Stellar handling comes at a (high) price...
By Thom Blackett
|
February 23, 2007
Introduction
Porsche Boxster – Photo Gallery: When people think of the culture of Southern California, words and phrases like flashy, hot (in several senses), fast, overpriced, and image-conscious come to mind. Coincidentally, they’re also terms associated with the 2007 Porsche Boxster, a popular automotive staple in the land of sunshine and wannabe celebs. To be sure, drop tops in SoCal are a great choice, but after a week of testing, we came away with mixed impressions. Yes, this entry-level Porsche (if there really is such a thing) is flashy, gets attention with its looks, and is sufficiently uncommon and badged to satisfy those yearning for upward social mobility. But it’s quick, not fast, and at more than $56,000 as tested, most definitely overpriced.
What We Drove
Pictured on these pages is the 2007 Boxster base model that the folks at Porsche loaned us for a week of evaluation. We didn’t get a window sticker, so we did some of our own calculating to determine how much it would cost to buy off the showroom floor. Starting price for the base Boxster is $46,395 including a $795 destination charge. Our tester added items such as dual heated seats, Carrera S 19-inch alloy wheels, a rear wind deflector, floor mats, and more, all of which helped push the final price to about $57,000.
Standard Features
Included with the base model’s $46,395 price are a 2.7-liter six-cylinder engine and five-speed manual transmission, front-side airbags, fog lights, heated mirrors, a retractable rear spoiler, and a basic audio system with a single-disc CD player. Buyers also get leather upholstery, a glass rear window with a defroster, a tilt and telescoping steering wheel, traction and stability control systems, keyless entry, a tire pressure monitoring system, and more. In addition to the standard features offered on the base model, the $56,295 Boxster S tacks on a 3.4-liter engine and six-speed manual tranny, an upgraded 180-watt sound system, and unique S badges.
Options
Don’t ever criticize Porsche for going too light on the options – at least not in quantity. Pricing for these goods is another issue entirely, ranging from $115 floor mats to nearly $7,000 for the Preferred Package Plus with a Tiptronic transmission. You can select just the tranny for $3,210 or the Preferred Package Plus for $3,850. Other options include adaptive sport seats, an upgraded exterior sport package, two sports chrono packages, a navigation system, Bose audio, a Porsche Active Suspension Management setup, a removable hard top, a six-speed manual transmission, and a seemingly endless variety of alloy wheels. Options for the 2007 Boxster S mirror those of the lesser base model, with one notable exception – ceramic brakes, which will run you $8,150.
Performance
With a curb weight of just about 2,900 pounds, the 2007 Porsche Boxster, packing a standard 2.7-liter six-cylinder engine under the rear lid, isn’t exactly a screamer. All 245 horsepower and 201 lb.-ft. of torque do their best, but in the end the base Boxster falls into the quick category rather that what we’d call fast. Power builds nicely throughout the rev range, and the unmistakable intake note from the Boxer engine is a delight. There’s a slight detent that last half inch or so before the pedal hits the floorboard – on most cars, that corresponds with a noticeable goose of power, but not in the Boxster. Once up to speed, this thing will effortlessly cruise at triple digits all day.
Engines
Base Boxster models get a 2.7-liter, 24-valve, dual overhead cam, six-cylinder Boxer engine mounted mid-ship. Horsepower rates 245 at 6,400 rpm and torque comes in at 201 lb.-ft. at 4,700 rpm, all of which is pushed to the rear tires through a standard five-speed manual transmission or one of two optional gearboxes: a five-speed automatic or a six-speed manual. The Boxster S houses a 3.4-liter, 24-valve, dual overhead cam, six-cylinder Boxer engine, with 295 horsepower and 252 lb.-ft. of torque. Buyers can choose from a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission. EPA-rated fuel economy ranges between 23 mpg city and 32 mpg highway for the base model with the five-speed stick to 20/27 mpg for the S with the automatic.
Handling
Even though it’s the “poor man’s” Porsche, our Boxster test car was a hoot to drive. Regardless of speed, the ride felt firm and compliant, with responsive and well-balanced steering serving to provide the driver with a feeling of confidence and control. Braking was effective and well-modulated. While driving the Boxster along twisty back roads and along the Pacific Coast Highway toward Santa Barbara, we fell in love with the car’s eagerness to attack corners and the insatiable grip of the 19-inch rubber. The stability control system was likely working in the background, but allowed us to safely test the Boxster’s limits without harassment, and despite a slight rear weight bias, we didn’t have any problems with the tail breaking loose.
Visibility
Like virtually every convertible, the 2007 Porsche Boxster will not go down in history as a vehicle offering stellar visibility. Yes, it will get you some attention around town, but that’s not the kind of visibility we’re referring to. With the top raised, the rear window provides a decent view of what’s going on behind you, with the side mirrors aiding in the effort. However, the wide rear “pillars” make for difficult over-the-shoulder viewing. Put the top down, and you’ve instantly improved things, though the large rear hoops serve to limit the view a bit when merging, and the round shape of the tail makes it a little hairy when parallel parking and trying to gauge proximity to vehicles and curbs.
Fun to drive
Is the Boxster fun to drive? Absolutely. Porsche engineers have dialed in a package that offers buyers a balanced suspension setup, responsive steering, capable brakes, and a competent powertrain. Of course, we’d probably opt for the 295-horsepower S model if given the choice, especially since the main complaint with our test car revolved around those lonely 245 ponies. At $50,000, the 400-horsepower Chevrolet Corvette comes to mind as a worthy alternative, though in exchange for the extra giddy-up one must sacrifice the Boxster’s undeniably superior handling. It’s a tough call – one we wish we were in the position to make.
Front comfort
As luck would have it, one of our editors had his mom in town during the week we had the Boxster in the shop. Perfect – he could show Ma around SoCal in a flashy ride and get some evaluation miles put on the Boxster at the same time. Our editor suspected that his 63-year-old mother might have some trouble getting in and out of the low-sitting Porsche, but he was surprised to find himself having equal difficulty. It’s a matter of falling in and digging your way out. Once seated, you’ll find the firm seats to be supportive, though there’s not a lot of extra leg and hip room. Dual-setting heated seats come in very handy after the sun sets.
Rear Trunk
As is evidenced by this photo, the 2007 Porsche Boxster’s rear trunk is on the small side, making this convertible an unsuitable choice for carrying your clubs to the links. What will fit is a small overnight case, a folded garment bag, or a few sacks of groceries. It’s hard to imagine anything getting lost in such a small area, but there is a light that illuminates the trunk; the lid lacks any trim or finishing detail, a point that gains significance when the car’s price exceeds $50,000. You’ll also notice the plastic panel on the right side of the cargo area, behind which is the mid-engine Boxster’s oil fill access.
Front Trunk
We mentioned previously that the Boxster served taxi duty while one of our editors had family in town. The occasion required a trip to the airport, and as a result, transport of a large, fully-packed suitcase. The Boxster’s small rear trunk wasn’t up to the task, and since there’s literally no space behind the two seats, that left only the front trunk (one of the benefits of a mid-engine car). Thankfully, the front cargo area was long and deep enough to accommodate the goods, and with a gentle push of the hood, all was locked down and secure. For those with two or more large pieces of luggage, plan on really annoying your passenger, or bringing along some ropes or tie-down straps.
Styling
There’s no mistaking the 2007 Boxster as anything but a Porsche. The oval headlights, raised front and rear fenders, and shark-like nose are reminiscent of models in the past and mirror styling cues of current offerings including the 911 and Cayman. Side vents feed into a wide tail finished off with wraparound taillights. Our tester added gorgeous 19-inch Carrera S alloy wheels rolling on 205/55R-19 rubber up front and 235/50R-19 tires out back. The interior features the familiar three-spoke steering wheel, behind which is a three-gauge cluster and mostly flat dash.
Colors
Porsche offers the 2007 Boxster in several colors, with prices ranging from $0 to $3,070 for unique metallics. The company will even match your color sample for $4,315. That’s a nice option, but should you rather go for one of the existing hues, here’s the selection: Black, Carrera White, Guards Red, Speed Yellow (pictured here), Forest Green Metallic, Cobalt Blue Metallic, Meteor Grey Metallic, Carmon Red Metallic, Atlas Grey Metallic, Midnight Blue Metallic, Arctic Silver Metallic, Basalt Black Metallic, Slate Grey Metallic, Dark Olive Metallic, Dark Teal Metallic, Lapis Blue Metallic, and GT Silver Metallic. Interior leather can be custom matched for $3,845 or choose from Black, Stone Grey, Sea Blue, Palm Green, and Sand Beige, among others.
Storage
Talk about your funky cupholders. The 2007 Porsche Boxster has two of them that pop out of the dash, one above the instrument panel and another closer to the passenger door. They’re large enough to carry a 20-oz. water or soda bottle, but since they’re so shallow, bottles have a tendency to shift around when the road gets curvy. Chalk it up to another instance of the Germans trying to tell us how much they despise cupholders. In terms of overall storage, the Boxster provides a decent glovebox, a small slot under the center dash, a cubby under the center armrest, and little else.
Infotainment Controls
We’ve already determined that the 2007 Boxster, with its narrow and low seat area, is best suited for those of us who are calorie-deprived. If there’s a little extra cushion here or there, the Boxster lets you know. Same goes for the radio controls. Pudgy, fumbling fingers are not allowed, as the multiple small buttons clearly dictate. The greatest violators are the ten dotted controls for the presets, which are offset on each end by small dials for the volume and tuning. Just above the head unit is the CD slot and larger, clearly-labeled buttons for mode and equalizer adjustments.
Climate Controls
Fine, the 2007 Boxster doesn’t offer the big dials that we prefer. That being said, the system offered isn’t all that bad, and the dual-setting heated seats make top-down operation more palatable when the weather turns cool. Those controls surround buttons for defrost and air recirculation, and they all rest above the main display screen and large up/down buttons that adjust temperate and fan speed. The remaining buttons activate the automatic climate control system and direction of air flow.
Competition
The two-passenger 2007 Porsche Boxster’s primary competitors include the Audi TT with optional all-wheel drive, the base BMW Z4 or $52,000 and 330-horsepower M Roadster, and the $53,000, 400-horsepower Chevrolet Corvette. However, if you expand the field out a bit to encompass more models that match the Porsche on horsepower and/or price, the competition grows to include the rev-happy, 237-horsepower Honda S2000, the $44,000 Lotus Elise, and the potent, 306-horsepower Nissan 350Z Roadster.
Warranty
Each 2007 Porsche Boxster comes with a respectable warranty, including four-years/50,000-miles of basic coverage, four-years/50,000-miles of powertrain coverage, and ten years and unlimited mileage of corrosion protection. There isn’t a free maintenance plan like you’d find with a new BMW, but with the Boxster’s recommended oil change interval of 20,000 miles and maintenance-free fuel filter and engine coolant, you wouldn’t be saving as much as you might expect anyway.
Opinion – Perry
Porsche Boxster – Perry’s Opinion:
No surprises here. I found the Boxster to drive like most Porsches I have been in: Nimble and light but with the feeling of being glued to the road. The Boxster’s acceleration feels quick but floor it and the level of forward g’s falls short of expectations. I love the throaty intake note under hard acceleration and found the Boxster’s cornering ability beyond my willingness of limit exploration. Inside, the seats were comfortable and controls well placed with no unnecessary and distracting gauges or screens. I enjoyed my seat time in the Boxster, but it isn’t a Porsche I would consider purchasing. – Ron Perry
Specifications
Test Vehicle: 2007 Porsche Boxster Base
Base Price: $ 46,395 (including a $795 destination charge)
Engine Size and Type: 2.7-liter H6
Engine Horsepower: 245 at 6,400 rpm
Engine Torque: 201 lb.-ft. at 4,700 rpm
Transmission: Six-speed manual
EPA Fuel Economy: 22/31 mpg
Dimensions
Curb Weight, lbs.: 2,855
Length, inches: 171.6
Width, inches: 70.9
Wheelbase, inches: 95.1
Height, inches: 51.0
Legroom, inches: 41.6
Headroom, inches: 38.4
Max. Seating Capacity: Two
Max. Cargo Volume, cu.ft.: 9.5
Pictured on these pages is the 2007 Boxster base model that the folks at Porsche loaned us for a week of evaluation. We didn’t get a window sticker, so we did some of our own calculating to determine how much it would cost to buy off the showroom floor. Starting price for the base Boxster is $46,395 including a $795 destination charge. Our tester added items such as dual heated seats, Carrera S 19-inch alloy wheels, a rear wind deflector, floor mats, and more, all of which helped push the final price to about $57,000.
Standard Features
Included with the base model’s $46,395 price are a 2.7-liter six-cylinder engine and five-speed manual transmission, front-side airbags, fog lights, heated mirrors, a retractable rear spoiler, and a basic audio system with a single-disc CD player. Buyers also get leather upholstery, a glass rear window with a defroster, a tilt and telescoping steering wheel, traction and stability control systems, keyless entry, a tire pressure monitoring system, and more. In addition to the standard features offered on the base model, the $56,295 Boxster S tacks on a 3.4-liter engine and six-speed manual tranny, an upgraded 180-watt sound system, and unique S badges.
Options
Don’t ever criticize Porsche for going too light on the options – at least not in quantity. Pricing for these goods is another issue entirely, ranging from $115 floor mats to nearly $7,000 for the Preferred Package Plus with a Tiptronic transmission. You can select just the tranny for $3,210 or the Preferred Package Plus for $3,850. Other options include adaptive sport seats, an upgraded exterior sport package, two sports chrono packages, a navigation system, Bose audio, a Porsche Active Suspension Management setup, a removable hard top, a six-speed manual transmission, and a seemingly endless variety of alloy wheels. Options for the 2007 Boxster S mirror those of the lesser base model, with one notable exception – ceramic brakes, which will run you $8,150.
Performance
With a curb weight of just about 2,900 pounds, the 2007 Porsche Boxster, packing a standard 2.7-liter six-cylinder engine under the rear lid, isn’t exactly a screamer. All 245 horsepower and 201 lb.-ft. of torque do their best, but in the end the base Boxster falls into the quick category rather that what we’d call fast. Power builds nicely throughout the rev range, and the unmistakable intake note from the Boxer engine is a delight. There’s a slight detent that last half inch or so before the pedal hits the floorboard – on most cars, that corresponds with a noticeable goose of power, but not in the Boxster. Once up to speed, this thing will effortlessly cruise at triple digits all day.
Engines
Base Boxster models get a 2.7-liter, 24-valve, dual overhead cam, six-cylinder Boxer engine mounted mid-ship. Horsepower rates 245 at 6,400 rpm and torque comes in at 201 lb.-ft. at 4,700 rpm, all of which is pushed to the rear tires through a standard five-speed manual transmission or one of two optional gearboxes: a five-speed automatic or a six-speed manual. The Boxster S houses a 3.4-liter, 24-valve, dual overhead cam, six-cylinder Boxer engine, with 295 horsepower and 252 lb.-ft. of torque. Buyers can choose from a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission. EPA-rated fuel economy ranges between 23 mpg city and 32 mpg highway for the base model with the five-speed stick to 20/27 mpg for the S with the automatic.
Handling
Even though it’s the “poor man’s” Porsche, our Boxster test car was a hoot to drive. Regardless of speed, the ride felt firm and compliant, with responsive and well-balanced steering serving to provide the driver with a feeling of confidence and control. Braking was effective and well-modulated. While driving the Boxster along twisty back roads and along the Pacific Coast Highway toward Santa Barbara, we fell in love with the car’s eagerness to attack corners and the insatiable grip of the 19-inch rubber. The stability control system was likely working in the background, but allowed us to safely test the Boxster’s limits without harassment, and despite a slight rear weight bias, we didn’t have any problems with the tail breaking loose.
Visibility
Like virtually every convertible, the 2007 Porsche Boxster will not go down in history as a vehicle offering stellar visibility. Yes, it will get you some attention around town, but that’s not the kind of visibility we’re referring to. With the top raised, the rear window provides a decent view of what’s going on behind you, with the side mirrors aiding in the effort. However, the wide rear “pillars” make for difficult over-the-shoulder viewing. Put the top down, and you’ve instantly improved things, though the large rear hoops serve to limit the view a bit when merging, and the round shape of the tail makes it a little hairy when parallel parking and trying to gauge proximity to vehicles and curbs.
Fun to drive
Is the Boxster fun to drive? Absolutely. Porsche engineers have dialed in a package that offers buyers a balanced suspension setup, responsive steering, capable brakes, and a competent powertrain. Of course, we’d probably opt for the 295-horsepower S model if given the choice, especially since the main complaint with our test car revolved around those lonely 245 ponies. At $50,000, the 400-horsepower Chevrolet Corvette comes to mind as a worthy alternative, though in exchange for the extra giddy-up one must sacrifice the Boxster’s undeniably superior handling. It’s a tough call – one we wish we were in the position to make.
Front comfort
As luck would have it, one of our editors had his mom in town during the week we had the Boxster in the shop. Perfect – he could show Ma around SoCal in a flashy ride and get some evaluation miles put on the Boxster at the same time. Our editor suspected that his 63-year-old mother might have some trouble getting in and out of the low-sitting Porsche, but he was surprised to find himself having equal difficulty. It’s a matter of falling in and digging your way out. Once seated, you’ll find the firm seats to be supportive, though there’s not a lot of extra leg and hip room. Dual-setting heated seats come in very handy after the sun sets.
Rear Trunk
As is evidenced by this photo, the 2007 Porsche Boxster’s rear trunk is on the small side, making this convertible an unsuitable choice for carrying your clubs to the links. What will fit is a small overnight case, a folded garment bag, or a few sacks of groceries. It’s hard to imagine anything getting lost in such a small area, but there is a light that illuminates the trunk; the lid lacks any trim or finishing detail, a point that gains significance when the car’s price exceeds $50,000. You’ll also notice the plastic panel on the right side of the cargo area, behind which is the mid-engine Boxster’s oil fill access.
Front Trunk
We mentioned previously that the Boxster served taxi duty while one of our editors had family in town. The occasion required a trip to the airport, and as a result, transport of a large, fully-packed suitcase. The Boxster’s small rear trunk wasn’t up to the task, and since there’s literally no space behind the two seats, that left only the front trunk (one of the benefits of a mid-engine car). Thankfully, the front cargo area was long and deep enough to accommodate the goods, and with a gentle push of the hood, all was locked down and secure. For those with two or more large pieces of luggage, plan on really annoying your passenger, or bringing along some ropes or tie-down straps.
Styling
There’s no mistaking the 2007 Boxster as anything but a Porsche. The oval headlights, raised front and rear fenders, and shark-like nose are reminiscent of models in the past and mirror styling cues of current offerings including the 911 and Cayman. Side vents feed into a wide tail finished off with wraparound taillights. Our tester added gorgeous 19-inch Carrera S alloy wheels rolling on 205/55R-19 rubber up front and 235/50R-19 tires out back. The interior features the familiar three-spoke steering wheel, behind which is a three-gauge cluster and mostly flat dash.
Colors
Porsche offers the 2007 Boxster in several colors, with prices ranging from $0 to $3,070 for unique metallics. The company will even match your color sample for $4,315. That’s a nice option, but should you rather go for one of the existing hues, here’s the selection: Black, Carrera White, Guards Red, Speed Yellow (pictured here), Forest Green Metallic, Cobalt Blue Metallic, Meteor Grey Metallic, Carmon Red Metallic, Atlas Grey Metallic, Midnight Blue Metallic, Arctic Silver Metallic, Basalt Black Metallic, Slate Grey Metallic, Dark Olive Metallic, Dark Teal Metallic, Lapis Blue Metallic, and GT Silver Metallic. Interior leather can be custom matched for $3,845 or choose from Black, Stone Grey, Sea Blue, Palm Green, and Sand Beige, among others.
Storage
Talk about your funky cupholders. The 2007 Porsche Boxster has two of them that pop out of the dash, one above the instrument panel and another closer to the passenger door. They’re large enough to carry a 20-oz. water or soda bottle, but since they’re so shallow, bottles have a tendency to shift around when the road gets curvy. Chalk it up to another instance of the Germans trying to tell us how much they despise cupholders. In terms of overall storage, the Boxster provides a decent glovebox, a small slot under the center dash, a cubby under the center armrest, and little else.
Infotainment Controls
We’ve already determined that the 2007 Boxster, with its narrow and low seat area, is best suited for those of us who are calorie-deprived. If there’s a little extra cushion here or there, the Boxster lets you know. Same goes for the radio controls. Pudgy, fumbling fingers are not allowed, as the multiple small buttons clearly dictate. The greatest violators are the ten dotted controls for the presets, which are offset on each end by small dials for the volume and tuning. Just above the head unit is the CD slot and larger, clearly-labeled buttons for mode and equalizer adjustments.
Climate Controls
Fine, the 2007 Boxster doesn’t offer the big dials that we prefer. That being said, the system offered isn’t all that bad, and the dual-setting heated seats make top-down operation more palatable when the weather turns cool. Those controls surround buttons for defrost and air recirculation, and they all rest above the main display screen and large up/down buttons that adjust temperate and fan speed. The remaining buttons activate the automatic climate control system and direction of air flow.
Competition
The two-passenger 2007 Porsche Boxster’s primary competitors include the Audi TT with optional all-wheel drive, the base BMW Z4 or $52,000 and 330-horsepower M Roadster, and the $53,000, 400-horsepower Chevrolet Corvette. However, if you expand the field out a bit to encompass more models that match the Porsche on horsepower and/or price, the competition grows to include the rev-happy, 237-horsepower Honda S2000, the $44,000 Lotus Elise, and the potent, 306-horsepower Nissan 350Z Roadster.
Warranty
Each 2007 Porsche Boxster comes with a respectable warranty, including four-years/50,000-miles of basic coverage, four-years/50,000-miles of powertrain coverage, and ten years and unlimited mileage of corrosion protection. There isn’t a free maintenance plan like you’d find with a new BMW, but with the Boxster’s recommended oil change interval of 20,000 miles and maintenance-free fuel filter and engine coolant, you wouldn’t be saving as much as you might expect anyway.
Opinion – Perry
Porsche Boxster – Perry’s Opinion:
No surprises here. I found the Boxster to drive like most Porsches I have been in: Nimble and light but with the feeling of being glued to the road. The Boxster’s acceleration feels quick but floor it and the level of forward g’s falls short of expectations. I love the throaty intake note under hard acceleration and found the Boxster’s cornering ability beyond my willingness of limit exploration. Inside, the seats were comfortable and controls well placed with no unnecessary and distracting gauges or screens. I enjoyed my seat time in the Boxster, but it isn’t a Porsche I would consider purchasing. – Ron Perry
Specifications
Test Vehicle: 2007 Porsche Boxster Base
Base Price: $ 46,395 (including a $795 destination charge)
Engine Size and Type: 2.7-liter H6
Engine Horsepower: 245 at 6,400 rpm
Engine Torque: 201 lb.-ft. at 4,700 rpm
Transmission: Six-speed manual
EPA Fuel Economy: 22/31 mpg
Dimensions
Curb Weight, lbs.: 2,855
Length, inches: 171.6
Width, inches: 70.9
Wheelbase, inches: 95.1
Height, inches: 51.0
Legroom, inches: 41.6
Headroom, inches: 38.4
Max. Seating Capacity: Two
Max. Cargo Volume, cu.ft.: 9.5
Photos courtesy of Ron Perry