The most controversial thing about the original 970 Panamera was the styling. The distinctive Porsche front end didn’t seem to mesh with the bulky hatchback body. Its proportions were so out of whack that famed car journalist Jeremy Clarkson said it looked like a 911 with a growth on its back.
If you want a 911 but actually need to carry four people around, the second-generation Porsche Panamera is for you. The Panamera received its first major update in 2016, now known as the 971. The ugly body was long gone, because the new car was styled more like a traditional sedan but still retains the hatchback practicality.
The interior of the new car is much more aesthetically pleasing and has a huge touchscreen display. Quiet and comfortable, the 971 is an all-around pleasant place to be. The seats hug you but are not claustrophobic, and the fit and finishes inside are top-notch.
Performance is not an afterthought in the new Panamera, which has several engines to choose from, including an electric-assisted twin-turbo V8. The 2021 Porsche Panamera Turbo S Hybrid produces even more power than its portly cousin at 689 hp, and hits 60 mph in under three seconds.
The base Panamera starts at $88,550, but a well-equipped 4S model with all-wheel-drive and 440 hp will set you back $106,305. If you have decided to never be late for brunch again and want the Turbo S Hybrid, you’ll need $189,050 before you even touch the options list.
As far as luxury four-door sedans go, it’s hard not to love the second-generation Porsche Panamera. They are fast, comfortable, and radiate sophistication.
If you don’t mind the funky looks, the original 970 is a good buy, too. The first-generation Panamera is quiet, comfortable, and can be picked up for less than $30,000. Not to mention the 970 still has plenty of power to get you to the church on time.
Porsche Macan (2014-Present)
One of the youngest models on the Porsche lineup is the Macan, a sporty five-door crossover and cousin of the Audi Q5. Though the Porsche Macan shares a lot of mechanical components with the Q5, it still has very much a bespoke Porsche feel.
The Porsche Macan has seating for five and decent cargo space for a small crossover, but doesn’t handle like a big off-roader like some of its peers at Mercedes and BMW. The Macan feels tight and nimble in traffic or a curvy road while remaining quiet and comfortable.
Porsche offers the Macan in several trim levels, but the best bang for your buck is the S model. The base car is powered by a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder borrowed from the Golf GTI.
The S model, however, is powered by a 3.0L turbocharged V6, producing 335 hp, which is 85 hp more than the standard car. Early Porsche Macans with desirable features like the S trim package and navigation can be bought for less than $40,000.
In 2019, the Macan received its first update, bringing minor styling changes and interior improvements. The outside of the Macan got new LED head and tail lamps along with new wheels, while the interior saw the addition of a 10.9-inch touchscreen display and Porsche’s communication management.
These basically-new Porsche Macans range in price from the low $50,000s for base models to as much as $80,000 for a high-performance version like the GTS.
Porsche Boxster/Cayman (1997-Present)
The 986 Porsche Boxster was first released in 1997 as a little sister to the 911 but with some key differences. Most importantly, the Boxster was designed from the ground up to be a convertible. This is a big deal, because all the best convertible sports cars are built this way.
Most sports cars are first released as a two-door coupe. Then, a year or so later, the manufacturer decides to chop the roof off. When they perform this surgery, the manufacturer must add extra welding and supports to keep the body rigid. All of this adds excess weight, spoiling the handling.
When you design a car to be a convertible from the start, you can make it rigid from the beginning. This makes it possible to keep the weight down so the car still handles like it’s on rails even without the roof.
The next big difference that separates the Boxster from the 911 is the engine layout. A Boxster engine is essentially a less powerful 911 power unit but mounted further forwards in the car. This is a benefit, because it moves the majority of the weight closer to the center of the vehicle, giving the Boxster more neutral handling.
In 2005, Porsche introduced an updated Boxster, internally named the 987. This is an important generation, because it introduced the Cayman, a hard-top Boxster with a little more power in all trims.
Porsche Boxsters and Caymans made from 2005 to 2012 are some of the best handling cars on the market, and can be picked up for less than $20,000.
If you’re willing to spend a little more than that you can regularly find the more powerful S models for less than $30,000. The S model gives you a package that provides around 20 more hp than the standard car and better suspension.
Porsche 911 (1964-Present)
The Porsche 911 has been capturing the hearts of car buyers for more than 50 years. The original concept for the 911 worked so well that Porsche decided not to change it very much over the first 25 years. The general consensus is that you can split 911s into two categories: the classic air-cooled cars made before 1997, and the modern liquid-cooled models built from 1998 to the present.
Porsche 911s come in several body styles including coupes, convertibles, and the Targa. The 911 Targa is easily identifiable by its semi-convertible roof panel and iconic roll bar behind the front seats. Old Targas are rare, and tend to cost a pretty penny if you come across them.
In the Porsche community, air-cooled 911s are extremely sought after. Rare models can even sell for millions of dollars. The majority of used 911s you will find for reasonable money are from the late 1990s and up.
The second category of 911s is the liquid-cooled cars built from 1998 until today. These models start with the 996 or Porsche 911s built from 1999 until 2004. This was a huge update for the 911, but more about that later.
In 2005, Porsche released the 997 generations, but in the grand scheme of things, it’s just a 996 with better styling, more reliability, and a better interior.
The next big jump in the evolution of the 911 came in 2012 with the introduction of the 991. Once again, Porsche swung for the fences with this update, designing an all-new 911 that looks a lot like the last one.
The 991 ran from 2012 until 2019 and graced the 911 with tons of new technology. Advancements in metallurgy allowed Porsche to more easily blend steel and aluminum. These techniques resulted in a 911 that was longer and wider but still lighter than the previous model.
An important thing to remember when searching for a used Porsche 911 is that minor details can vastly alter the price. Certain options and trim levels were made in very few numbers and are heavily sought after, like 911 Turbos and the GT models. A good example of this is the 996 generation.
Regular run-of-the-mill Carreras of this era can be picked up for less than $20,000, but a Turbo model of the same time period can run you as much as $100,000.
Which is the Best Porsche You Can Buy Today?
One of the best Porsches around, the 996 911 Carrera, is a great sports car in any trim you choose. It was used by Giovanni Ribisi’s character Kip Raines in the opening sequence of the Gone in 60 Seconds remake.
The 996 is fast, reliable, and still has the mechanical feel of a classic sports car. This is a feeling that is lost on most modern cars of today, thanks to things like traction control and electric steering.
For cars that need some love, prices can be found as low as $10,000, while excellent condition examples of these cars can hover around $25,000. This makes them an excellent choice for Porsche buyers on a budget.
If you’re looking for a 911 that will make you money in the long run, check out the 996 Turbo. Just a few years ago, these over 400 hp, all-wheel-drive monsters could be bought for around $50,000. Today, it’s hard to find one under $80,000.
The 996 911 Carrera is the best used Porsche to buy right now. As the nostalgia of the 2000s grows, so does the price of this Porsche 911. It looks like what was once considered the ugly duckling of 911s has finally become a swan.
Photos: Porsche
