2009 Porsche Boxster Performance Review

TheCarConnection.com loves driving the 2009 Porsche Boxster. This vehicle is engineered to be fun to drive through and through, and reviewers had nary a comment saying otherwise.

Edmunds reports that the 2009 Porsche Boxster is available with two engine choices: a "3.4-liter flat-6 that's good for 295 hp and 251 pound-feet of torque" on the Porsche Boxster S, while the base Porsche 2009 Boxster has "a 2.7-liter flat-6 providing 245 hp and 201 lb-ft of torque." (Porsche confirms the Boxster S makes 310 hp from the 3.4-liter six, and 255 hp from the base 2.9-liter six.) ConsumerGuide finds that "any Boxster has smooth, ready power for any situation," while "S versions are particularly strong as engine speed rises." Motor Trend points out that the 2009 Boxster's "visual testosterone is backed up with plenty of vitamins H and T from the engine room." Though both engines are strong, the 3.4-liter version powering the Porsche Boxster S receives understandably higher praise. For those who want to know, Motor Trend pegs the base Porsche 2009 Boxster at "5.8 sec" from "0-60 mph," and Edmunds states that a Porsche Boxster S can go "from zero to 60 mph in 5 seconds flat and hit the quarter-mile in 13.4 seconds."

The 2009 Porsche Boxster is also available with three different transmission choices: one automatic and two manuals. Edmunds clarifies that the base Porsche Boxster "comes standard with a five-speed manual transmission," while a "six-speed is optional and comes standard on the Boxster S," and "a five-speed automatic transmission with manual shift control" is optional on both. Motor Trend reports that "thanks to careful retuning of their snarl ... [the Boxster] sounds even stronger" than ever. Although Kelley Blue Book reviewers note "the performance of the Tiptronic S transmission continues to improve," they also recommend that "those physically capable should consider only the ultra-smooth six-speed manual." The manual offerings earn the biggest accolades. AutoWeek reviewers "marvel at how perfect the clutch and gearshift mechanisms work," claiming that "their feel and operation is precisely what all other cars should strive for." As for the automatic, Cars.com says "new hydraulics and electronics make the system quick to respond to driver inputs."

The EPA estimates that a base 2009 Porsche Boxster will get 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway with the five-speed automatic transmission, while the manual bumps the mileage up to 20/29 mpg. On the 2009 Porsche Boxster S, the fuel economy numbers are 18/25 mpg for the automatic and 18/26 mpg for the six-speed manual.

The true performance potential of the 2009 Porsche Boxster is unleashed when the road starts to twist. AutoWeek declares that the "handling is darn near perfect," and for emergency stops, the "brakes are phenomenal." It is during hard driving that Motor Trend claims "no other sports car is more balanced, more rewarding, or more fun." Regarding ride comfort, Edmunds says that "some may find the Boxster's around-town ride too stiff, but it's never particularly harsh." From there, the praise simply keeps coming, as ConsumerGuide reports that the "steering feel is natural, communicative and responsive" and the Porsche Boxster is "rock-steady on straightaways and agile and balanced in corners." Kelley Blue Book adds "the term 'Porsche brakes' has become a synonym for the ultimate in safe, positive stopping."