For the first time since its introduction nearly ten years earlier, the 2005 Porsche Boxster two-seat roadster received a full redesign, which included not only updates to its exterior and interior styling, but more powerful engines and updated transmissions as well.
That said, the changes to the Boxster's exterior styling were far from revolutionary. The roadster's nose, side intakes, side sill, headlights, and taillights were all tweaked, and Porsche carried a number of structural and electronic elements over from the more powerful and much more expensive 911.
The new engine dropped under the hood of the base Boxster was a 240-horsepower, 2.7-liter horizontally opposed six-cylinder (up 12 horsepower from the previous year), while the more powerful Boxster S received a 3.2-liter horizontal six-cylinder engine that produced 280 horsepower (up 22 horsepower). Both engines are located behind the passenger compartment but ahead of the rear axle, hence the mid-engine designation (one of the few such vehicles in the country).
The base Boxster came with a tighter, more precise five-speed manual transmission as standard equipment, while the Boxster S was equipped with a six-speed manual transmission. A five-speed Tiptronic S automatic transmission, with a gate for manual shifting, was available as an option for both models.
Standard features for the Boxster included air conditioning, power windows, power steering, power door locks, leather seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with a tilt/telescoping column, a trip computer, power heated exterior mirrors, an anti-theft alarm system, cruise control, and an AM/FM stereo system with a CD player.
Anti-lock brakes, traction control, stability control, front fog lights, a rear spoiler, and 17-inch wheels were also part of the package.
In addition, the Boxster was equipped with a lightweight, sound-insulating convertible top with a heated glass rear window.
Drivers found a lot to like and very little to dislike about the 2005 Boxster. Handling, power, styling, interior appointments, clever storage spaces, the improved shifter, a tigher suspension, and even fuel economy were all praised by drivers. The stereo system and vision out the rear with the top up were among the areas of improvemen suggested by drivers.