Search Consumer Guide Auto and the Web
 

2005 Porsche Boxster
Date Published: 7/31/08

2005 Porsche Boxster
More Photos

MSRP:
$43,800 - 53,100

Invoice:
$38,172 - 46,314

Class:
Premium Sporty/performance Car
2005 Porsche Boxster
Expert Rating Summary
Category Base w/18-in. wheels, man. Rating (See All
Ratings)
Premium Sporty performance Car Average Rating
Acceleration 8 8.1
Fuel Economy 6 4.4
Ride Quality 3 4
Steering/Handling/Braking 10 8.6
Quietness 3 3.9
Controls 7 6.2
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front) 4 5.6
Room/Comfort (rear) 0 .4
Cargo Room 2 2
Value within Class 7 4.6
Total Score: 50 47.8
Ratings: Maximum 10 points per category
2005 PORSCHE BOXSTER BUYING RESOURCES
Trade-In Calculator
Sell Your Car
2005 Porsche Boxster Review
Porsche redesigned its least-expensive car for 2005, giving it more power, a new interior, and revised styling. Size and weight change only fractionally from the 1997-2004 version, and Boxster remains a 2-seat convertible with a mid-mounted, horizontally opposed 6-cyl engine. It returns in base and S models, both with a power soft top and heated glass rear window. The base retains a 2.7-liter engine, but has 240 hp vs. 228. The S reprises a 3.2-liter, but with 280 hp vs. 258. A 5-speed manual transmission is standard on the base model. A 6-speed manual is standard on the S, optional on the base. A 5-speed automatic with manual-shift capability via steering-wheel buttons is optional on both. ABS is standard, as is the previously optional antiskid/traction control. Base models trade standard 16-inch wheels for 17s and are available with the 18s standard on the S; 19s are optional on both. Front torso side airbags are included, as are head-protecting side airbags that deploy from the doors. Options include leather upholstery and a navigation system. An available Sport Chrono Package includes a dashboard stopwatch and controls that modify throttle, traction, and suspension systems to suit racetrack-type driving. Also optional is Porsche's Active Suspension Management with normal and sport settings. The S is available with ceramic composite brakes. This evaluation is based on preview test drives.
Competition
Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Offering more power and style than typical Sporty/Performance vehicles, Premium Sporty/Performance Cars usually cost much more and have more comfort and convenience equipment. Two-passenger convertibles and 4-seat coupes rule the roost in this class.

Our Best Buy is the Chevrolet Corvette. Our Recommended picks include the BMW Z4, Chrysler Crossfire, and Mercedes-Benz CLK.
News
The Boxster's update from "986" original to revised "987" should see little, if any, change for 2006. That's because Porsche's spotlight will be on the long-rumored coupe version. Dubbed Cayman (like that member of the alligator family), it's a hatchback with unique lower-body sheetmetal aft of the doors, plus more power and a much-revised suspension to exploit it. Cayman will eventually offer two models priced between the Boxster S and the least costly 911 Carrera. Both use a 3.4-liter 911 "flat" six, but tuned for 295 hp in the base model and 305 in the uplevel S so as not steal the 911's performance thunder. Transmission choices comprise 6-speed manual and a 5-speed automatic with Porsche's Tiptronic manual-shift gate. Expected later on is optional sequential manual gearbox called PDK.

With all this, Cayman promises to be more refined than Boxsters. More practical, too, with useful in-cabin luggage space that the roadster can't provide. Cayman should also have a leg up on performance, with the S claimed to do 0-60 mph in 5.1 sec and 170 mph flat out. Porsche says the S arrives in January at $58,900 to start. The base Cayman is expected by next summer. Keep checking back with us for late-breaking news.
Car Buying Resources

Trade-In Calculator

Research how much your car is truly worth

Trade-In Calculator



Used Cars

Search online classifieds and find a local dealer
Search Local Listings

Vehicle History Report

Get a CARFAX Vehicle History... the first step to protecting yourself from costly hidden problems.



What's Under the Hood?

Learn about how cars work.

Learn things



Insurance

We're dedicated to making insurance easier.

Get Insurance



Sell Your Car

Reach over 8 million buyers
Sell Your Car


    Sell Your Car
Powered by: