Redesigned and more powerful for 2005, the base Porsche Boxster mid-engined roadster was powered by a 2.7-liter, horizontally opposed six-cylinder engine that produced 240 horsepower. The engine was 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. A five-speed Tiptronic S automatic transmission, with a gate for manual shifting, was available as an option.
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 improvements suggested by drivers.