1998 Porsche 911 Review
1998 Porsche 911 Review
View more photos
View more photos
View more photos
View more photos
View more photos
Used 911 for sale
Appraise This CarPorsche 911 model years
Porsche 911 types
- Coupe
- Convertible
See Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- One of the most beautiful shapes in automotive history. Performance is equal to that of supercars costing twice as much.
Cons
- Next year's model has been completely redesigned.
What’s new
The current-generation 1998 Porsche 911 goes the way of the dodo at year's end, replaced by the next evolutionary step toward the perfect driving machine.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1998 Porsche 911 Carrera 2dr Convertible and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.50 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$235/mo for 911 Carrera
911 Carrera
vs
$179/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Vehicle overview
This is the final year of production for the current generation of the Porsche 911. Next year's 911 (known internally as the 996), is more aerodynamic, faster, lighter, more powerful and less expensive. So why bother with a '98? That's what a lot of people are asking, and that's the reason 911 sales have dropped significantly from last year's figures. Next year's car sports an all-new water-cooled engine and a longer wheelbase, among a hundred other improvements. But the next-generation 911 also looks a lot like the Boxster, with which it shares a few parts, so the 1998 911 is the last year for traditionalists.
Anyone accustomed to driving in ho-hum fashion and steering with a lazy finger should steer clear of Porsches completely. To operate a 911, much less seize the maximum from its potential, demands effort. You have to pay attention. Manipulate the clutch and gears with skill and caution, and you're rewarded with an unrivaled motoring experience.
Acceleration is simply phenomenal, provided that you stay in each gear for a suitable span of time, and avoid letting the rear-mounted engine over-rev. No one could ask for a sweeter gearshift lever; one that traverses through six speeds by way of long, visceral flicks of the wrist. The stiff clutch demands a strong foot, but engages gracefully.
Everybody knows that handling is Porsche's prime talent, but you must experience it to believe. Steering doesn't require a lot of effort, but you feel every last imperfection from the pavement in the steering wheel, never losing intimate kinship with the road. Sixteen-inch tires grasp the road like pincers, while 17- and even 18-inchers are available for the hard-to-please. Brake response is astounding.
In the city or on rough roads, the ride gets harsh; even shaky. Yet on the highway, a 911 is surprisingly comfortable. The car attempts to ride right over the top of bumps to maintain the best possible grip.
Back support couldn't be better, in a superlative driving position. Seats feel molded to your body; the point of perfection between stiffness and softness. The driver faces a big 8000 rpm tach head-on. To the side sits a 180-mph speedometer; a realistic figure, since the base 911 can reach 168 mph.
As for criticisms, the gearbox doesn't like to shift into reverse, an annoyance that could be avoided by selecting a Porsche with Tiptronic transmission. Engine and tire noise can get downright screechy, though Porsche fanatics revere such commotion. Grievances pale, however, in comparison with the car that has almost reached perfection. Fantastic handling, created to enhance the joy of driving, this precision machine stands near the pinnacle of sports-car excellence.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 1998 Porsche 911.
5 star(85%)
4 star(13%)
3 star(2%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(0%)
47 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
A garage Queen that makes me feel like a Prince!
Jamie Levy Farrell, 05/28/2018
1997 Porsche 911 Carrera 2dr Coupe
I am a life long PORSCHE owner...27 in all over a span of 50 years. I bought my 1997 993 C2S, 6-speed air conditioned garage queen from another Porschephile (its an emotional problem). This is a car that has been truly loved since day one, no rain, minimal sun...presents as new. I am at 40K miles now, and have had to do a few things like cooling fan items ($1200) and surprisingly an … alternator replacement (my first in a 911@ $1300) and updated shocks ($3200), but this is a 21 year old automobile, so what the hell? Overall, these are exceptional automobiles in every way. My opinion comes from over a million miles of driving my various 911's of every utility (daily drivers, concours, new purchases, used purchases and racing). The 993 series 911 are exceptional vehicles of the entire 911 range (1964-present) the 993 have had the benefit of evolving over the prior 3+ decades (1964-1997) and that evolution is to your benefit on almost every angle. If your concerns are cupholders and such, I think you are looking in the wrong box....these are a drivers' automobile. These automobiles are meant to be driven and enjoyed...(all the while paying close attention!). I have read where some say the interior is "dated", I think that depends on your perspective. When I slide into my 993, I fall back into my late teens, to my 67 911-S, the seats are familiar; the panoramic five instruments present themselves as "ready", the gear lever falls to my hand like an old friend and the ignition key is exactly where it has always been... and should be...on the left. A twist of the key and a marvel of machinery instantly bursts to life and I am off on another soul satisfying rolling adventure. Life should be so good for all! I think a 993 which has been properly maintained/serviced and inspected will provide you with the most satisfying and fun automotive experience of your lifetime. As for expense: "the only thing more expensive than a NEW Porsche, is a CHEAP OLD Porsche". That is a personal quote based upon decades of experience and personal observation. Go forth and DRIVE a 993, you will wonder why it took you so long to do so.
4.88 out of 5 stars
Speed Yellow
Speed Yellow, 09/21/2010
1998 Porsche 911 Carrera S 2dr Coupe
Yes it is speed yellow! This is my 1st 911 and has been an awesome car. This is also my 5th Porsche. I picked up the car in Portland and drove it South of LA. It is not the most comfortable car for long trips, especially with sports seats. But, I got an avg. of 27 Mpg! Unbelievable in such a fast car. It effortlessly does 3 digit speeds, even up hills!! The car was loaded with sport … exhaust, drive block, limited slip, sport seats to name a few options. The paint was a $3000 option when new; now it is a std. color on Porsches. The C2S has excellent styling, very quick acceleration and classic 911 interior dash. Recommend to do a corner balance on the suspension and it will handle even better!
4.75 out of 5 stars
Best 911 model hnds down
Big Ed, 08/31/2010
1996 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S 2dr Coupe AWD
Buy one now before the price goes up and don't worry about the mileage if serviced properly. A lot of folks will recommend buying the "newest 911" you can afford. Don't believe it. My car has 180,000 miles and the only service has been oil changes. Keep the revs over 3,000 rpms. My local Porsche dealership manager drives one. This is last of the air-cooled 911's and this car has … evolved to perfection with over 20-years of continuous engineering improvements that came from Porsche's racing engineering history. The new 911's (997 series) are made to look like these. Why? Because it is a mobile Object D'art. My car is 14yo and still folks jaws drop at the gas pump and heads turn.
4.88 out of 5 stars
Awesome Car
andyboy46, 12/14/2011
1996 Porsche 911 Carrera Targa 2dr Coupe
I test drove dozens of Porsche's & read a lot about all models, from early 993's, 996's, Turbo 996's and a couple of 997's. There is nothing that compares to the style, sound, power, build quality of the amazing 993 car. It is practical and fun to drive. In my opinion the last of the air cooled Porsche was and still is the best, most stylish all round sports car on the road. Every time I … get behind the wheel I am glad I bought the "old school" model, it has a style and personality that will never be manufactured again. It took me 6 months to get used to it but I just love this car.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 1998 Porsche 911, so we've included reviews for other years of the 911 since its last redesign.
1998 911 Highlights
Coupe
Carrera Targa
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 18 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $235/month |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Safety
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original0
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
People who viewed this also viewed
5.0 average Rating out of 5 reviews. |
Starting at $68,300 |
Starting at $68,300 |
5.0 average Rating out of 1 reviews. |
Starting at $70,400 |
Related Used 1998 Porsche 911 info
Vehicle reviews of used models
- Used Cadillac XTS 2014
- Used Audi R8 2010
- Used Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2014
- Used Bentley Continental GT 2012
- Used MINI Clubman 2012
Shop similar models
Shop used vehicles in your area
- Used Porsche 911 2019
- Used Porsche 911 2013 For Sale
- Used Porsche 911 2011 For Sale
- Used Porsche 911 2012
- Used Porsche 911 2015
- Used Porsche 911 2017
- Used Porsche 911 2010
- Used Porsche 911 2016
- Used Porsche 911 2018
- Used Porsche 911 2014
Popular new car reviews and ratings
- Cadillac XT 6
- 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe
- Lincoln Navigator For Sale
- 2025 Tesla Model X News
- 2023 Cadillac Escalade
- 2023 ID.4
- Genesis G80
- Lexus Es 350
- 2024 Alfa Romeo Stelvio
- 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan
Research other models of Porsche
- Porsche Boxster 2023
- 2023 Porsche 718 Cayman
- Porsche 911 2024
- 2023 Porsche 911
- Porsche Macan 2024
- 2023 Panamera
- Porsche Cayenne 2023
Other models
- Used Ford Fiesta in Elizabeth City, NC
- Used Ford Crown-Victoria in Auburn, WA
- Used Ford Transit-Connect-Cargo-Van in Lincolnton, NC
- Used Acura MDX in Somerville, NJ
- Used GMC Safari-Cargo in Loganville, GA
- New BMW X5 for Sale in La Vergne, TN
- New Toyota Grand-Highlander-Hybrid for Sale in Centereach, NY
- Used Hummer H1-Alpha in Granbury, TX
- Used Toyota 86 in New Albany, OH
- Used Lexus RX-400H in Hobart, IN