2001 Porsche Boxster: Road Test
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2001 Porsche Boxster ▼
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- MSRP: $42,100 -$50,200
- Invoice: $36,860 -$43,959
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Our road test for the 2001 Porsche Boxster includes a full evaluation of the 2001 Porsche Boxster from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2001 Porsche Boxster, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2001 Porsche Boxster help you decide if a 2001 Porsche Boxster is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| Base, auto. | S, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 8 | 7.7 |
Porsche says the base version does 0-60 mph in 6.4 sec, the S in 5.7--believable numbers from our Boxster experience on road and track. Manual transmission is clean and positive, the automatic is alert and fairly smooth.
FUEL ECONOMY
| Base, auto. | S, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 4.7 |
Our experience suggests the base model should average 22 mpg overall with manual, the S maybe 2-3 mpg less. Boxster encourages hard charging, though, so your average may vary.
RIDE QUALITY
| Base, auto. | S, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 2 | 3.5 |
Stiff even for sports cars, with lots of tiring thumpy jiggle over tar strips and patches.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| Base, auto. | S, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | 10 | 7.8 |
Entertaining and athletic, as expected of Porsches, with grippy stability, little body lean. Newly optional antiskid/traction system enhances safety on slippery roads.
QUIETNESS
| Base, auto. | S, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | 3.6 |
High noise levels from all sources are just as long-haul wearing as the stiff ride, but race-car engine sounds should delight enthusiasts.
CONTROLS
| Base, auto. | S, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 5.2 |
Legible gauges look motorcycle-inspired, but audio and climate controls aren't that easy to master. Throwback floor-hinged gas pedal and no glovebox also annoy.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| Base, auto. | S, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 5 |
Low-slung cockpit decently roomy for 6-footers, and seats hug supportively. Entry/exit demands limberness whether top is up or down. Top-up rear visibility limited by smallish plastic rear window.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| Base, auto. | S, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | 0 | .7 |
(No rear seating.)
CARGO ROOM
| Base, auto. | S, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 2 | 2.1 |
Boxster has front and rear compartments that hold a fair bit of stuff for a 2-seater. Note that there's no topside engine access other than three "service ports" in the rear trunk.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| Base, auto. | S, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 4 |
The base Boxster bridges high-revving single-mindedness of the Honda S2000 and the more flexible character of the BMW Z3. Boxster S has skyrocket performance and a price to match. The BMW might be easiest to live with, but most any sports car lover would covet a Boxster.
Total Score
| Base, auto. | S, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 38 | 41 | 44.3 |
Total Score: 40
Scores for all Premium Sporty/performance Cars
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