2003 Porsche Boxster Reviews, Pricing & Specs

The Boxster is two cars; with the top down, this is a fun sports car - the perfect summer car. With the top up, it's just okay. I love my Boxster! I've owned a Porsche 911 (996) which was a lot more fun to drive, but the 996 isn't a daily driver. I found myself driving the 996 much harder and faster - it's a blast to drive, but not a good daily driver. My Boxster can be driven as a daily driver. It has enough power to have fun, but not so much that you want to drive it hard. The handling on the Boxster is phenomenal. The mid engine layout gives you so much balance. This car rotates so well through corners. Great confidence builder. The steering in so communicative - you know what the tires are doing. I've pushed my car to over 125 in fairly heavy rain and it did well. The car is that good. Now for the problems. I had and IMS problem at 23K miles and engine did go. Porsche covered it 100% under warranty, but it left me with a feeling that I could have the problem arise again (this time without a warranty). They say that I just need to listen for the "death rattle". There have also been quite a few small problems - more than I'd like to see. I've had the stereo replaced twice, the seat belt replaced, the ignition cylinder replaced and there are a few squeaks and rattles. I found out that my car was built in Finland, not Germany. The Boxster S is made in Germany and it feels like a better built car. Even though my car has had some issues, I still love it. When we purchased our Boxster, we looked at a few competitors; Miata Speed, Crossfire, Z4, SLK, Z350, 996 Cab, S2000 and TT. We chose the Porsche, because compared to the others, the Boxster simply feels better, looks better, has more space (two trunks) and fit our needs. I'd recommend a Boxster to anyone looking for a fun to drive high end sports car. May 21, 2012

I bought this car with 8K miles on it. From day one, I've loved this car. Easy to drive, good power and incredible brakes. This car corners like its on rails and I can do silly things like taking a corner at 60 mph - just turn the wheel hard and she goes. I did have to change the original Michelin PS after 30K miles (18's). I put on a set of Dunlop Direzzas which hold well, but don't have the same feel as the Michelins. I once did 125mph in the rain with the Michelins and I felt in total control. I like how these cars are geared and how easy the engine revs. I have an automatic in mine, which isn't my #1 choice, but it works well. I've had her up to 155 mph with the top down and she runs great. This is a car you can drive very fast and feel comfortable or cruise on the freeway at 65 all day long.Jul 19, 2011

This is the first and only Porsche I have driven and it delivered. The steering was amazing, I have never driven something that absolutely no play in the wheel. The suspension was superb and the acceleration was a lot of fun. Even with the roof down I could carry on a normal conversation with the person next to me. However, there is nothing, I repeat nothing, utilitarian about this car. If you pick some up from the airport and they have a large suitcase they will be carrying it on their lap because there is no room in either of the trunks. Having said that I almost bought it anyway because they drive was so much funJan 06, 2008