1999-2008 Porsche 911: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1999-2008 Porsche 911 and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Steering/handling
- Brake performance
- Acceleration
- Build quality
- Exterior finish
Cons
- Cargo room
- Entry/exit
- Noise
- Control layout
- Rear-seat room/comfort
Vehicle Highlights
After some 34 years of continuous improvements of its original design, Porsche's legendary rear-engine 911 was redesigned as an early 1999 model. About 7 inches longer than its predecessor, the new 911 was an inch wider, on a wheelbase 3 inches longer than before. Continuing 911 tradition, the "flat" (horizontally opposed) six-cylinder engine was mounted in the rear, but it underwent considerable change. In addition to switching from air cooling to water cooling, the engine had dual-overhead cams rather than a single-cam configuration, with four valves per cylinder instead of two. Essentially, it was a 3.4-liter version of the engine used in the smaller Boxster, producing 296 horsepower--more than the prior 3.6-liter. Considered the "classic" Porsche, the 911 Carrera first came in 2+2 coupe form with rear-wheel drive. Cabriolet convertibles and Carrera 4 models (with all-wheel drive) joined later. A six-speed manual transmission was standard. Porsche's five-speed automatic transmission, which offered "Tiptronic S" operation using manual-shift buttons on the steering wheel, was an option. Antilock four-wheel disc brakes were standard, as were side-impact airbags. As before, the coupe's back seat was a tiny, minimally useful feature. To a large extent, the 911 was in a class of its own, but rivals included the Acura NSX, BMW Z3 series and more costly Z8, Chevrolet Corvette, and Mercedes-Benz SL-Class. A satellite-based navigation system was optional.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Porsche 911 Carrera coupe Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 8 | |
| Fuel Economy | 4 | |
| Ride Quality | 3 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 10 | |
| Quietness | 3 | |
| Controls/Materials | 3 | |
| Interior Room | 4 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 1 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 2 | |
| Value within Class | 2 | |
| Total Score: | 40 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1999-2008 Porsche 911. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1999-2008 Porsche 911.
Year to Year Changes
2000 Porsche 911:
The 911's six-cylinder engine gained 4 horsepower this year. Porsche's Stability Management antiskid system was standard on the all-wheel-drive Carrera 4, and newly available as an option for the rear-drive Carrera 2. The system was designed to apply individual brakes as needed, to counteract skids in turns.
2001 Porsche 911:
Porsche revived the Turbo coupe as an early 2001 model, with a twin-turbo 3.6-liter engine that produced 415 horsepower. For the first time, Turbos could be equipped with an automatic transmission. Carreras kept the 3.4-liter engine. Turbo 911s featured bolder front/rear styling, standard 18-inch wheels (versus 17s on Carreras), and a "biplane" rear spoiler designed to enhance high-speed stability.
2002 Porsche 911:
Revised styling and more power arrived for 2002. Base models switched from a 3.4-liter engine to a 3.6-liter, rated at 320 horsepower rather than 300. Also new for 2002 was the GT2, essentially a rear-drive Turbo with a 456-hp engine, special suspension, and fewer standard luxuries--all aimed at lowering weight and increasing performance. The GT2 also introduced the industry's first Ceramic Composite brakes. Interior materials were upgraded this year, front seatbelt pretensioners were installed, and convertibles switched from plastic to glass for the back window. All models except the GT2 got an optional navigation system and five-speed automatic transmission.
2003 Porsche 911:
Optional "Horsepower Kits" boosted the base engine to 345 hp and the turbo to 450 hp. Standard audio system exchanged its cassette player for a single-disc in-dash CD player. Arriving late in the year was the GT3, a $99,900 rear-drive model with a 380 hp nonturbo engine.
2004 Porsche 911:
Porsche's trademark sports car offered an expanded model lineup for 2004. New were the 40th Anniversary Carrera coupe, a Cabriolet version of the Turbo, and a new model called the GT3. The 40th Anniversary model has unique interior and exterior styling, upgraded suspension and 345 horsepower. The GT3 sports 380 horsepower, a lightened body, and special aerodynamics. The GT2 gained revised suspension tuning and 21 horsepower, now 477.
2005 Porsche 911:
The 911 lineup for 2005 blended redesigned rear-wheel-drive models with carryover all-wheel-drive models. All had a rear-mounted, horizontally opposed 6-cyl engine. The redesigned 2005 models were available as coupes and convertible Cabriolets. Compared to the carryover models, the redesigned coupe and convertible had subtly altered styling and dimensions and a revamped interior. The redesigned Carreras introduced additional side airbags that deployed from the windowsills for head protection.
2006 Porsche 911:
The midyear return of a turbocharged model made news for Porsche's flagship sports car lineup. Turbos were launched as 2007 models and were AWD coupes.
2007 Porsche 911:
Porsche's flagship car revived glass-roof Targa coupes for 2007. The new Targa 4 and 4S were AWD coupes with a 4.8-sq-ft power-sliding roof panel made of translucent glass.
2008 Porsche 911:
The 2008 Porsche 911 added a turbocharged convertible model to its roster but was otherwise unchanged.
Our road test for the 1999-2008 Porsche 911 includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1999-2008 Porsche 911 and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1999-2008 Porsche 911 is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
Simply put, the 911 is a high-performance sports car of the first rank. Not only are 911s tops in handling, but they're mighty quick--and smooth. Porsche claimed a 0-60 mph acceleration time of 4.2 seconds for the Turbo. Standard Carrera models also produce plenty of excitement, roaring off the line strongly and smoothly, reaching 60 mph in 5.6 seconds. A very firm ride is part of the 911 package, but steering is confident and communicative--though the nose of one test Carrera convertible wandered a bit during hard acceleration and in crosswinds. We averaged 20.8 mpg with a Carrera convertible, versus 17.2 mpg in a Carrera coupe, both with manual shift. Engine and tire noise intrude on normal conversation at higher speeds, but that's true of most cars in this league. Controls and gauges might seem logical to ardent Porsche fans, but anyone unfamiliar with the 911 is likely to find them unusual at first--including ignition-key position and the big tachometer that sits directly ahead of the driver. Interiors are roomy for two, but front seatbacks are too narrow for some occupants. Entering and exiting the front seat takes some squirming, but isn't as difficult as some sports cars. Don't even think about the back seat, which is suitable for small children at best. Cargo space also is minimal, and the convertible's plastic back window (until 2002) was inexcusable at this car's price.
Value for the Money
A 911 is relatively practical for a high-performance sports car, though BMW's Z3-based M roadster and coupe, and the Porsche Boxster, deliver similar thrills for fewer dollars. Not for everyone, the 911 produces a unique high-performance driving experience. Sure, you pay plenty for the privilege, but iconic status makes any 911 a virtual no-lose long-term investment. Because resale values are exceptionally high, prices are lofty on the used-car market.
A 911 is relatively practical for a high-performance sports car, though BMW's Z3-based M roadster and coupe, and the Porsche Boxster, deliver similar thrills for fewer dollars. Not for everyone, the 911 produces a unique high-performance driving experience. Sure, you pay plenty for the privilege, but iconic status makes any 911 a virtual no-lose long-term investment. Because resale values are exceptionally high, prices are lofty on the used-car market.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Porsche 911 Carrera coupe Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 8 | |
| Fuel Economy | 4 | |
| Ride Quality | 3 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 10 | |
| Quietness | 3 | |
| Controls/Materials | 3 | |
| Interior Room | 4 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 1 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 2 | |
| Value within Class | 2 | |
| Total Score: | 40 |
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer
Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering
and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room,
Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle
rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the
ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Porsche 911 includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Porsche 911 .
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search
for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested
solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer,
however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Convertible top:
The convertible top may not close due to a problem with one of the microswitches in the lift mechanism. (1999-2000)
Doors:
The door may not open from the inside because the cable between the handle and release breaks. (1999-2000)
Engine misfire:
The pressure hose between the turbo and intercooler can come loose, causing significant loss of power. (2001)
Fuel gauge:
Erroneous fuel-gauge readings and/or problems during refueling may be due to the rubber fuel line inside the tank interfering with the sending unit or filler neck flap. (1999)
Spark plugs:
Fouled spark plugs cause hard starting or no-starts, requiring plugs with a hotter heat range. (2001)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The
dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the
typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement
costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership
to be slightly higher.
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $655 |
| Alternator | $400 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $0 |
| Brakes | $1,425 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $750 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $1,670 |
| Exhaust System | $1,065 |
| Radiator | $705 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $2,495 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $655 |
Our price chart for this generation Porsche 911 details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
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| 2008 | |||
| 911 Carrera S/4S conv. | $82,000-87,000 | $77,900-82,700 | $63,100-67,000 |
| 911 Carrera S/4S coupe | $75,000-82,000 | $71,300-77,900 | $57,000-62,300 |
| 911 Carrera conv. | $77,000-80,000 | $73,200-76,000 | $58,500-60,800 |
| 911 Carrera coupe | $70,000-74,000 | $66,500-70,300 | $53,200-56,200 |
| 911 GT3 | $94,000-98,000 | $89,300-93,100 | $73,300-76,400 |
| Carrera Turbo | $110,000-117,000 | $104,500-111,200 | $85,800-91,300 |
| Carrera Turbo conv. | $118,000-127,000 | $112,100-120,700 | $92,000-99,100 |
| 2007 | |||
| 911 Carrera S/4S conv. | $73,000-77,000 | $69,400-73,200 | $55,500-58,500 |
| 911 Carrera S/4S coupe | $68,500-74,500 | $65,100-70,800 | $52,100-56,600 |
| 911 Carrera conv. | $71,000-74,500 | $67,500-70,800 | $54,000-56,600 |
| 911 Carrera coupe | $63,500-67,000 | $60,300-63,700 | $47,600-50,300 |
| 911 GT3 | $84,000-87,000 | $79,800-82,700 | $64,700-67,000 |
| Carrera Turbo | $100,000-105,000 | $95,000-99,800 | $78,000-81,900 |
| 2006 | |||
| 911 Carrera S/4S conv. | $66,000-71,000 | $62,700-67,500 | $50,200-54,000 |
| 911 Carrera S/4S coupe | $61,000-66,000 | $58,000-62,700 | $45,800-49,500 |
| 911 Carrera conv. | $61,000-64,000 | $58,000-60,800 | $45,800-48,000 |
| 911 Carrera coupe | $55,500-58,500 | $52,700-55,600 | $41,600-43,900 |
| 911 GT3 | $75,000-80,000 | $71,300-76,000 | $57,000-60,800 |
| Carrera Turbo | $90,000-97,000 | $85,500-92,200 | $69,300-74,700 |
| 2005 | |||
| 911 Carrera S/4S conv. | $57,000-60,000 | $54,200-57,000 | $42,800-45,000 |
| 911 Carrera S/4S coupe | $53,000-55,500 | $49,800-52,200 | $39,800-41,600 |
| 911 Carrera conv. | $52,000-55,000 | $48,900-51,700 | $39,000-41,300 |
| 911 Carrera coupe | $47,500-50,000 | $44,700-47,000 | $35,200-37,000 |
| 911 GT2 | $120,000-127,000 | $114,000-120,700 | $93,600-99,100 |
| 911 GT3 | $66,000-70,000 | $62,700-66,500 | $50,200-53,200 |
| 911 Turbo S coupe | $73,000-77,000 | $69,400-73,200 | $55,500-58,500 |
| 911 Turbo conv. | $77,000-83,000 | $73,200-78,900 | $58,500-63,100 |
| 2004 | |||
| 911 Carrera 4 conv. | $48,500-51,000 | $45,600-47,900 | $35,900-37,700 |
| 911 Carrera 4 coupe | $46,500-49,000 | $43,700-46,100 | $34,400-36,300 |
| 911 Carrera conv. | $44,000-46,500 | $41,400-43,700 | $32,100-33,900 |
| 911 Carrera coupe | $39,500-42,000 | $36,700-39,100 | $28,400-30,200 |
| 911 GT2 | $110,000-117,000 | $104,500-111,200 | $85,800-91,300 |
| 911 GT3 | $60,000-63,000 | $57,000-59,900 | $45,000-47,300 |
| 911 Turbo conv. | $67,000-71,000 | $63,700-67,500 | $50,900-54,000 |
| 911 Turbo coupe | $62,000-65,000 | $58,900-61,800 | $46,500-48,800 |
| 2003 | |||
| 911 Carrera 4 conv. | $39,500-41,500 | $36,700-38,600 | $28,400-29,900 |
| 911 Carrera 4 coupe | $37,500-39,500 | $34,900-36,700 | $26,600-28,000 |
| 911 Carrera conv. | $36,000-38,500 | $33,500-35,800 | $25,600-27,300 |
| 911 Carrera coupe | $32,000-34,000 | $29,800-31,600 | $22,400-23,800 |
| 911 GT2 | $100,000-105,000 | $95,000-99,800 | $78,000-81,900 |
| 911 GT3 | $55,000-58,000 | $51,700-54,500 | $41,300-43,500 |
| 911 Turbo | $52,000-55,000 | $48,900-51,700 | $39,000-41,300 |
| 2002 | |||
| 911 Carrera 4 conv. | $33,500-35,500 | $31,200-33,000 | $23,800-25,200 |
| 911 Carrera 4 coupe | $32,500-34,500 | $30,200-32,100 | $22,800-24,200 |
| 911 Carrera conv. | $31,500-33,500 | $29,300-31,200 | $22,100-23,500 |
| 911 Carrera coupe | $28,500-31,000 | $26,500-28,800 | $19,400-21,100 |
| 911 GT2 | $90,000-95,000 | $85,500-90,300 | $69,300-73,200 |
| 911 Turbo | $45,000-47,500 | $42,300-44,700 | $32,900-34,700 |
| 2001 | |||
| 911 Carrera 4 conv. | $31,000-33,000 | $28,800-30,700 | $21,700-23,100 |
| 911 Carrera 4 coupe | $28,500-30,000 | $26,500-27,900 | $19,400-20,400 |
| 911 Carrera conv. | $29,000-30,500 | $27,000-28,400 | $20,000-21,000 |
| 911 Carrera coupe | $26,500-28,000 | $24,600-26,000 | $17,500-18,500 |
| 911 Turbo | $41,000-43,000 | $38,500-40,400 | $29,500-31,000 |
| 2000 | |||
| 911 Carrera 4 conv. | $28,500-30,500 | $26,500-28,400 | $19,400-20,700 |
| 911 Carrera 4 coupe | $26,500-28,000 | $24,600-26,000 | $17,500-18,500 |
| 911 Carrera conv. | $27,500-29,000 | $25,600-27,000 | $18,400-19,400 |
| 911 Carrera coupe | $24,700-26,200 | $23,000-24,400 | $16,300-17,300 |
| 1999 | |||
| 911 Carrera 4 conv. | $26,000-27,700 | $24,200-25,800 | $17,200-18,300 |
| 911 Carrera 4 coupe | $24,000-25,500 | $22,300-23,700 | $15,600-16,600 |
| 911 Carrera conv. | $24,500-26,000 | $22,800-24,200 | $15,900-16,900 |
| 911 Carrera coupe | $23,000-24,500 | $21,200-22,500 | $15,000-15,900 |
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This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings;
engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or
abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations
reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car
lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical
amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo,
etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep
in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from
region to region.
Specs for this generation Porsche 911 include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 2-door convertible | 2-door coupe |
| Wheelbase, in. | 92.6 | 92.6 |
| Overall Length, in. | 174.5 | 174.5 |
| Overall Width, in. | 69.5 | 69.5 |
| Overall Height, in. | 51.4 | 51.4 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3075 | 2910 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 11.7 | 11.7 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 16.9 | 16.9 |
| Seating Capacity | 4 | 4 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 38.0 | 38.0 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 41.6 | 41.6 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | Na | -- |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | -- | -- |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
Until 2001, the 911 came with a 3.4-liter horizontally opposed 6-cylinder engine that developed 296 or 300 horsepower. Turbo models got a 3.6-liter, rated at 415 hp. In 2002, the base engine grew to 3.6 liters and 320 hp, and the new GT2 got a 456-hp version. A 6-speed manual transmission was standard, with 5-speed automatic optional on regular 911s--and starting in 2001, also on the Turbo. For '03 Porsche offered optional "Horsepower Kits" that boosted the base engine to 345 hp and the turbo to 450 hp. Turbos retun in the middle of 2006 as '07s with 480 horsepower.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| dohc H6 | 3.6 / 219 | 380 | 284 | 6-speed manual: 15/23 | 6-speed manual: -- |
| dohc H6 | 3.6 / 219 | 315-320 | 273 | 6-speed manual: 18/26 5-speed automatic: 18/26 |
6-speed manual: -- 5-speed automatic: -- |
| Turbocharged dohc H6 | 3.6 / 220 | 456-480 | 457 | 6-speed manual: 15/22 | 6-speed manual: -- |
| dohc H6 | 3.4 / 207 | 296-300 | 258 | 6-speed manual: 17/25 5-speed automatic: 16/25 |
6-speed manual: -- 5-speed automatic: -- |
| Turbocharged dohc H6 | 3.6 / 220 | 415 | 413-415 | 6-speed manual: 15/22 5-speed automatic: 15/22 |
6-speed manual: -- 5-speed automatic: -- |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
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Built In: Germany
Drive Wheels: longitudinal rear-engine/rear- or all-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Porsche 911 include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
Vehicle crash test information not available at this time.The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 1999-2008 Porsche 911 directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
1999-00:
Incorrect programming of the electronic logic unit can cause incorrect fuel level. The vehicle could run out of fuel and lose power.
2001:
The clutch-pressure line could leak in the area of its connection with the clutch cylinder, reducing clutch and steering power assistance.
2001:
The fuel-supply line could leak due to chaffing with the intake manifold.
2003 Carrera/GT2/Targa/Turbo:
The front seat backs on certain vehicles may not meet strength standards, making them dangerous in a crash. Dealers will inspect and replace affected parts.
2008 911 GT3:
The switch console for the Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) and traction control (TROFF) switches was installed inappropriately, and can cause an inadvertent change in suspension settings or deactivation of the traction control, even though the switches haven't been actuated. Dealers will replace the switch console.
2008 GT3 RS:
The switch console for the Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) and traction control (TROFF) switches was installed inappropriately, and can cause an inadvertent change in suspension settings or deactivation of the traction control, even though the switches haven't been actuated. Dealers will replace the switch console.
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