EDMUNDS.COM 2004 PORSCHE BOXSTER
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 Summary
What Edmunds.com Says
A midengine design and classic Porsche styling, not to mention sublime steering and brakes, give the Boxster a unique combination of traits that few cars can match at this price point.
Pros
Supreme handling characteristics, plenty of usable power in "S" format, relatively generous cargo capacity, fast power top operation.
Cons
Costly options push price up quickly, interior not all that impressive considering the price.
What''s New for 2004
For 2004, the Boxster S adds a sports exhaust system to the options list. The Boxster and Boxster S are also available in two new colors -- Atlas Gray and Carmon Red.
Overview
Introduction:
Although the 911 has been the staple of Porsche''s lineup for over three decades, the debut of the Boxster in 1997 ushered in a new era of the more affordable Porsche convertible. With its compact, midengine layout and formidable handling prowess, the flat-six-powered Boxster quickly became one of the best-selling cars in the luxury roadster segment. Although many of its competitors, such as the BMW Z3 and Mercedes-Benz SLK had equally prestigious names, the Boxster''s thrilling driving experience was often enough to keep buyers from looking any further. The year 2000 saw the introduction of the more powerful "S" version which boasted more power (250 horsepower compared to the standard Boxster''s 217 ponies) along with upgraded brakes and suspension. Although the S was (and is) considerably more expensive than the regular Boxster, it bridged the gap in terms of performance and cost between the $43,000 Boxster and the $70,000 911. In 2003, both Boxsters received minor upgrades to keep them relevant in the face of faster, more refined rivals. More power is always nice, and the upgrades to the Boxster''s variable valve timing system (called VarioCam) netted eight more horsepower on each engine, for a total of 225 in the base car and 258 in the S. A bonus is the tweaked exhaust, which provides an even more robust growl for the enthusiast''s ear than before. Now in its eighth year of production, Porsche''s captivating Boxster remains a purpose-built sports car that''s designed to go fast and provide optimum feedback while demanding the driver''s undivided attention. It rewards skilled pilots with an unparalleled thrill ride and an unrivaled exhaust note.
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For Pricing information, see Edmunds'' Pricing page. |
Body Styles, Trim Levels and Options:
The two-seat roadster comes as either the Boxster or the Boxster S. The standard equipment list on both models includes such features as leather-trimmed seats with power recline; automatic climate control; leather-covered steering wheel, gearshift knob, armrests and handbrake handle; an in-dash CD player; and a power top. Optional equipment includes full leather seating, Porsche Stability Management (PSM), a Bose digital sound system, bi-xenon headlights, rear parking assist, a three-piece wind deflector, heated seats, a navigation system and a removable aluminum hardtop. Standard Boxsters also offer an optional sport suspension, while both models offer larger 18-inch wheels.
Powertrains and Performance:
Both models use a horizontally opposed six-cylinder engine. In the standard Boxster, it displaces 2.7 liters and produces 225 horsepower and 192 pound-feet of torque. The Boxster S uses a 3.2-liter version of the same engine with 258 hp and 229 lb-ft of torque. A five-speed manual transmission is fitted to the Boxster, while the Boxster S gets a six-speed unit. An automatic, Porsche''s five-speed Tiptronic S automanual, is also available for either car. Other Boxster S upgrades include higher-rate springs and shocks, longer control arms and standard lightweight 17-inch wheels. Porsche claims that the standard Boxster will sprint to 60 mph in 6.4 seconds, while the S accomplishes the same feat in just 5.7 ticks of the watch.
Safety:
Side airbags and four-wheel antilock disc brakes are standard on both Boxsters. Electronic stability control, dubbed PSM, is optional. To date, no crash tests of the Boxster have been conducted.
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For more Safety information, see Edmunds'' Safety page. |
Interior Design and Special Features:
The Boxster''s seats are firm and supportive, and substantial bolstering holds occupants in place on tight turns. Like the 911, the Boxster''s cabin suffers from poor ergonomics and average materials quality. The radio seems decades old, and some of the plastics seem out of place for a car in this price range. Wind protection isn''t great, even with the windows up and the wind blocker in place. With two trunks, there is an ample 9.1 cubic feet of cargo space available.
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For more Interior Features information, see Edmunds'' Specifications page. |
Driving Impressions:
As a commuter vehicle, the Boxster''s stiff steering, brakes and clutch conspire to make it a chore around town. Buy a BMW Z4 or Mercedes SLK320 if your primary driving environment resembles the mega-mall parking lot. Rather, the Porsche Boxster shines as a weekend-getaway vehicle, providing comfort and space for two adults and their luggage with driving characteristics that are thoroughly enjoyable at speed.
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For more Driving Impressions, Recent Articles and Car Awards from Edmunds'' editors, see Edmunds'' Road Tests page. |
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