• Overall
• Prices
• Performance
• Exterior
• Interior
• Safety
• Reliability

Porsche Boxster - What the Auto Press Says

The 2010 Porsche Boxster ranks 4 out of 9 Luxury Sports Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 66 published reviews and test drives of the Porsche Boxster, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

The 2010 Porsche Boxster bridges the gaps between luxury, utility and hardcore sports performance like few cars can. Not surprisingly, auto critics find little to complain about.

Boxster drivers can rest assured knowing that they own the full package. Its powerful engine options and masterfully engineered handling components provide for a thrilling, yet comfortable, ride. Its exterior design is sleek, eye-catching and available with a removable hardtop. Its interior cabin features luxurious and comfortable accommodations for two. And its two cargo holds provide enough trunk space to haul most anything a normal person would want to carry in a Porsche. "Al fresco motoring simply doesn't get better than this for the price, so don't torture yourself with a test drive unless you're ready and able to do the deal," writes Motor Trend.

Still, there are other impressive vehicles to consider. Drivers willing to sacrifice a bit of luxury for even greater sports performance should check out the Chevy Corvette. It offers up to 126 more horsepower than the Boxster and its handling capabilities are just as impressive -- if not better. Plus, the Corvette coupe provides 22.4 cubic feet of cargo room, making it practical too. For those on a budget, the Mazda MX-5 Miata is also a great sports roadster, and it's available with a retractable hardtop. Just don't expect much luxury or utility.

The Porsche Boxster carries into the 2010 model year unchanged. It's available in two trims, the base-level Boxster and Boxster S.

• "It's impossible for any sun lover to drive the Porsche Boxster without a smile extended ear to ear. ...  Top-down driving works because it becomes an event, a kind of short vacation with a luxury factor of ten on a ten-point scale." -- Road & Travel Magazine
• "At this Porsche's lofty price point, there are always substitutes. Still, even in its jaw-dropping 10th year of production, the Boxster S remains one of the purest and most satisfying sports cars on the planet, and PDK's impeccable performance may well seal the deal for those who aren't sold on shifting for themselves." -- Edmunds
• "Throw in its impressive cargo space, better than average reliability and extremely strong resale value, and a Boxster S is a pretty sound purchase." -- Automobile.com

Boxster Performance - 9.2 (Excellent)

Reviewers applaud Porsche for the Boxster's smooth powertrain options and sporty, yet composed, handling dynamics. Though some car shoppers may be quick to glance over the Boxster for its coupe sibling, the Cayman, they would be mistaken. A test driver for Automobile Magazine explains: "The argument, I suppose, is that the Cayman is more hard-core than the Boxster. But after spending two days flogging a Boxster on Tennessee and North Carolina's Tail of the Dragon highway (motto: '318 curves in eleven miles'), I can assure you that the Boxster is pretty hard-core in its own right." Read More

Boxster Exterior - 9.0 (Excellent)

The Boxster's attractive exterior design garners praise from critics. Though it comes equipped with a standard convertible soft-top, a removable hardtop is available. Read More

Boxster Interior - 8.4 (Very Good)

Auto writers appreciate the Boxster's luxurious and comfortable cabin. In fact, Edmunds describes the cockpit as "first-rate, with premium materials, proper sports car seating and leather everywhere, plus an oversized and center-mounted tach right where it belongs." What's more, the Boxster features not one, but two cargo holds. Read More

Boxster Safety - NA

Though the Boxster has not yet been crash tested, it does come equipped with a host of assuring safety features -- including Porsche Stability Management (PSM). Read More

Boxster Reliability - 7.0 (Good)

The 2010 Porsche Boxster reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). The '10 Boxster carries a four-year/50,000-mile limited warranty -- which is on par with most of its luxury sports car competitors' offerings. Read More