2008 Porsche Boxster Road Test - Consumer Guide Automotive

Our road test for the 2008 Porsche Boxster includes a full evaluation of the 2008 Porsche Boxster from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2008 Porsche Boxster, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2008 Porsche Boxster help you decide if a 2008 Porsche Boxster is right for you.

2008 Porsche Boxster Road Test

Pros	Cons

Acceleration	Engine noise

Handling	Ride (w/19-inch tires)

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Acceleration

Base, manual	S, manual	S, automatic	Class Average
8	9	8	8.1

Any Boxster has smooth, ready power for any situation. S versions are particularly strong as engine speed rises. Manual-transmission models have smooth, easy shifter and clutch action. The automatic is responsive, and its manual shift gate works better than most rival systems, but it's still not the ideal choice for this sports car.

Fuel Economy

Base, manual	S, manual	S, automatic	Class Average
6	5	4	4.2

No opportunity to measure a Boxster. Similar manual-transmission Caymans averaged 22.9 mpg in base form and 20.5-22.8 in S guise. All require premium-grade gas.

Ride Quality

Base, manual	S, manual	S, automatic	Class Average
3	2	2	4.4

Firm and controlled, with tire choice being a big factor in determining overall comfort. No base models with 17-inch tires have been made available for testing. With the 18s, Boxster traverses bumps, cracks, and patchy pavement with little undue harshness. S model with 19s are uncomfortably choppy on most any road. Uneven surfaces induce more structural shimmy in Boxster than in Audi or BMW rivals, but body flex is never compromising.

Steering/Handling/Braking

Base, manual	S, manual	S, automatic	Class Average
10	10	10	8.7

Invigorating. Steering feel is natural, communicative, and responsive. Boxster is rock-steady on straightaways and agile and balanced in corners. Grip is tenacious in turns, and the brakes provide outstanding stopping control.

Quietness

Base, manual	S, manual	S, automatic	Class Average
3	3	3	4.2

Engine's location behind the seats means more mechanical ruckus than in front-engine designs. But Boxster's race-car engine note delights. Road noise is well-managed considering this car's wide, low-profile tires. Top up or down, Boxster is reasonably well-isolated.

Controls

Base, manual	S, manual	S, automatic	Class Average
5	5	5	5.6

Racy design puts the tachometer appropriately dead-ahead on the instrument panel. It houses digital road-speed readout to supplement the analog speedometer. The control layout is logical, but the audio and climate systems are governed by too many undersized, look-alike buttons. We've not tested a Boxster with the optional navigation system.

Details

Base, manual	S, manual	S, automatic	Class Average
7	7	7	6.9

Boxster's rich-feeling, carefully assembled cabin materials enhance a sophisticated ambiance. Porsche does charge extra for amenities some rivals include as standard, including full leather upholstery and power seats.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

Base, manual	S, manual	S, automatic	Class Average
4	4	4	5.8

The low-slung cockpit is roomy enough for six-footers. The seats are exceptionally supportive during aggressive cornering. Top-up visibility is severely limited to the corners and aft. Entry and exit demand some flexibility.

Room/Comfort (rear)

Base, manual	S, manual	S, automatic	Class Average
0	0	0	.7

(No rear seating.)

Cargo Room

Base, manual	S, manual	S, automatic	Class Average
2	2	2	2.6

Careful packing takes good advantage of the front and rear cargo bays for more luggage-carrying possibilities than in many two-seaters. No volume is lost when the roof is lowered. Note that Boxster does without a spare tire, supplying instead an emergency inflation kit. Cabin storage space is very limited, but there are clever cubbies hidden inside the door armrests.

Value within Class

Base, manual	S, manual	S, automatic	Class Average
8	7	6	5.3

Some less-expensive sports cars challenge Boxster on a fun-per-dollar basis, and some like-priced competitors deliver more outright power. Few, however, match this Recommended pick's range of strengths: road manners and mechanical sophistication to satisfy the most discriminating driver, a good dose of everyday usability, and the cachet of the Porsche name. Prices quickly escalate with options, so seek a modestly equipped model for best dollar value.

Total Score