The Porsche 911 is an automotive icon and it's one of our top choices for enthusiasts who want a sports car for daily driving. The 911 combines driving excitement with everyday comfort. The latest-generation model, designated 997 internally and referred to as such by Porschephiles, is the best ever. Porsche has sold 100,000 examples of the 997 series since it was launched in April 2004, making the 997 the fastest-selling 911 in Porsche history.
The 911 lineup presents a wide range of models, from the Porsche Carrera to the 911 Turbo. Coupes and cabriolets are available, along with a Targa. Most offer endless options. Just about every possible combination is available between coupe and cabriolet, 3.6-liter and 3.8-liter engines, rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. You name it, they've got it.
The Porsche 911 Turbo is one of the easiest supercars to live with in daily use. It's more user friendly than competitors, from the Corvette to the Ferrari F430. Getting in and out of it is relatively easy. It rides smoothly and comfortably by sports car standards. It's happy to putt around all day at a Buick pace, particularly with the Tiptronic automatic transmission. It's easy to drive, whether streaking down a highway like a bullet train, charging up a mountain road, poking along in rush-hour traffic, or working the tires and brakes on a racing circuit. It's neither fragile nor unreliable. It's really a terrific car.
The base model is the Carrera coupe, but owning one is hardly settling for second rate. It's a fantastic sports car, enjoyable to drive and comfortable. The Carrera 4 adds the traction and handling benefits of all-wheel drive and is loaded with active safety features; it's the best choice for rain and winter weather. Cabriolets put the wind in your hair and sun in your face. The Targa features a clever clear roof that slides back to provide a top-down feeling. The GT3 is an absolute hoot for drivers who want a track car, a lot of fun, sounding and feeling like a real race car, which essentially is what it is.
After a major overhaul for 2006, the 2007 lineup carries over with just a few additions. For 2007, a new tire-pressure monitoring system is standard on all 911 models, and new 19-inch wheels in the Turbo design are available.