2011 Porsche Boxster Review
2011 Porsche Boxster Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Sublime handling and steering
- powerful engines
- impressive fuel economy
- excellent transmissions
- top-notch interior
- highly customizable.
Cons
- Gets pricey when many options are added
- taller occupants may feel cramped
- unintuitive PDK shift buttons
- Spyder's fussy roof.
What’s new
For the 2011 Porsche Boxster, Bluetooth and an iPod interface are now standard equipment for all models except the new-for-2011 Spyder. Several new options packages make adding popular items easier and (slightly) cheaper.
Edmunds says
The 2011 Porsche Boxster is one of the most desirable roadsters on the market. It's wise to be conservative with the options list, though, or you may find yourself missing an arm or a leg.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2011 Porsche Boxster 2dr Convertible (2.9L 6cyl 6M) 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 $4.31 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$238/mo for Boxster Base
Boxster Base
vs
$174/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Vehicle overview
Picking the best roadster has not been a difficult decision for the better part of 15 years. If you don't have a lot of money to spend, buy a Miata. If you have a lot of money to spend, buy a Porsche Boxster. There are other choices to be sure, but none are as pure when it comes down to satisfying the classic roadster tenets of razor-sharp handling, compact dimensions, two seats, slick manual transmissions and attractive styling. But considering you're reading the 2011 Porsche Boxster review, let's just assume the bank account is robust enough to sustain a bigger hit.
When it comes to handling, Porsche's experience with building some of the world's best sports cars is no doubt paramount. But the Boxster's midengine layout, with its flat-6 mounted low to the ground, is pretty much an ideal. In contrast, the pricier 911 Cabriolet is quicker in a straight line, but its rear-engine design means it lacks the Boxster's supreme nimbleness and predictable nature at the limit.
The Boxster's appeal is even greater for 2011, as Porsche has added the Boxster Spyder to the lineup. For this specialized model, weight has been nipped and tucked away from the car to a degree that would benefit the federal budget. Notably, the sound system and air-conditioning are gone (you can add them back as options) as is the power-operated top, which has been replaced by a manually operated two-piece soft top. But what the Spyder loses in creature comforts it gains in others, notably 10 horsepower and even sharper handling talents.
Of course, not everybody pines for roadster purity. If you'd like a more usable trunk, a more spacious cabin and a more relaxed, touring-type two-seat convertible, the 2011 BMW Z4 and new 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK are probably better choices. On the opposite end of the spectrum, hard-core driving enthusiasts should check out the 2011 Lotus Elise. There's also Porsche's tradition of collecting gobs of money through the Boxster's many options -- go crazy ticking boxes and it's actually possible to double the car's base price. But if you're seeking the quintessential classic roadster, you know what our choice would be.
Performance & mpg
The base Boxster is powered by a 2.9-liter horizontally opposed six-cylinder (flat-6) engine that produces 255 hp and 214 pound-feet of torque. Like every Boxster, it is rear-wheel drive and comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission. Optional is a seven-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission known as PDK. According to Porsche, it'll go from zero to 60 mph in about 5.5 seconds regardless of transmission. Fuel economy is 19 mpg city/27 mpg highway and 22 mpg combined with the manual and an impressive 20/29/24 with PDK.
The Boxster S gets a direct-injected 3.4-liter flat-6 that produces 310 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque. According to Porsche, it'll hit 60 in about 5 seconds. Fuel economy is the same with PDK as the base Boxster and almost equal with the manual.
The Boxster Spyder gets a version of the S engine that produces 320 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque. In Edmunds performance testing, the Spyder hit 60 mph in 4.6 seconds. Fuel economy is the same as for the base Boxster.
Safety
Standard safety features for the 2011 Porsche Boxster include antilock disc brakes, stability and traction control, dual thorax and head side-impact airbags and rollover safety hoops above the headrests. In Edmunds brake testing, the Spyder came to a stop from 60 mph in a superb 102 feet -- the other Boxsters are likely to only take a few feet longer.
Driving
Thanks to its petite size, modest weight and midengine layout, the 2011 Porsche Boxster handles superbly, managing to feel glued to the road and light on its feet at the same time. Body roll is virtually nonexistent, and the variable-ratio steering is among the best systems on the market. It's all that and more when considering the sublime Boxster Spyder.
The base Boxster's 2.9-liter engine sounds glorious, and most roadster buyers will never feel wanting for power. Having said that, more thrust is never a bad thing and the 310-hp Boxster S will certainly not disappoint. Driving enthusiasts will still feel more of a connection with manual-equipped Boxsters, but the PDK transmission is a revelation, providing faultless automated-manual shifting performance for those who would rather not row their own gears. We're not particularly fond of the steering-wheel-mounted shift buttons, so the optional shift paddles are a must-have.
Interior
The Boxster's interior boasts premium materials and proper sports car seating, particularly if you ante up for the optional full-power seats. The oversized center-mounted tachometer conveys the Boxster's high-performance DNA, although the analog speedometer's tiny numbers and huge range make it more decorative than functional -- the trip computer's digital speedo readout is more useful. Some controls are a bit fussy, but the current center control stack is much friendlier than those in past Porsches. The base stereo's sound quality is laughable, but the optional systems are worthy upgrades.
The optional wind deflector mitigates buffeting at speed with the top down, but top-up motoring is marred by excessive wind noise and gigantic blind spots. While the Boxster's soft top keeps weight and complexity down, its competitors' retractable hardtops are far more pleasant to live with. Unlike the spacious BMW Z4, the Boxster's cabin is merely average for a roadster, meaning taller folks may feel constrained. The Boxster's midengine design spawns two trunks -- one front, one rear -- that can hold about 10 cubic feet of cargo between them regardless of whether the top is raised or lowered.
For the Spyder, Porsche takes out some features to reduce weight. The air-conditioning and radio are options, the narrow sport seats are thinly padded and have fixed backrests, the door handles are cloth straps and even the plastic hood that shields the gauges has been tossed. Most notably, though, the power-operated soft top has been replaced by a manual two-piece roof that requires practice, patience and the pity of Mother Nature.
2011 Porsche Boxster models
The 2011 Porsche Boxster is a two-seat convertible available in base, S, Black Edition and Spyder trims. The base model comes equipped with 17-inch wheels, a power soft top, cruise control, six-way adjustable seats (power backrest, manual fore/aft and height), a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, air-conditioning, partial leather upholstery, Bluetooth and a four-speaker sound system with a CD player and an iPod/USB audio interface. Stepping up to the Boxster S gets you a bigger engine, 18-inch wheels and red-painted brake calipers.
Should you wish to double the base price of the Boxster, Porsche will happily oblige you with a seemingly endless options list. The Convenience package adds adaptive bi-xenon headlights, a wind deflector, auto-dimming mirrors, automatic wipers and automatic climate control. The Infotainment package gets a navigation system, satellite radio and a seven-speaker sound system.
The items in these packages can be added separately along with different wheel sizes and designs, a mechanical limited-slip rear differential, an adaptive suspension, ceramic composite brakes (S and Spyder only), rear parking sensors and a sport steering wheel with PDK shift paddles. Interior options include fully powered seats, three different sport seat designs, heated seats, ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, voice controls, satellite radio, a six-CD changer and a 10-speaker Bose surround-sound system.
The Sport Chrono package adds a lap timer, adjustable driver settings and, with PDK, launch control. Then there are the numerous customization choices that will cover just about any interior surface in leather, Alcantara, aluminum, carbon fiber, wood trim or exterior paint.
The Boxster Spyder is a stripped-down version of the Boxster S. Standard equipment includes 19-inch wheels, more horsepower, the limited-slip rear differential, a lowered sport-tuned suspension, a manually operated lightweight soft top, lightweight sport seats and exterior paint-matched interior trim. It ditches air-conditioning along with a few trim pieces, while the four-speaker sound system is a no-cost option. Most of the Boxster's options are available on the Spyder, but certain luxury items like the ventilated seats and Bose stereo are not available. If those lightweight seats with the non-adjustable backrests are not to your liking, the regular sport seats from the Boxster are available.
Reliability Ratings by RepairPal
3.5 out of 5 stars3.5/5Above Average
#13 out of 26 among Luxury Compact Cars
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
Cost
The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Porsche Boxster from 2008-2022.$573/yr
vs. $554/yr
for Average Luxury Compact Car
for Average Luxury Compact Car
Frequency
The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).1.45x/yr
vs. 1.57x/yr
for Average Luxury Compact Car
for Average Luxury Compact Car
Severity
The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).13.8%
vs. 11.1%
for Average Luxury Compact Car
for Average Luxury Compact Car
powered by RepairPal Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2011 Porsche Boxster.
5 star(95%)
4 star(2%)
3 star(3%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(0%)
42 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.88 out of 5 stars
Stellar. Wow. Great only car for 2.
Bailey, 09/21/2010
2010 Porsche Boxster 2dr Convertible (2.9L 6cyl 6M)
This car has been a revelation. The build quality, design, and performance consistently and continuously impress. This car is something special. This is our only car. We have rely on it to perform all missions under all conditions. After 4 months, 8000 miles, and a few multi-day road trips, we have no regrets. It is comfortable, capable, safe, well designed, beautifully made and … finished, and does everything. Golf clubs fit. Luggage for 2 fits easily. Go-crazy shopping trips, speed bumps, steep driveways, dirt roads and rain are no problem. The Porsche Boxster adds an element of beauty and excitement and beauty to everyday life that everyone should experience.
4.75 out of 5 stars
One test drive
RonB, 01/08/2009
2008 Porsche Boxster S 2dr Convertible (3.4L 6cyl 6M)
Experienced BMW owner including the Z-4. On a whim, test drove the S and could not rest comfortably until I bought it. Made the Z-4 feel like a go-cart. Gas prices or not, I make up reasons to drive somewhere.
4.88 out of 5 stars
There is no subsitute
Slick Shift, 10/17/2009
2008 Porsche Boxster RS 60 Spyder 2dr Convertible (3.4L 6cyl 6M)
Replacing my aging s2000 was difficult. Buying the RS60 was easy. There was no comparison. Price of admission was high, but the Porsche selectable suspension system coupled with smooth kick in the pants engine power, killer brakes, handling, and selectable exhaust makes an enthusiast dream come though. The car felt like home immediately. Rare and beautiful gray interior and that classic … exterior makes my tail wag when the garage door opens. At 6 ft plus plenty of room and comfort. Bose system sounds very good when I am not listening to that beautiful exhaust note. Fit and finish is fantastic and having two trunks is even better. Ride comfort superb. It is a sensational auto that is a blast.
5 out of 5 stars
Perfection
Jared, 10/03/2008
2008 Porsche Boxster Limited Edition S 2dr Convertible (3.4L 6cyl 6M)
There is no such thing as the perfect car, as I found out by going through 25 of them in 7 years. At least that is what I thought until this car. If you are considering a sports car and a Boxster is in your budget then you absolutely must drive one. I have owned cars that were faster in a straight line (2 Vipers, 4 Corvettes, and an 03 Mustang Cobra), but none of them felt the way this … car does. The smoothness of this car is just flat out incredible. It does everything so well, and I can't really describe it, but it just feels good no matter what kind of driving you are doing. Of course it is at its best when you are doing aggressive driving on your favorite curvy road. Yes it is perfect.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2011 Porsche Boxster, so we've included reviews for other years of the Boxster since its last redesign.
2011 Boxster Highlights
Base
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $48,100 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 22 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $238/month |
Seating | 2 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 5.3 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the Boxster include:
- Alarm
- Tire Pressure Warning
- Stability Control
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