Average Ratings from 10 reviews
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GermanCarFanMA writes:
2002 Porsche Boxster Base Review
ProsHelps the driver seem more skilled than they probably are; unbeatable top-down driving experience through New England on a nice day; accommodates a surprising amount of stuff in the two trunks ConsPower is more-than-adequate, but not as powerful as the S; needs a 6th gear for more relaxed highway driving; two-seat roadster configuration limits how often I can use it 
155
Reasonably-priced, Top-down Fun — Like many of us, I had always wanted a Porsche. Like many of us, I had always wanted a convertible. Like many of us, I couldn't afford to spend a fortune on a car. This 2002 Porsche Boxster was my answer. As the least expensive model in the Porsche line-up, a low mileage 986/987 Boxster can be found for no more than a new family car. But it drives and handles and brings a huge grin to your face far more than any typical family car out there! There's a couple of things you should know: - The non-S version feels quick, but it isn't outright fast. Power is more-than-adequate 95% of the time. For comparison, it's much faster than a 328i, but a bit slower than a 335i. - Handling is just as good as the S version. In fact, this car makes you look like a much better driver than your really are. Mid-engine layout pays off big here. - You'll pay a lot less (both in purchase and in maintenance/repairs) for the non-S. Porsche repairs can be VERY expensive. - If you do a lot of highway cruising (not really the point of this car), you'll wish the non-S had the S's 6-speed. - This is NOT a family car. If you have kids or a spouse, you can only choose one passenger at a time. This can be limiting. - This is NOT a winter car. It's a great 2nd (if you are single) or 3rd (if you are married) car, but I store mine when the salt comes out. If you live where it snows, it's a 3-season car at best. - There are two trunks. No kidding. If you pack well, you can bring whatever you need for that long weekend (short of a set of golf clubs), and it'll fit. Try that in a Z3/Z4, SLK or S2000. I've had this Porsche for 7 years (purchased CPO), and for the right occasions, it's perfect. I only wish that between work and family and travel and lousy weather, there were more of those occasions. Primary Use: Sport/fun (spirited driving, track racing, off-roading, etc.)
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Francis writes:
2002 Porsche Boxster Review
ProsPorsche, fast, handling Consnone
205
Splendid — This is the best car I've driven. The Porsche dealer invited me back in 2002 to drive a brand new Boxster 2.7 with 228bhp. I took it for a drive of a few hours on a hot and sunny summer day. With the top open, I became hopelessly addicted to that marvellous boxer engine just behind your right ear. Especially when downshifting with a blip, the sound is really really really beautiful. I wonder why there is actually a stereo in this car. Toss it out, you won't need it. Being a Porsche, the performance is respectable. Not the fastest, but fast enough to hold of any GTI driver that thinks that a Boxster "is not a real Porsche". Think again. The ride is especially worthwhile mentioning. It is incredible how comfortable this car is on even the worst surfaces (Belgium remember?). The car's reactions are always smooth and efficient without becoming cheesy. On the other hand, the handling is sublime. With the engine in the middle, it has almost as much traction as a 911, but it has a better weight distribution. Unfortunately it has no limited slip differential available (Ordnung muss sein, says big brother 911). The cost of ownership is reasonable considering the resale value of the car reducing greatly the amortisation. A French speaking Belgian journalist once summarized it: "Une petite Porsche, c'est déjà une grande voiture." | ||
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Mark writes:
2002 Porsche Boxster S Review
ProsHandling is superb. Build quality. ConsOne day I might replace the window with the glass version found in
65
The Best Fun You Can Have With Your Roof Down. — J Clarkson has this one wrong. Being the faster version of the market entry model for the Porsche brand, and now having to live with uprated newer peers, might to some be a bit like being fifth in line to the throne and dropping with every new birth. But that is missing the point - this car has top quality breeding and it shows. A 911 cab just does not look right - it was designed to be a hard top. This car was designed to have its roof down at any available opportunity. And if you've driven a 911 round country bends you know where the engine is. A mid-engined Boxster had wonderful balance and handling. Whilst I might be tempted to trade up to clear lights - I still prefer the older styling Boxster. For me, the newer versions are given an aggression not needed for a car with such finesse. | ||
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Sharon writes:
2002 Porsche Boxster Base Review
ProsBeautiful ConsNone I can think of.........
55
Valkyrie, My Porsche Boxster — This car still brings a smile to my face when I start it. Still pretty new with only 23,000 miles on it. Of course it is garaged all winter. Love taking highway exits without braking. It might not have as much horsepower as a 911 but I like the way it handles better than a 911. I averaged 21 mpg this weekend. Not too far off my RAV but much better ride!! | ||
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crustydriver writes:
2002 Porsche Boxster Base Review
ProsPorsche classic in appearance, same in many details, to their 911 model. ConsFor arthritics like me, getting in and out can be a nuisance sometimes.
45
Great Fun To Drive! — I like driving this car because it always brings something positive to the experience. It is not a car that pleases the driver who is more interested in convenience, sound system or ease. Like all Porsche cars, it is sublimely successful at meeting the design ideals that require man/machine harmony. Primary Use: Sport/fun (spirited driving, track racing, off-roading, etc.) | ||
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crustydriver writes:
2002 Porsche Boxster Base Review
ProsVery fun to drive, anywhere, any day. ConsGetting in and out (I'm 73) gets old once in a while. 
45
Extremely Well Planned And Built. — The experience of driving this car has always been exhilirating, due to its immediate response to any input at the wheel and pedals. It goes, stops and turns exactly where I want it to be. I always feel safe in this car because I know that I am in control and can stay away from trouble. Primary Use: Sport/fun (spirited driving, track racing, off-roading, etc.) | ||
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homeboy981 writes:
2002 Porsche Boxster S Review
ProsIt's fast! Looks great! Gets better gas mileage than you think. An older looks as good as a new one AND you can drive for the cost of a Honda! No back seats but you can stuff a surprising amount of junk in it with the rear trunk and the front "frunk". Handling is crisp and precise. Makes driving a blast! Give me a sunny day and this car shines! ConsMaint. can be a bear, unless you do some work yourself. No back seats. Don't take it to the "stealership".
35
Drive A Porsche For The Cost Of A Honda — I got my wife a Honda, and it has been reliable and good for work. Then, I got my Porsche Boxster S….it has been just as reliable, provided maint. is up to date….after all, it IS a RACECAR in passenger car clothes. It will need a little more care, but not much. However, give it a warm sunny day. The Pcar is SO MUCH FUN especially in the sun, for the same value as a used Honda if someone had told me I could drive a Porsche for the same price I would have told them they are nuts! But here I am doing it. The car is MUCH faster than anything on the road, except a 'vette or maybe a couple others. But then this car is a 6 cylinder so it gets GREAT GAS MILEAGE (14/28MPG actual). Depends on how hard you drive. Make sure you get a PPI (Pre Purchase Inspection) before you buy it. Mine is a daily driver! Super reliable, except for the dreaded IMS issue. That can be solved when you replace the clutch, but DOES need attention…it is the reason these cars can be had so cheap, embrace it and you will find a tiger in you tank! Primary Use: Sport/fun (spirited driving, track racing, off-roading, etc.) | ||
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Laura writes:
2002 Porsche Boxster Base Review
ProsHandles like dream ConsStereo
45
Fun, Sporty, Fast — Love this car, it's fun to drive and handles like a dream. Maintenance is a bit costly, but does not require oil changes as frequently as many cars. The stock stereo system could use some inprovements. It's a great car to take out on weekends - definitely catches other driver's attention! | ||
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Timothy writes:
2002 Porsche Boxster Base Review
ProsHandling and Fun to Drive ConsMaintanence and Small Gas Tank
65
Porsche Boxster — There is no car that can handle better, i am even including Ferrari on that list. The car does lack some power and spead, but the car has an extremly solid body even at 120 plus spead. Its a Porsche so like most Porsche it is hand built with the world's greatest quality. It may get a reasonable 20 MPG, but it needs 93 Octance which sadly does not exist in the US so I need to use 91. It is build with bullet proof realiabilty like all Porsches, but the the smallest reapair cost over 2 grand, an engine rebuild on a Honda and Toyota is 2 grand, but for this car its 20 grand. But all the flaws are taken away becasue of the amount of Fun it delivers.... Primary Use: Commuting to work | ||
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Kim writes:
2002 Porsche Boxster Base Review
ProsGreat to drive ConsExpensive to repair
25
My Poor Man's Porshce — Great car! So much fun to drive! My car has tiptronic transmission. It's not 6 on the floor, but it still gives me the ability to shift. It has 17" wheels, lapis metallic blue, tan interior and blue soft top. Primary Use: Commuting to work |
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