Completely redesigned for the 2005 model year, the Porsche Boxster is a superb sports car that feels right at home on a race track yet is comfortable enough for daily use. This is a car meant to be enjoyed every day, rain or shine, commuting or competition.
Porsche says it changed 80 percent of the Boxster for 2005, taking more than half of the car from the 2005 911 Carrera, including the steering, front structure, seats and electronics. And it's all good.
The Boxster is a comfortable sports car, with ergonomically superior seating contours and a steering wheel that can be adjusted for both reach and rake. The taller driver, not always welcome in the two-seater world, is thoughtfully accommodated in the Boxster by a relatively low seat mounting point and placement of the drilled aluminum pedals closer to the firewall.
Driver control is improved over the pre-2005 models with new steering and the latest generation of Porsche Stability Management, which comes standard on all Boxsters. Drivers wanting the ultimate in ride control and electronic handling assist should get the optional Porsche Active Suspension Management, or PASM, ($1,990). This system allows the driver to select Normal and Sport suspension calibrations. In either mode, the active suspension system is a wonder, fulfilling its task of enhancing the driving experience by maintaining chassis equilibrium in all conditions.
With so many upgrades and updates with the '05 model, it's not surprising that the Boxster receives mostly tweaks for the 2006 model year. Safety improvements and upgrades to the navigation system polish a brilliant vehicle.