2008 Porsche Boxster Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

The 2008 Porsche Boxster is largely unchanged. These two-seat mid-engine convertibles share their basic designs with Porsche's Cayman hatchback coupe. Like the Cayman, Boxster has front and rear cargo compartments and horizontally opposed 6-cylinder engines. Boxster has a power folding soft top. Base and S trim levels are available. Base models have 245 hp from their 2.7-liter 6-cylinder, and S versions have 295 hp from their 3.4-liter engine. Manual or automatic transmission is offered. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, and side airbags that protect the head and torso. Options include a navigation system and Porsche's Sport Chrono Package with a dashboard stopwatch and sensors 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. Newly available are base and S Limited Edition models, which have specific interior and exterior trim.

Competition

Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 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 four-seat coupes rule the roost in this class.

Our Best Buys are the BMW Z4 and Chevrolet Corvette. Our Recommended picks are the Jaguar XK Series, Porsche Boxster, and Porsche Cayman.

New or significantly redesigned models include the Audi A5, Audi R8, and Audi TT.

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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

Base, manual	S, manual	S, automatic	Class Average
56	54	51	56.5

Scores for all Premium Sporty/performance Cars

Low Score		39
Average Score		56
High Score		65

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2008 Porsche Boxster Prices & Equipment

Model Prices

Prices Updated: 03/13/2008

Trim Name	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge

Base 2-door convertible	$45,800	$39,923	$860

Base Limited Edition 2-door convertible	$49,900	$43,512	$860

S 2-door convertible	$55,700	$48,590	$860

S Limited Edition 2-door convertible	$59,900	$52,267	$860

RS 60 Spyder 2-door convertible	$64,900	$55,970	$860

Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.

NA = price note available, NC = no charge.

Rebates and Incentives

There are no rebates or incentives at this time.

Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.

Standard Equipment

Base

Powertrain

2.7-liter 6-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual transmission, traction control.

Safety

Dual front airbags, side airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, antiskid system, tire-pressure monitor, roll bars.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Air conditioning, tilt/telescopic leather-wrapped steering wheel, cruise control, leather/vinyl upholstery, bucket seats w/power recliners, center console, heated power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, power convertible top, AM/FM/CD player, tachometer, trip computer, illuminated visor mirrors, universal garage door opener, variable-intermittent wipers w/heated washer nozzles, rear defogger.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Theft-deterrent system, rear spoiler, 205/55ZR17 front tires, 235/50ZR17 rear tires, alloy wheels.

Base Limited Edition adds to Base:

Comfort and Convenience Features

Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel, unique interior and exterior trim.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

235/40ZR18 front tires, 265/40ZR18 rear tires.

S adds to Base:

Powertrain

3.4-liter 295-horsepower 6-cylinder engine, 6-speed manual transmission.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Upgraded sound system.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

235/40ZR18 front tires, 265/40ZR18 rear tires.

S Limited Edition adds to S:

Comfort and Convenience Features

Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel, unique interior and exterior trim.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

235/35ZR19 front tires, 265/35ZR19 rear tires.

RS 60 Spyder adds to S Limited Edition:

Powertrain

3.4-liter 303-horsepower 6-cylinder engine.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Lowered suspension w/Porsche Active Suspension Management.

Optional Equipment

Major Packages	Retail Price	Invoice Price
Preferred Pkg.
Base	$1,990	$1,692
S	$2,190	$1,862
Heated seats, upgraded sound system (Base), Bose sound system (S), rain-sensing wipers, automatic day/night outside and rearview mirrors, floormats, wheel caps.

Preferred Pkg. w/Tiptronic
Base	$4,890	$4,157
S	$4,995	$4,246
Preferred Pkg. plus 5-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability.

Preferred Plus Pkg.
S	$4,995	$4,246
Preferred Pkg. plus power seats, CD changer, bi-xenon headlights.

Preferred Plus Pkg. w/Tiptronic
S	$7,995	$6,796
Preferred Plus Pkg. plus 5-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability.

Sport Pkg.
Base	$2,680	$2,278
6-speed manual transmission, Porsche Active Suspension Management.

Sport Chrono Pkg.
Base, Base Limited Edition, RS 60 Spyder, S, S Limited Edition	$960	$816
Analog/digital chronometer; controls for modification of throttle, suspension, traction control, and antiskid system. Base, Base Limited Edition, S, S Limited Edition require Porsche Active Suspension Management.

Powertrain
5-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability
Base, Base Limited Edition, RS 60 Spyder, S, S Limited Edition	$3,210	$2,729


Safety
Ceramic composite brakes
S, RS 60	$8,150	$6,928


Rear-obstacle-detection system
Base, S, RS 60	$530	$451


Comfort and Convenience Features
Navigation system
Base, Base Limited Edition, RS 60 Spyder, S, S Limited Edition	$3,110	$2,644


Automatic climate control
Base, Base Limited Edition, RS 60 Spyder, S, S Limited Edition	$550	$468


6-disc CD changer
Base, S, RS 60	$650	$553


Bose sound system
Base, Base Limited Edition	$1,665	$1,415
S, S Limited Edition, RS 60	$950	$808


Power Seat Pkg.
Base, S	$1,550	$1,318
Power seats w/driver-seat memory, lumbar adjustment.

Adaptive sport seats
Base, S, RS 60	$3,055	$2,291
Power adjustment, memory system (driver seat, mirrors), driver-seat lumbar adjustment, adjustable side bolsters.

Heated seats
Base, Base Limited Edition, RS 60 Spyder, S, S Limited Edition	$500	$425


Full leather upholstery
Base, S	$2,095	$1,781


Automatic day/night rearview and driver-side mirrors
Base, S, RS 60	$690	$587
Includes rain-sensing wipers.

Windblocker
Base, Base Limited Edition, RS 60 Spyder, S, S Limited Edition	$375	$319


Floormats
Base, Base Limited Edition, S, S Limited Edition	$90	$77
NA RS 60.

Appearance and Miscellaneous
Removable hardtop
Base, S, RS 60	$2,345	$1,993


Bi-xenon headlights
Base, Base Limited Edition, RS 60 Spyder, S, S Limited Edition	$1,090	$927
Includes headlight washers.

Special paint
Base, S	$690	$587


Porsche Active Suspension Management
Base, S	$1,990	$1,692


18-inch alloy wheels
Base	$1,235	$1,050
Includes 235/40ZR18 front tires, 265/40ZR18 rear tires.

19-inch wheels
Base	$3,175	$2,699
S	$1,940	$1,649
Includes 235/35ZR19 front tires, 295/30ZR19 rear tires.

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2008 Porsche Boxster Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	Porsche Boxster 2-door convertible

Wheelbase, in.	95.1

Overall Length, in.	171.6

Overall Width, in.	70.9

Overall Height, in.	50.9

Curb Weight, lbs.	2877

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	9.9

Standard Payload, lbs.	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	16.9

Seating Capacity	2

Front Head Room, in.	38.4

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	41.6

Rear Head Room, in.	--

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	--

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Engines

	dohc H6	dohc H6

Size, liters/cu. in.	2.7 /164	3.4 /207

Horsepower @ rpm.	245 @ 6400	295 @ 6250

Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm.	201 @ 4600	251 @ 4400

Availability	Standard	Standard

EPA City / highway mpg

5-speed manual	20/29	--/--

6-speed manual	19/28	18/26

5-speed automatic	19/26	18/25

Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Safety Features

Antilock Brakes

Traction Control

Antiskid System

Front Side Airbags

Curtain Side Airbags

Rear Side Airbags

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test

Porsche Boxster 2-door convertible

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.

Manufacturer's Warranty

Class	Years/Miles	Comments

Powertrain	None/--	--

Bumper-to-bumper	4/50,000	--

Corrosion	10/unlimited	--

Free roadside assistance	4/50,000	--

Free scheduled maintenance	None/--	--

Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive. There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for 2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.

Built in: Finland

Drivewheels: rear-wheel drive

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Also in the 2008 Porsche Boxster Review:

Porsche Boxster

Porsche Boxster Road Test

Porsche Boxster Prices & Equipment

Porsche Boxster Specs & Safety

Porsche Boxster Photos