2003 Porsche 911 Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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The Porsche 911 was available in seven variations for 2003. The base 911s were the Carrera coupe and cabriolet (or convertible), which were powered by a 3.6-liter flat, or 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. The base 315-horsepower, six-cylinder engine also powered the Carrera 4 cabriolet, the Carrera 4S, and the 911 Targa models. Stepping up a notch, as far as power was concerned, the 911 Turbo was equipped with a twin-turbocharged 3.6-liter horizontally opposed six-cylinder engine that produced 415 horsepower. And at the high end of power range was the 911 GT2, which drew on Porsche's racing heritage with a lighter, more responsive body and a 3.6-liter six-cylinder with an engine management system that boosted horsepower to 456. A six-speed manual overdrive tranmission was standard for all 911 models, while a five-speed automatic Triptronic transmission, with a gate and steering-wheel-mounted controls for manual shifting, was available as an option. Porsche added an in-dash CD player to the 911's standard AM/FM audio system for 2004. Other standard features for the 911 were extensive, as befitting an exotic sports car, and 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 hard-top models added a power sunroof, while the Turbo added traction control and the Carrera 4S added stability control. The 2003 Porsche 911 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.
Published Aug 8, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
User reviews for 2003 Porsche 911
Write a reviewUser rating:
by Nancey n
Sep 19, 2023
Love it ! It was very well maintained .
It is beautiful!Sep 19, 2023
by Kevin K
May 16, 2023
Love the car, Mezger engine, clumsy tiptronic transmission. Real sports car, almost totally analogMay 16, 2023
by ROBERT T
Jul 25, 2022
Best deal for the best handling 911, without a doubt. The power wont get you in trouble and you enjoy just as much. Go for it Jul 25, 2022
User rating:
by Nancey n
Sep 19, 2023
Love it ! It was very well maintained .
It is beautiful!Sep 19, 2023
by Kevin K
May 16, 2023
Love the car, Mezger engine, clumsy tiptronic transmission. Real sports car, almost totally analogMay 16, 2023
by ROBERT T
Jul 25, 2022
Best deal for the best handling 911, without a doubt. The power wont get you in trouble and you enjoy just as much. Go for it Jul 25, 2022
by Chris M
Mar 25, 2022
1) great power to weight ratio
2) affordability
3) reliability - the IMS Bearing issue Is resolved relatively inexpensively and rear main seal can also be replaced simultaneously.Mar 25, 2022
by Anonymous
Dec 21, 2021
Normal wear. No damage. New suspension. New tires Michelin ps4Dec 21, 2021
by Ramsey H
Nov 18, 2021
Amazing vehicle that I have been after since it was introduced. The values continue to rise but I’m not buying these for investment and instead to drive ! Nov 18, 2021
by Paul N
Apr 07, 2021
The value of the 996 “was” excellent before the pandemic. Now it has gone up so much that I think it’s only a good value for now. However, driving dynamics is worth every penny. If you can find a well maintained C4S, buy it! Porsche, there is no substitute. Apr 07, 2021
by Peter T
Mar 30, 2021
Great to drive. Great project car. Worrisome of the ims but worth the risk. Mar 30, 2021
by rob l
Jan 06, 2021
Being a former Porsche owner 911S 1972 , I had high expectations of returning to the fold .I was quite disapointed in this particular car not having power seats to assist we seniors personalizing our driving position. All considered, I have great concersn about models 200-2006 with Intermediate Shaft Bearing issues which has seen class action in the US and may led to engine destruction in the worst case. I am considering other years.Jan 06, 2021
by Mehran M
Dec 03, 2020
Climbing in value .
A classic ! One to enjoy Dec 03, 2020
by Tom C
Nov 27, 2020
Great car, a little over priced for the millage. Nov 27, 2020
by David C
Sep 11, 2020
Car was good , value was fair , I chose not to buy Sep 11, 2020
by John V
Jun 06, 2020
03 Turbos are nice cars. Expensive to maintain; but keep their value quite well. Some are way overpriced; but thats the norm. You could compare it to a Z06 Corvette that will stay with this car all day long. I know from personal experience. Porsches have more of the FUN factor !!!Jun 06, 2020
by Anonymous
Sep 01, 2014
This is a grat second car. I use it on the weekends and some times to go to work. This is a very reliable car. The convertible option is one of the best for this type of cars. This is the closest to a moorcycle you will be on four wheels. People will not stop at looking at you when you pass by.Sep 01, 2014
by Anonymous
Apr 17, 2014
Best overall Sports Car. Quality of build is second to none. The price of ownership is certainly on the expensive side. But, as they say, you have to pay to play. The experience is totally worth it. Awesome handling, like nothing else, unless you get into the truly exotic category were prices begin at 400k plus. And, the exotics are definitively not made for daily driving were as the Porsche is.Apr 17, 2014
by Anonymous
Nov 27, 2013
Older Porsche's are the best value for sports cars, when taken care of properly they will last a very long time and the depreciation has already been absorbed by the initial owners. The engineers at Porsche design components to be very durable, so 60k miles on this car is just when its getting broken in.Nov 27, 2013
by Dustin R
Feb 28, 2013
These cars are probably the best bang for the buck going in the sports car world. A car that had an original sticker price of $145K that you can buy today for the high 30's and low 40's. A car with the same engine as the GT2RS. A car that can be reliable moddified up to 600 HP without having to change internal engine components. A car you can drive very very hard and it will take it all day long. A car with brakes that feel like the arresting wire on an aircraft carrier. A sports car with the best visibility around. A sports car that if driven conservatively can get high 20's mpg but if pushed can reach 200 MPH.
Loved this car!Feb 28, 2013
by Greg G
Jul 25, 2012
Love the handling and style. A real head turner with the top up or down. Looks sexy with hard top too. Interior is cockpit style with all controls within arms reach of the driver. Would recommend this vehicle to any sports car enthusiast.Jul 25, 2012
by Ciaran R
Jun 28, 2012
Great car- iconic - if you can you must. It has been super reliable as well, used these are supercars at regular sedan prices. The interior is simple but high quality and has really stood up well over the last 5 years I have owned mine.Jun 28, 2012
by Abir M
Jun 08, 2012
I miss it and will buy another 911 turbo newer model that is for sure.
great amount of enormous power and reliability is bullet proof, tonnes of fun to
drive, does eat up a lot of rear tyres depending on how hard you drive her but
there is no point in buying a car like this if you not explore your self on the road
and the country lanes when it allows you to appreciate it fully.
I can say one thing though the car it self gave me great pleasure to own and
drive but the OPC Porsche centre are wankers to deal with and always used to
cause me a whole heap of stress and anxiety as they always used to mess the
car up when they returned it to me always 1 thing or another used to go wrong
short starter earth, coil pack after a major service, clutch installation issues the
list is endless and I wasted 1000's on allowing them to rip me off for a
unprofessional service from the main dealers it was appalling.
Only the last 2 years when I started using private renowned specialists I
realised how much cheaper and cost effective it became to own the car where I
decided to upgrade the wheels and sports cat and silicone hoses and uprated
throttle body with recirculation twin piston valves etc I got so much done and it
was a fraction of the money to have so much done including another clutch
change through them that I realised how simple n easy they where to work on
never again I will go to main dealers.
Sadly I had so much done but the car I was too bored by then n fancied a
change so I got rid of it however 3 months later owning a 335i bmw twin turbo
convertible and was hoping to buy a 2nd car CL65 AMG that I decided naaa I
miss my turbo n have decided to sell the 3 series and down grade the idea of
owning a CL65 to a CL63 AMG and buy another 911 turbo 997, nothing can
give you that feel of a 911 turbo seriously once you own one you will realise it
is the ultimate weapon of choice even my girl friend misses her which was
rather surprising as she hated me driving it as she thought it was too flash and
didn't fancy the idea of other woman checking me out lol.
PINKY was the name of my car and it wore the number plate "H8 US X" nothing
will ever replicate that baby as she was one of a kind I drove her daily and
people in my town are glad she is gone even the police lol as I drove her hard
day in day out and she never missed a beat. Jun 08, 2012
by Chris K
May 05, 2012
Fast but surprisingly practical (in its own fashion) and 25mpg on longer runs so not
as uneconomical as other 320+ hp cars
Overall cost of ownership also not bad, no more than 5 series beemers or e-class
mercs I've hadMay 05, 2012
by Ted H
Sep 23, 2010
Great car, I have owned 7 other Porsches in the past and this is right up there with the others. Car has 19K Miles on it and runs like a Porsche.Has carbon fiber dash, Bose Stereo, etc.
Original MSRP on this vehicle was over $93,000, imagine.Sep 23, 2010
by Brian L
Jul 14, 2010
My dad has this car, he likes it because it's fast, doesn't waste gas, I was hoping he can get this car not to break down, it's a fun car to drive, I love it! I love my Porsche forever! Jul 14, 2010
by Laurence L
Mar 24, 2010
I love this car! It has the German build quality you'd expect along with the experience of a sports car. Because it is a rear engined sports car it will try and kill you and the boot is so small it will only hold a bottle of champagne and a tin of foie gras. Oh well.Mar 24, 2010
by Alain J
Mar 17, 2010
Well put together and agile in all circumstances. Might lack the brutality of a turbo which might be the next move, but so far I am enjoying it very much. Took it to the ring in October 2009 and now planning a trip to Abbeville and Spa early May 2010.Mar 17, 2010
by Todd P
Feb 19, 2010
In terms of performance, chasis (not powertrain) build quality, and the huge grin it would give me everytime I fired it up, that car couldn't be beat. I even modified it with an ECU flash and a cold air intake, boosting it to ~375 bhp. With 385 tires rear/355 front z-rated summer tires and all-wheel drive, this car could NEVER lose traction, even with the traction control turned off. The only problem (and it's a big one) was maintenance and reliability. The counter shaft broke and destroyed the entire powertrain. I ended up having to sell it and took a $20k bath. Despite my love for the car, the $20k I lost due to a failure in a 60 cent bearing, and Porsche's refusal to recognize the problem and issue a recall or refund, will most liekly rsult in me NEVER purchasing another Porsche ever again. That is probably the saddest thing, since their cars, when they work and don't bankrupt you, are simply excuisite.Feb 19, 2010
by Scott T
Jan 26, 2010
I dont own one but they are sweet, very fast and fun , i dont know wat else to put about it ???? on a scale of 1 to 100 i think i would rate it a 99 because it is uncunfortableJan 26, 2010
by Anonymous
Dec 16, 2009
I always wanted a porsche, and this summer I finally got one. I
bought the covertible with auto, due to the fact I have a bad hip
and the wife wanted to drive it also. It was love at first sight
with this machine, we take it out to the wine country in austin
tx and have a blast, I got the dark metallic blue and just love
driving and looking at this car! I had several Vett's before, they
don't even come close. Dec 16, 2009
by Mohamed S
Oct 07, 2009
overall of the car is pretty good once doing a couple of mods on performance, enough acceleration to take most cars out there and best of all it has amazing handling.The car is super fun to drive unless you are stuck in traffic Oct 07, 2009
by Slim J
Sep 20, 2009
fun to ride, great sound. very spacious. acceleration from 0-60 in 4.8 secs, great traction. 18' porsche rims. Bose sound stereo system. 6 CD changer, Navigation system. Silver outside gray inside. leather electronic seats. michelin tires. nice car. yep
Sep 20, 2009
by James D
Jul 07, 2009
Thank you, Germany! A little rigid for streets but
untouchable on the track. It's performance is built for
the track. Under warranty, the 911 Turbo is very
affordable and a dream to drive. Heads will turn as you
choose gaps as if they stood still.Jul 07, 2009
by Steve D
Nov 01, 2008
The 911 has been my dream car ever since high
school when a friend and I did a Risky Business in his
dad's Targa. Breathtaking performance, great looking,
but expensive to maintain. Lots of fun on the track!
Acutally a quite practical car - for an impractical car.
The girls' booster seats fit fine in the back seat.Nov 01, 2008
by Doc T
Aug 14, 2008
I bought the car from a pilot that bought it first hand and enjoyed 55.000 kms with it (keeping full service history) . But when he turned 50 he thought as wise that his reflexes where not suitable for this 911. She drives like a beast when you press the pedal and as a lady when you go smoothly. The targa version is very suitable for countries like Greece with lots of sun. The handling of the roof is perfect even after 5 years and the manufacturing quality is very satisfactory for the overall result of the car. The dissadvantage i could find in my car is the cost of getting it first of all and then maintenance and gas ... But nothing in life comes for free and certainly not when reaching 290 km/hour !!!!!! Aug 14, 2008
by Bill D
May 05, 2008
Has been a great car with only minimal problems. Only major gripe is the cost of tires and brakes that need replacing very often.May 05, 2008
by Anonymous
May 03, 2008
Unbeatable combination of the best features of a 911 coupe with the open air feeling of a cabriolet!May 03, 2008
by Miles K
Apr 07, 2008
Handling, braking, acceleration, and looks are all perfect. An incredible sports car that is still
comfortable and docile enough to easily be a daily commuting car. Mileage isn't great and
maintenance costs are more expensive than an average car. Premium stereo system delivers
incredible sound from any type of music. The car is also very practical for a sports car with a
decent sized trunk and rear seats.
Apr 07, 2008
by Anthony M
Mar 28, 2008
Its a great car and performs well on the trackMar 28, 2008
by Jenn M
Mar 11, 2008
Handles like a dream, 0-60 in under 5 seconds, yet comfortable enough to be my daily driver. Not comfortable for anyone over 6 feet tall, and the backseat is really not a backseat as it is a grocery shelf. Also, the maintenance costs are outrageous. But, it's all worth it. Good sound system, too, not that you need it with that gorgeous exhaust note.Mar 11, 2008
by Adam T
Feb 01, 2008
i loved this car went 200 KMPH in it and its solid loved it wish i still drove itFeb 01, 2008
by Reese O
Jan 06, 2008
This was a blast to drive. would love to have one but that wont happen lol.Jan 06, 2008
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2003 911 IMS replace or change to oiler system??
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oil change effect on IMS bearing
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Top Comparisons
Have you driven a 2003 Porsche 911?Compare this car
2003 Porsche 911 Pricing
Original MSRP
$69,365 to $182,465Price range
$38,996 to $43,249Average price on CG
$40,125YoY price change
$41,307 to $40,125Trims & specs
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front side airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · Premium Brand: Bose · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Door sill trim: carbon · Shift knob trim: alloy and wood · Steering wheel trim: carbon
Convenience Features
Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: telescopic
Exterior Features
Paint: special factory paint
Lights
Headlights: Xenon
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated · Inside rearview mirror: electrochromic
Rear Seats
Type: bucket
Roof
Moonroof: power glass
Safety
Parking sensors: rear
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Upholstery: leather
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: painted steel
Windows
Front wipers: rain sensing
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front side airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · Premium Brand: Bose · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Door sill trim: carbon · Shift knob trim: aluminum and leather · Steering wheel trim: leather and wood
Convenience Features
Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: trunk release · Steering wheel: telescopic
Exterior Features
Paint: special factory paint
Lights
Headlights: Xenon
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: auto-dimming · Inside rearview mirror: electrochromic
Rear Seats
Type: bucket
Roof
Convertible roof: targa roof
Safety
Parking sensors: rear
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Upholstery: leather
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: painted steel
Windows
Front wipers: rain sensing
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front side airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · Premium Brand: Bose · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Door sill trim: carbon · Shift knob trim: carbon fiber · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: telescopic
Exterior Features
Paint: special factory paint
Lights
Headlights: Xenon
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated · Inside rearview mirror: electrochromic
Rear Seats
Type: bucket
Roof
Convertible roof: hard top
Safety
Parking sensors: rear
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Upholstery: leather
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: painted steel
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front side airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · Premium Brand: Bose · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Door sill trim: carbon · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather and wood
Convenience Features
Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: trunk release · Steering wheel: telescopic
Drivetrain
Limited slip differential: center
Exterior Features
Paint: special factory paint
Lights
Headlights: Xenon
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated · Inside rearview mirror: electrochromic
Rear Seats
Type: bucket
Roof
Moonroof: power glass
Safety
Parking sensors: rear
Seats
Front seat type: sport bucket · Heated: front seats · Upholstery: leather
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: painted steel
Windows
Front wipers: rain sensing
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front side airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · Premium Brand: Bose · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Door sill trim: carbon · Shift knob trim: carbon fiber · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: trunk release · Steering wheel: telescopic
Drivetrain
Limited slip differential: center
Exterior Features
Paint: special factory paint
Lights
Headlights: Xenon
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated · Inside rearview mirror: electrochromic
Rear Seats
Type: bucket
Roof
Convertible roof: hard top
Safety
Parking sensors: rear
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Upholstery: leather
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: painted steel
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front side airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · Premium Brand: Bose · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Door sill trim: carbon · Shift knob trim: aluminum and leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: trunk release · Steering wheel: telescopic
Drivetrain
Limited slip differential: center
Exterior Features
Paint: special factory paint
Lights
Headlights: HID
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: auto-dimming
Rear Seats
Type: bucket
Roof
Moonroof: power glass
Safety
Parking sensors: rear
Seats
Front seat type: sport bucket · Heated: front seats · Upholstery: leather
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: painted steel
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front side airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Door sill trim: carbon · Shift knob trim: carbon fiber · Steering wheel trim: carbon
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: telescopic
Drivetrain
Limited slip differential: rear
Exterior Features
Paint: special factory paint
Lights
Headlights: HID
Rear Seats
Type: bucket
Seats
Front seat type: sport bucket · Upholstery: leather
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: painted steel
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent