This year the Porsche Boxster will turn 20. It was back in 1996 that a new, midengine, convertible-only roadster joined the Porsche lineup with a starting price under $40K. At the time, the Boxster was truly a roadster. It was not optimized for track work, it was not a fast car for its price point, and it was perfect to almost anyone who ever drove it. For 2016, the new Boxster is optimized for track work, it is possible to spend about $100K on a Boxster, and it comes in four varieties. One thing that has not changed is that the car is perfect to almost everyone who has driven it.
The convertible Boxster is a 2-seat roadster with the engine behind the passengers in the middle of the car, as opposed to hanging over the rear suspension as in a Porsche 911. This design offers the promise of perfect balance, something the Boxster delivers. Taken in the context of a convertible vehicle used for primarily pleasurable driving, the Boxster may be the perfect vehicle. Its legendary handling and its more recent performance credentials make it the favorite of many enthusiasts. Selected properly, the Boxster is also a fine track-day car, though the hard-top Cayman, which shares most of the Boxster’s design, may be the better racecar.
The current-generation Boxster was released for sale back in the summer of 2012 and was designated the 981. The model saw significant upgrades and improvements, and the body became more modern and sleek looking. In particular, the side swoops in the doors that terminate in the engine vents became even more of a signature style feature. The twin rollover hoops behind the occupants’ seats are both functional and beautiful and add to the look of the car.
Inside, the Boxster isn’t Spartan. A better way to describe the car would be uncluttered. The dash and center console seem to somehow have been made simpler for this car than in others. Everything you are looking for is there, including a navigation and infotainment system befitting a vehicle of this price point. The seats have the integrated headrests and simple yet functional style they've had since the beginning.
There are four trim levels for the 2016 Spyder. Each has its own personality and mission statement. In addition to the standard Boxster and the slightly sportier Boxster S models that have been part of the line for decades, Porsche now also offers the Boxster in two high-performance trims above the S. First is the Boxster GTS. This is the high-output model for those who don’t want to make any sacrifices in their road-going pleasure. The GTS has a stronger engine and more performance bits we first saw on the Cayman, but nothing is missing. The Porsche Boxster Spyder is an even higher-performing car that has had some content removed to reduce weight. The Spyder is for track duty or those so serious about on-the-road performance they're willing to live with a manual soft-top, smaller steering wheel, and pull straps instead of door handles. One important thing to note about the Spyder: Air conditioning is not available.
The Boxster’s mid-mounted engine is a boxer 6-cylinder, and there are no turbochargers involved in any Boxster. The base Boxster’s engine displaces 2.7 liters and has 265 hp, good for a 0-60 time in the high 5-second range. Next up the ladder is the Boxster S, with a 3.4-liter, 315-hp engine. It can hit 60 in 5 seconds flat. The GTS ups the power from the 3.4-liter engine to 330 horsepower, and it runs to 60 in about 4.7 seconds. All three of these models are available with either a manual 6-speed transmission or Porsche's dual-clutch automatic, which it calls PDK (Porsche Doppelkupplung).
The Porsche Spyder was revealed recently, in April 2015. It has a body style slightly different than that of the other three Boxster trims. It has Speed-Racer, Mach5-style humps behind the headrests and front and rear fascia it shares with the GTS. In the Spyder, the 3.4-liter engine is tuned to 375 hp, and the car can rocket to 60 mph in the low-4-second range with its 6-speed manual, the only transmission.
The base 2016 Porsche Boxster “starts at” about $53K. The S starts at $64K, the GTS at $75K, and the Spyder at $82K. Add at least $5K for options in any model. Go full-in on the options page, and you could add much more.
In terms of safety, it's important to remember this is a specialty car. IIHS has not tested the Boxster, so we don’t have a good basis for comparison. Run off of a racetrack or in a minor accident, the Porsche Boxster is as safe as any small convertible, or better. However, in a real-world crash head on with another car or utility pole, it's important to remember where the car’s engine is located.
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Air Conditioning
Active charcoal air filtration
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Touch screen display radio · Total Number of Speakers: 4
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Electronic parking brake: auto off · Front brake diameter: 12.4 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.8 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: front center · Door trim: leather · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Storage: storage organizer · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 4 · Power adjustments: 2
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust tip color: stainless-steel · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: electronically controlled · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Window trim: black
Headrests
Front headrests: integrated · Number of front headrests: 2
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment screen size: 7 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: range · Warnings and reminders: coolant temperature warning
Lights
Daytime running lights: LED · Headlights: auto delay off · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4 · Power adjustments: 2
Roof
Convertible rear window: glass · Convertible roof: remote operation
Safety
Crumple zones: front
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: leather
Spare Tire
Kit: inflator kit
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
Phone: hands free · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: performance
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent
Air Conditioning
Active charcoal air filtration
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Bluetooth auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Total Number of Speakers: 7
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Electronic parking brake: auto off · Front brake diameter: 12.4 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.8 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: front center · Door trim: leather · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Storage: storage organizer · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 4 · Power adjustments: 2
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust tip color: stainless-steel · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: electronically controlled · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Window trim: black
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment screen size: 7 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: range · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Daytime running lights: LED · Headlights: HID · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4 · Power adjustments: 2
Roof
Convertible rear window: glass · Convertible roof: power
Safety
Crumple zones: rear · Parking sensors: front
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: leather
Spare Tire
Kit: inflator kit
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
Phone: hands free · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: performance
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: rain sensing
Air Conditioning
Active charcoal air filtration
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Bluetooth auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Total Number of Speakers: 7
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Electronic parking brake: auto off · Front brake diameter: 13.0 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.8 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: front center · Door trim: leather · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Storage: storage organizer · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 4 · Power adjustments: 2
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: stainless-steel · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: electronically controlled · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Window trim: black
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment screen size: 7 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Daytime running lights: LED · Headlights: auto delay off · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4 · Power adjustments: 2
Roof
Convertible rear window: glass · Convertible roof: with wind blocker
Safety
Crumple zones: front
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: leather
Spare Tire
Kit: inflator kit
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
Phone: hands free · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: performance
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent
Air Conditioning
Active charcoal air filtration · Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Total Number of Speakers: 7
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Electronic parking brake: auto off · Front brake diameter: 13.0 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.8 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: front center · Center console trim: leather · Door trim: leather · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Interior accents: faux suede · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Storage: storage organizer · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 4 · Power adjustments: 2
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: stainless-steel · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: electronically controlled · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Window trim: black
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment screen size: 7 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: range · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Daytime running lights: LED · Headlights: cornering · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4 · Power adjustments: 2
Roof
Convertible rear window: glass · Convertible roof: soft top
Safety
Crumple zones: rear
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: leather
Spare Tire
Kit: inflator kit
Suspension
Driver Adjustable Suspension: ride control · 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 · Suspension control: electronic
Telematics
Phone: hands free · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: performance
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Electronic parking brake: auto off · Front brake diameter: 13.4 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 13.0 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: front center · Center console trim: leather · Door trim: leather · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Interior accents: faux suede · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Storage: storage organizer · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 4 · Power adjustments: 2
Drivetrain
Limited slip differential: rear
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: stainless-steel · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: electronically controlled · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Window trim: black
Headrests
Front headrests: integrated · Number of front headrests: 2
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment screen size: 7 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: range · Warnings and reminders: coolant temperature warning
Lights
Daytime running lights: LED · Headlights: auto delay off · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4 · Power adjustments: 2
Roof
Convertible rear window: glass · Convertible roof: power
Safety
Crumple zones: front
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: leather
Spare Tire
Kit: inflator kit
Suspension
Driver Adjustable Suspension: ride control · 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 · Suspension control: electronic
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: rain sensing