2002 Porsche Boxster: Road Test
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2002 Porsche Boxster ▼
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- MSRP: $42,600 -$51,600
- Invoice: $37,121 -$45,001
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Our road test for the 2002 Porsche Boxster includes a full evaluation of the 2002 Porsche Boxster from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2002 Porsche Boxster, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2002 Porsche Boxster help you decide if a 2002 Porsche Boxster is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| Base, auto. | S, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 8 | 7.8 |
With manual transmission, base Boxster claims 0-60 mph in 6.6 sec, the S in 5.9, Porsche numbers that jibe with our experience. Alert, fairly smooth automatic claimed to add less than 1 sec. Manual shift action clean, positive.
FUEL ECONOMY
| Base, auto. | S, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 4.6 |
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 | 4 |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| 10 | 10 | 8.3 |
Entertaining and athletic, as expected of Porsches, with grippy stability, little body lean. Available 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 | 5.3 |
Legible gauges look motorcycle-inspired, but audio and climate controls aren't that easy to master. Throwback floor-hinged gas pedal and absence of glovebox also annoy.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| Base, auto. | S, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 5.1 |
Low-slung cockpit decently roomy for 6-footers, and seats hug supportively. Entry/exit demands limberness with top down or up. Top-up rear visibility limited by smallish plastic rear window.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| Base, auto. | S, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | 0 | .6 |
(No rear seating.)
CARGO ROOM
| Base, auto. | S, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 2 | 2.1 |
Front and rear compartments 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 | 4.2 |
Though more backroads-stormer than comfortable long-distance tourer, the Boxster is a very capable yet fairly practical sports car. It's also the most-affordable way to live the "Porsche experience." But watch the options, which can fast elevate sticker prices.
Total Score
| Base, auto. | S, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 40 | 41 | 45.6 |
Total Score: 41
Scores for all Premium Sporty/performance Cars
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