2003 Porsche Boxster: Road Test
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2003 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 2003 Porsche Boxster includes a full evaluation of the 2003 Porsche Boxster from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2003 Porsche Boxster, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2003 Porsche Boxster help you decide if a 2003 Porsche Boxster is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| Base w/18-inch wheels, man. | S w/18-inch wheels, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 8 | 7.7 |
Porsche says this year's added power cuts 0-60-mph times only fractionally for both Boxsters, to about 6.4 sec for base version, 5.7 for S; we got 6.0 sec on test S. In any circumstance, both deliver smooth, ready power. Tiptronic responsive enough, but we prefer the manuals.
FUEL ECONOMY
| Base w/18-inch wheels, man. | S w/18-inch wheels, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 4.8 |
Test manual-transmission base model averaged 23.3 mpg. Test S averaged 17.2. Both require premium fuel.
RIDE QUALITY
| Base w/18-inch wheels, man. | S w/18-inch wheels, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 2 | 4.1 |
Buttoned-down sports-car suspension is quite stiff. And all '03 models made available for test so far were equipped with optional 18-inch wheels. They trigger lots of thumpy jiggle over tar strips and patches. Expect much the same of the 17s. The 16s are more forgiving. Some testers feel Boxster has more-than-anticipated body flex on uneven surfaces; others say rigidity is fine, but noted squeaks from door and window seals in test examples.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| Base w/18-inch wheels, man. | S w/18-inch wheels, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 10 | 10 | 8.6 |
Entertaining and athletic, as expected of Porsches, with grippy stability, little body lean. Available antiskid/traction system enhances safety on slippery roads.
QUIETNESS
| Base w/18-inch wheels, man. | S w/18-inch wheels, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 2 | 4 |
Top-down wind rush not objectionable, and race-car-engine note delights. Top up, engine behind seats, copious tire roar, and moderately insulated roof make for a noisy cockpit.
CONTROLS
| Base w/18-inch wheels, man. | S w/18-inch wheels, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 6 |
Tachometer appropriately dead-ahead, but smaller, flanking speedometer marked in broad 25-mph increments and its supplemental digital readout is illegible in sun's glare. Climate controls now above radio, no longer blocked by gear lever. Glovebox locking, lighted, and overdue. Cabin decor sophisticated enough with solid materials, careful assembly.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| Base w/18-inch wheels, man. | S w/18-inch wheels, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 5.4 |
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 rear window.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| Base w/18-inch wheels, man. | S w/18-inch wheels, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | 0 | .7 |
(No rear seating.)
CARGO ROOM
| Base w/18-inch wheels, man. | S w/18-inch wheels, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 2 | 2.2 |
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 w/18-inch wheels, man. | S w/18-inch wheels, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 4.6 |
Though more backroads-stormer than comfortable long-distance tourer, the Boxster is a highly capable yet fairly practical sports car. Even base models easily nudge $50,000 when popularly equipped, but this is still the most affordable way to live the "Porsche experience."
Total Score
| Base w/18-inch wheels, man. | S w/18-inch wheels, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 43 | 44 | 48.1 |
Total Score: 44
Scores for all Premium Sporty/performance Cars
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