2002 Porsche 911: Road Test
Archived Review
2002 Porsche 911 ▼
Select a Trim ▼
- MSRP: $67,900 -$179,900
- Invoice: $58,574 -$169,641
Features & Specifications
Compare Vehicle
Previous Year's Reviews
View Another Vehicle
Our road test for the 2002 Porsche 911 includes a full evaluation of the 2002 Porsche 911 from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2002 Porsche 911, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2002 Porsche 911 help you decide if a 2002 Porsche 911 is right for you.
Advertisement
ACCELERATION
| Targa, man. | Cabriolet conv, man. | 4S, man. | Turbo cpe, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 10 | 7.8 |
Impressive for every model, with thrilling passing and merging response. Nonturbo versions do 0-60 mph in about 5.0 sec with manual transmission, about 5.5 with automatic. Porsche says Turbo and GT2 go 0-60 in about 4.1 sec. The precise and inviting-to-use manual transmission is more sports-car faithful than the automatic, but Tiptronic provides crisp shifts and is most always in the right gear. It's ordered on about 33 percent of Turbo models and 25 percent of other 911s.
FUEL ECONOMY
| Targa, man. | Cabriolet conv, man. | 4S, man. | Turbo cpe, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 3 | 4.6 |
No opportunity to measure with 2002 versions, but based on previous 911 tests, expect nonturbo models to average 17-21 mpg, and turbo versions around 14 mpg. All 911s require premium fuel.
RIDE QUALITY
| Targa, man. | Cabriolet conv, man. | 4S, man. | Turbo cpe, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 4 |
Extremely firm, verging on harsh if the pavement is at all flawed. Blame low-profile, high-speed tires, taut suspension, and short wheelbase. Test Carrera 2 Cabrio exhibited slight nose bobbing on uneven surfaces.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| Targa, man. | Cabriolet conv, man. | 4S, man. | Turbo cpe, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 8.3 |
Balanced, confident, grippy, and stable despite aft weight bias of rear-engine layout. AWD imparts an additional measure of security. Quick communicative steering, but test Carrera 2 Cabrio felt a bit wayward in hard takeoffs and strong crosswinds. Strong, progressive braking inspires enormous confidence.
QUIETNESS
| Targa, man. | Cabriolet conv, man. | 4S, man. | Turbo cpe, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 3.6 |
Lots of engine and tire noise on the highway, but no more than most high-performance sports cars. And Porsche's unique engine sound is music to the ear. Cabrio's power soft top seals well, but allows more wind rush than the coupe's solid roof. Fully opened, Targa's large roof opening produces no more wind rush than standard sunroof.
CONTROLS
| Targa, man. | Cabriolet conv, man. | 4S, man. | Turbo cpe, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 5.3 |
Clear, well-placed gauges, but some controls cryptically marked, haphazardly arrayed. Overly complex navigation system frustrates, and Porsche charges extra for a CD player. Newly upgraded cabin trim is welcome, but some molded plastic doesn't impress at these towering prices. Fixed cupholder replaces a flimsy clip-on for '02, but it isn't as substantial as it should be.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| Targa, man. | Cabriolet conv, man. | 4S, man. | Turbo cpe, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 5.1 |
Low-slung cockpit taxes entry/exit, but there's good room once aboard. Seats hug without binding and are long-haul supportive. Good basic driving position, but telescopic steering wheel should tilt too. Outward visibility reasonable, all things considered, and convertible's new glass rear window is a welcome upgrade. Exception is the murky view aft when Targa's tinted roof panel slides back along rear window.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| Targa, man. | Cabriolet conv, man. | 4S, man. | Turbo cpe, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | .6 |
Toddler-sized seat has split fold backrests and is best used as a padded parcel hold.
CARGO ROOM
| Targa, man. | Cabriolet conv, man. | 4S, man. | Turbo cpe, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2.1 |
Not much. A weekend's soft luggage fits in back, but the front compartment takes only a couple of gym bags. Interior storage modest despite the addition of an in-dash glovebox.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| Targa, man. | Cabriolet conv, man. | 4S, man. | Turbo cpe, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 5 | 5 | 3 | 4.2 |
The convertible's overdue glass rear window is an example of how the latest 911s address several minor shortcomings. But these are cars desirable for their unique driving experience, with prestige, build quality, and proven reliability added attractions. You'll pay plenty, but iconic status makes any 911 a virtual no-lose long-term investment.
Total Score
| Targa, man. | Cabriolet conv, man. | 4S, man. | Turbo cpe, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 42 | 42 | 44 | 41 | 45.6 |
Total Score: 42
Scores for all Premium Sporty/performance Cars
Car Buying Resources
Search
Local Listings
Vehicle
History Report
FREE CARFAX Record Check
Looking at a used car, check for costly hidden problems before
you buy.
