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Porsche Boxster (1996-2005) Review

Category: Roadsters 4.5 out of 5

Summary of the Porsche Boxster (1996-2005)

Price Range: No data available

Assets

Great mid-engined chassis; nice-sounding, smooth and powerful engines; traditional Porsche build quality.

Drawbacks

Pricey, could use a little more power - especially with the Tiptronic semi-automatic gearbox.

Verdict

A cracking entry-level Porsche. Looks expensive compared to Mercedes/BMW competition, but worth the extra.

Review

Overview4.5 out of 5

It's hard to believe that the Boxster, the entry-level roadster in the Porsche range, has been around since 1996. It has been superb from the off, delivering an excellent driving experience with impeccable engineering and quality. Six years without huge modification, though, is a lengthy time for any car, even one as competent as the Boxster, but it received its first major changes in summer 2002 (though the original had a power increase and a few tweaks when the 'S' first debuted). Thankfully, Porsche didn't play around with the driving experience too much. Both of the two available engines - the 2.7 and 3.2 'S' - got an extra eight horsepower (meaning 228 and 260bhp respectively). Other notable modifications included lighter wheels for improved ride and handling, a heated-glass rear screen, improved equipment levels and a decent-sized glovebox.

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Best Roadsters

alt text here
Winner:
Porsche Boxster
First runner up:
Mazda MX-5
Second runner up:
BMW Z4

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