2009 Porsche Boxster Quality Review

Experts at TheCarConnection.com find that the 2009 Porsche Boxster offers plenty of high-end comfort and good materials quality. It's noisy, but many drivers will like it that way.

The 2009 Porsche Boxster has room for "two occupants" to "enjoy leather-upholstered body-hugging bucket seats," according to Cars.com. Kelley Blue Book says seating options include "four leather-covered seating choices" that "range from mainly-manual six-way adjustable standard seats to fully-powered 'adaptive' sport seats." ConsumerGuide adds "the low-slung cockpit is roomy enough for six-footers," and the Porsche Boxster's "seats are exceptionally supportive during aggressive cornering." Edmunds reviewers also love the seats, cooing "seat comfort is extraordinary for both occupants."

Cargo room is surprisingly acceptable in the 2009 Porsche Boxster, which is unusual for a sportscar. Kelley Blue Book cites the Boxster Porsche's "two trunks" among their favorite features, likening it to "having your cake and eating it, too—and then getting seconds." In terms of actual capacity, Cars.com reports that the "cargo compartments at both ends offer a total of 9.9 cubic feet of space." ConsumerGuide says "careful packing takes good advantage of the front and rear cargo bays for more luggage-carrying possibilities than in many two-seaters." Interior storage is not quite as practical as the overall trunk space, and ConsumerGuide indicates that "cabin storage space is very limited," but they also note "clever cubbies hidden inside the door armrests."

The 2009 Porsche Boxster is a luxury performance car, and the luxury aspect definitely shines through when it comes to materials and build quality. Kelley Blue Book reports that the Porsche 2009 Boxster "carries over the major 2005 revamp that stressed roomier accommodations and upgraded materials." Edmunds comments that the Porsche Boxster's "interior boasts premium materials, proper sports car seating and leather everywhere." Cars.com points out an upgrade: "optional heated seats now also include a ventilation function to cool occupants." ConsumerGuide finds that the Boxster's "rich-feeling, carefully assembled cabin materials enhance a sophisticated ambiance."

For all the 2009 Porsche Boxster's luxurious appointments and performance credentials, it can't outrun its one major drawback in this category: loud road and wind noise. For many drivers, however, this is a plus. ConsumerGuide says that the "engine's location behind the seats means more mechanical ruckus than in front-engine designs," though fortunately, the "race-car engine note delights." Motor Trend points out that maximum sound can be obtained via a "sport exhaust system with valves that open a nearly straight shot through each muffler." On the downside, Edmunds reports "top-up wind noise above 70 mph can sometimes be enough to challenge both conversation and the Boxster's sound system." While AutoWeek reviewers lodge a similar complaint, they also claim that the problem is "easily solved by going topless, dropping the hammer and forgetting about all else."