The Porsche 911 Carrera convertible (or cabriolet) was powered by a 3.6-liter horizontally opposed six-cylinder engine that produced 315 horsepower. Like in all 911s, the water-cooled engine was mounted in the rear and provided power to the rear wheels.
A six-speed manual overdrive tranmission was standard for the 911 Carrera convertible, while a five-speed automatic Triptronic transmission, with a gate and steering-wheel-mounted controls for manual shifting, was available as an option.
The 911 Carrera convertible was equipped with a power fabric roof that retracted in a zig-zag manner and stowed under a protective cover in about 20 seconds. A hardtop roof was optional.
Porsche added an in-dash CD player to the Carrera's standard AM/FM audio system for 2003. Other standard features included air conditioning, leather seats, dual front and side airbags, a keyless entry system, cruise control, a trip computer, power heated mirrors, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, an anti-theft alarm system, a power-adjustable driver's seat, power heated mirrors, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel, as well as powered windows, steering, brakes, and door locks.
Four-wheel anti-lock brakes and a rear spoiler were also part of the package.
The 2003 Porsche 911 Carrera convertible was one of a long line of near iconic Porsche sports cars that promised a lot to drivers, and delivered on those promises in almost every way. Drivers noted that the car's power, handling, precise steering, braking, suspension, and interior all met or exceeded expectations. Drivers also noted that visibility out the rear was exceptional, as was reliability, though some drivers noted that the back seat in the 2+2 models was cramped.