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2008 Porsche Boxster Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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Some sports-car aficionados claim that the Boxster corrects Porsche's decades-long "mistake," the 911. While enthusiasts will go back and forth on perfect engine placement for the perfect sports car, everyone agrees that the Porsche Boxster is one sweet ride.
Porsche revised the Boxster in 2005 and updated its engine for last year's model. The base Boxster arrives with a 2.7-liter flat six equipped with the Porsche VarioCam Plus setup to produce 245 horsepower. The optional Tiptronic S automatic transmission underwent an update last year with new hydraulics and electronics to provide improved responsiveness. To lose its extra 90 pounds and enjoy the perfectly placed gas, brake, and clutch pedals, you don't need to check any boxes to experience the standard five-speed manual transmission. 0-60 in the base model comes up in 5.8 seconds, with a 162-mph top speed. Estimated combined city/highway fuel economy is 25 mpg.
The optional Sports Package includes a six-speed manual transmission - standard in the performance Boxster S trim - and Porsche's Active Suspension system. This system allows the driver to select between Normal and Sport suspension settings. Sport mode alters the baseline damping force for considerably firmer shock response, enabling faster turn-in as well as better road-holding and traction. The Boxster's impeccable road-handling manners impress reviewers, who praise its balance - both front and rear ends stay where they're aimed. By placing the engine amidships - in front of the rear wheels and behind the passenger compartment - in a strong chassis with a light, responsive suspension and steering as well as powerful brakes, Porsche has defined sweetness in a two-seat sports car.
And this sweetness also shows up in the ergonomic layout of the cockpit. The steering wheel adjusts for reach and rake, and without a transmission or engine up front there's a lot more leg space to play with those drilled aluminum pedals - short and tall statures are welcome here. Genuine leather is complimented by faux leather and aluminum trim. Reviewers are unable to agree as to the plastic bits, some finding them "cheap" looking and some finding them "expensive." Beyond all the expected electronic goodies - nav, sound, and trip computer systems - two of the most remarkable passenger features are outside the cabin.
The Boxster's convertible top involves a latch above the mirror and a console-mounted button - it takes 12 seconds to come down (according to one reviewer, that's an industry speed record), and according to Porsche you can do that at up to 30 mph. The really useful aspect, however, is that Porsche engineered the top so that it takes up none of the 4.6 cubic feet of aft trunk space when lowered. In addition, there is a front luggage compartment, which makes the Boxster suitable for carrying luggage for two on an extended road trip - a unique feature among today's sport roadsters.
Standard safety features include a head airbag system, frontal and side-impact airbags. Taller drivers will find more protection with Porsche's tall safety bars and high headrests. ABS, electronic brake-force distribution, traction control (ASR), and electronic stability control (PSM) are all standard.
Published Aug 8, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
User reviews for 2008 Porsche Boxster
Write a reviewUser rating:
by Valerio D
Feb 15, 2023
I love all of the Boxsters all models all the way back to the 80s thats my dream car Feb 15, 2023
by Howard S
Oct 25, 2020
Although the particular boxster I drove was in need of repair. It was a lot of fun to drive. Very enjoyable and responsive. Oct 25, 2020
by Stefan M
May 06, 2020
Car is a fantastic driving machine, works are hard to come up with to describe it.May 06, 2020
User rating:
by Valerio D
Feb 15, 2023
I love all of the Boxsters all models all the way back to the 80s thats my dream car Feb 15, 2023
by Howard S
Oct 25, 2020
Although the particular boxster I drove was in need of repair. It was a lot of fun to drive. Very enjoyable and responsive. Oct 25, 2020
by Stefan M
May 06, 2020
Car is a fantastic driving machine, works are hard to come up with to describe it.May 06, 2020
by Anonymous
Mar 09, 2020
Excellent car with plenty of power. Boxster of a very fun car to drive, the top is easy to put up and down. I really do not think that any current automobile can compare to the Boxster. My 911 has more power but is not quite as much fun to drive.Mar 09, 2020
by John B
Apr 20, 2012
Neutral at the limit, easy throttle on steering, everyday livability - more useable space than a 911 at half the cost and more fun. Buy a Porsche Certified 2009 and you will have everything a guy could want - bluetooth, Nav, Sat, 320HP awesomeness in a beautiful roadsterApr 20, 2012
by Anonymous
Apr 07, 2012
I have owned numerous Autos throughout the years (i'm 54) from Japanese imports, German imports, High HP/TQ American Muscle (currently own 1986 Mercedes 560SL, 2006 Dodge Daytona Charger ,1986 Toyota MR2, 2000 Camaro Z28 (custom built 383 stroker 615 HP/440 TQ) and the Prize Jewel in my stable is the 2008 Boxster LE. I did not believe that I could find the thrill with a car with 245 HP after playing with my Camaro z28, boy was I wrong. Porsche lives up to its reputation with this car. This is one of the most well balanced, great looking cars I have EVER owned. If your looking for a drag car this is not it (even though it could be at times). This is a car that delivers on precision driving and can easily be driven on a track (or elsewhere ;) ) due to its forgiving nature with the Porsche Stability Management in the ON position if you are not an experienced driver. Did I mention that the braking system is nothing short of phenomenal. Driven with restraint, fuel economy is good and offers a very comfortable well mannered ride. Good visibility with the top down and acceptable with the top up. The sport Mode offers a different animal with aggressive handling, acceleration and aggressive exhaust note (oh yeah). What are you waiting for, go get it! Apr 07, 2012
by Anonymous
Jan 16, 2012
I would never have supported Porsche's "gouge-first, ask-questions-later" policy, but getting the limited edition with 6K on it 2.5 years ago at a bargain price was the best purchase I've made ever. If you're the shy, I-don't-want-to-be-noticed-type person, this is not your vehicle. But if you want to turn heads (alas, mostly MEN!), this is the car for you (I'm talking about the numbered vehicles, 250 of them only in the S trim, in GT3-RS orange). I don't know about driving it every day, but for special occasions, run around town with the top-down, it can't be beat! All the 911 owners treat Boxster (and Cayman) owners like we're pretenders, when the fact is they pay a hell of a lot more money for less car. Mid-engine is the key - you only have to have a passing knowledge of physics to know that this will handle as well as any Carrera at twice the price. But that wiping-grin-off challenge can be daunting...
(UPDATE: JULY/2013) I was driving in Atlanta when a 2013 981 passed me. This one was in an unbelievably dull and dreadful indescribable shade that will insult the word 'color', but STILL it was so gosh-darned beautiful that we goo-goo and ga-ga'd over it. So if you can stomach Porsche pricing for options, or want to get a plain jane with no options, go for the 981.Jan 16, 2012
by Tristan P
Sep 04, 2009
This car will put a smile on your face no matter what
your doing with it. This car demonstrates fantastic
handling, acceleration, elasticity, and braking. One of
the best exotic cars for the city! Parts are extremely
expensive though. Porsche runs the show.Sep 04, 2009
by Sachin W
Jun 11, 2009
Its damn good . good for racing i race everyday @ the galle face.the maximum speed i have driven is 265kmph.
its maroon.and black interior with the sun roof.I love the car but the loss of money for petrol?Bye..bye,,byeJun 11, 2009
by Nigel M
Jul 29, 2008
This is probably one of the best roadsters on the market for its price..great handling, pickup is awesome and one of the best braking systems in its class. It is absolutely a lot of fun to drive and a lot of power to go with it. always get the S version. The styling is great too and its definitely a head turner.Jul 29, 2008
by Rebecca B
Jul 18, 2008
this is my dads other car just 4 weekends really, ive drove it and it's lovely. its really really really fast. with a three and a half litre engine. it's bright yellow with black leather interior. it has special yellow callipers on the brakes there were about 2 and half grand at least.Jul 18, 2008
by Joy T
Jun 21, 2008
Fast , Confortable et funJun 21, 2008
by Sabrina S
Jun 21, 2008
I love itJun 21, 2008
by Keval S
Jun 18, 2008
Porsche Boxster is a convertible and looks best in blackJun 18, 2008
by Winnie L
Jun 18, 2008
In a few words, "its simply fabulous".Jun 18, 2008
by Jerry S
Jun 15, 2008
The best car around its top notCH and someday i wll own oneJun 15, 2008
by Alexa S
Jun 11, 2008
i love this car! it is amazing ahh!Jun 11, 2008
by Nicole M
Jun 02, 2008
FAB - but have to wear a hair net when top down!Jun 02, 2008
by Erkan S
Mar 11, 2008
Performance:
Braking, handling, acceleration perfectMar 11, 2008
by Lee Y
Mar 08, 2008
i like it..Mar 08, 2008
by Ian B
Feb 24, 2008
Check out the reviews onlineFeb 24, 2008
by Andrew B
Feb 12, 2008
not at the momentFeb 12, 2008
by Anonymous
Jan 30, 2008
I'm in my thirties and when I saw this Boxster, I thought of the orange and black Carreras of the 70's. I've always wanted a Porsche since those days and this is the one I could not pass up. It is my weekend car and I love the way it looks, it sounds and especially the way it drives. People stare and give thumbs up! This color is not for everyone, but once you see it, you can't take your eyes off of it!Jan 30, 2008
by Karim O
Jan 18, 2008
Definatly a good carJan 18, 2008
by Jerome F
Jan 17, 2008
Very punchy car with solid performance and easy to drive - just love it!Jan 17, 2008
by Nancy G
Jan 07, 2008
Has the speed and power of the best sleek carsJan 07, 2008
by Anonymous
Jan 06, 2008
wow how pretty:O!!!!!.....lolJan 06, 2008
by Oscar Wagamama R
Dec 06, 2007
the boxster is one of those cars that are madly fastDec 06, 2007
by Aksel T
Nov 14, 2007
Hell Yeah its orangeNov 14, 2007
What users have asked
I have a 2008 boxster, dead battery, tried to "jump" the fuse panel with the door hinge as negative, got no spark and with a full charged lithium ion battery can not open the hood (s) has anyone else
has anyone else experienced not being able to jump the hood release and what did they do? thanks for the advise, Brian
689 views
Can someone please help?
hey guys, after changing the battery on my 2008 Boxster I notice that both windows only go up about 3/4, there is still 3-4" pending, any idea or solution you may know of, thanks Joel
17 views
987 ECU
Can I re-connect battery while ECU is removed ? Porsche Boxter 2008 987
57 views
Top Comparisons
Have you driven a 2008 Porsche Boxster?Compare this car
2008 Porsche Boxster Pricing
Original MSRP
$45,800 to $64,900Price range
N/AAverage price on CG
N/AYoY price change
N/ATrims & specs
Air Conditioning
Active charcoal air filtration · Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · CD changer: 6 · Single disc in-Dash CD · Premium Brand: Bose · AM/FM radio · Remote CD changer location: in glove compartment · Total Number of Speakers: 7 · 50 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.7 · Front brake width: 0.9 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.8 · Rear brake width: 0.8 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Center console trim: leather · Dash trim: alloy · Door sill trim: stainless steel · Door trim: wood · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front and rear · Parking brake trim: leather · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: wood
Convenience Features
Center console: second row · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: 3 driver · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Active driver support: active bolstering · Manual adjustments: 4 · Power adjustments: 10
Exterior Features
Exhaust tip color: chrome · Mirror color: aluminum · Paint: special factory paint
Header
Option Delete: Generic
Headrests
Front headrests: integrated · Number of front headrests: 2
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: self-leveling
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4 · Power adjustments: 2
Roof
Convertible rear window: glass · Convertible roof: hard top
Safety
Parking sensors: rear
Seatbelts
Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: sport · Heated: mulitlevel · Passenger seat manual adjustments: height · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: alcantara
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Telematics
Navigation system: DVD navigation system · Phone: hands free
Tires
Speed Rating: Z · Type: summer performance
Tires and Rims
Wheels: painted steel
Wheels
Wheel locks: front and rear
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent
Air Conditioning
Active charcoal air filtration · Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Single disc in-Dash CD · Premium Brand: Bose · AM/FM radio · Total Number of Speakers: 4 · 50 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.7 · Front brake width: 0.9 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.8 · Rear brake width: 0.8 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Center console trim: leather · Dash trim: alloy · Door trim: leather · Shift knob trim: suede · Steering wheel trim: suede
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 4 · Power adjustments: 2
Exterior Features
Paint: special factory paint
Headrests
Front headrests: integrated · Number of front headrests: 2
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: Xenon
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4 · Power adjustments: 2
Roof
Convertible rear window: glass · Convertible roof: with wind blocker
Seatbelts
Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: sport bucket · Heated: mulitlevel · Passenger seat manual adjustments: height · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: leather
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Navigation system: DVD navigation system
Tires
Speed Rating: Z · Type: performance
Wheels
Wheel locks: front and rear
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent
Air Conditioning
Active charcoal air filtration · Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · CD changer: 6 · Single disc in-Dash CD · Premium Brand: Bose · AM/FM radio · Remote CD changer location: in trunk · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 10 · 180 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 12.5 · Front brake width: 1.1 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.8 · Rear brake width: 0.9 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Center console trim: carbon · Dash trim: carbon · Door sill trim: carbon · Door trim: leather · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front and rear · Parking brake trim: alloy · Shift knob trim: alloy · Steering wheel trim: leather and alloy
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: side mirrors · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Storage: accessory hook · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Active driver support: active bolstering · Adjustable lumbar support: power · Manual adjustments: 4 · Power adjustments: 10
Exterior Features
Exhaust tip color: chrome · Mirror color: aluminum · Paint: special factory paint
Header
Option Delete: Generic
Headrests
Front headrests: integrated · Number of front headrests: 2
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: Xenon
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4 · Power adjustments: 2
Roof
Convertible rear window: glass · Convertible roof: with wind blocker
Safety
Parking sensors: rear
Seatbelts
Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: sport bucket · Heated: front and rear · Passenger seat manual adjustments: height · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: leather
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Telematics
Navigation system: DVD navigation system · Phone: hands free
Tires
Speed Rating: Z · Type: performance
Tires and Rims
Wheels: alloy
Wheels
Wheel locks: front and rear
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent
Air Conditioning
Active charcoal air filtration · Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Single disc in-Dash CD · Premium Brand: Bose · AM/FM radio · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 7 · 180 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 12.5 · Front brake width: 1.1 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.8 · Rear brake width: 0.9 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Center console trim: alloy · Dash trim: alloy · Door trim: alloy · Shift knob trim: suede · Steering wheel trim: suede
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 4 · Power adjustments: 2
Exterior Features
Paint: special factory paint
Headrests
Front headrests: integrated · Number of front headrests: 2
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: Xenon
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4 · Power adjustments: 2
Roof
Convertible rear window: glass · Convertible roof: power
Seatbelts
Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: sport bucket · Heated: mulitlevel · Passenger seat manual adjustments: height · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: leather
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Navigation system: DVD navigation system
Tires
Speed Rating: Z · Type: performance
Wheels
Wheel locks: front and rear
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent
Air Conditioning
Active charcoal air filtration · Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 7 · 180 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 12.5 · Front brake width: 1.1 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.8 · Rear brake width: 0.9 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Center console trim: leather · Dash trim: alloy · Door trim: leather · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: alloy
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 4 · Power adjustments: 2
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated driver mirror
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4 · Power adjustments: 2
Roof
Convertible rear window: glass · Convertible roof: power
Seatbelts
Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: sport bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: height · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: leather
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Tires
Type: performance
Wheels
Wheel locks: front and rear
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent