2008 Porsche Boxster Exterior Review
Based on analysis of 54 Boxster reviews and test drives.
Exterior - What the Auto Press Says
Reviewers value the Boxster's unique style. According to a review by Road & Travel Magazine, the second generation Boxster "has more curvature than its predecessor," and adds, "The car looks distinguished on its own right, unlike before -- when it looked more like the 996 when on the road." Edmunds explains that the Boxster "comes as either the basic Boxster or the massaged, pricier Boxster S. They are visually similar except for the additional center front grille opening, red brake calipers and dual exhaust outlets on the S."
Standard on every Boxster is an automatically extending rear spoiler and heated electrically adjustable outside mirrors. Optional features include a wind deflector and 51-pound aluminum hardtop. What's most appreciated is the Boxster's convertible soft top -- which only requires 12 seconds to open or close and can be activated at speeds up to 30 mph. Automobile.com comments that it's "amongst the easiest to drop or raise of the fabric variety. Simply unlatch it above the mirror, and then press a console mounted button to drop it out of site." The review explains, "Rather than a hard tonneau that clamps down around the folded roof, as is the case with most competitors, Porsche devised a system that allows a panel of the roof to act as a tonneau, protecting the mechanical bits and pieces from being exposed to dust, dirt and whatever else could get in there to make a mess of things, and looking beautifully finished at the same time."
Available for 2008 are Limited Edition models of the Boxster and Boxster S. Although mechanically the same, they look very distinct. Car and Driver explains, "There's really only one way to describe Porsche's Limited Edition Boxster and Boxster S: Orange ... In fact, the color covers everything in the Boxster: the roll bars, interior trim, and even the shift pattern markings are rendered in the less-than-subtle hue. Black side mirrors, intake vents, and script 'Boxster' badges offer a slight visual reprieve." In the end, Car and Driver jokes that owners will need to "don sunglasses so they can look at the car without retinal damage."