1999 Porsche Boxster Review
1999 Porsche Boxster Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Great fun at Porsche's entry-level price.
Cons
- Weak stereo, and the BMW M Roadster offers more power.
What’s new
The Boxster is slowly adding features and options. This year, a Classic Package includes metallic paint and all-leather seats, and adds special highlights to the interior. The gas tank is increased from a 12.5- to a 14.1-gallon capacity, and gas-discharge Litronic headlights are optional. All the features in the Sport Package are individually optional this year, and 18-inch wheels are now available.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1999 Porsche Boxster 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 $3.35 per gallon for regular unleaded in Wisconsin.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Wisconsin
$208/mo for Boxster Base
Boxster Base
vs
$170/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Vehicle overview
Car buff magazines have been proclaiming the rebirth of the sports car market since the introduction of the BMW Z3 in the winter of 1996. One year later, their prediction was validated with the introduction of the Mercedes SLK and Porsche Boxster. The most anticipated of these wonderfully impractical cars, however, has to be the Boxster. Porsche is slow to change, and even slower to introduce new products. (The previous 911 design had been around for an astounding 30 years before it was completely revised.) When Porsche does introduce a new product, it is guaranteed to cause a stir.
The Boxster was a clean-sheet design that was built around an all-new horizontally opposed (boxer type) engine. The engine is mounted mid-ship for ideal weight distribution and displaces a relatively thrifty 2.5 liters. This is Porsche's first use of water-cooling and four-valve technology on a six-cylinder engine. The engine produces 201 horsepower and 181 foot-pounds of torque, which is plenty of grunt for an open-air roadster.
The Boxster is available with a five-speed manual or a five-speed Tiptronic transmission. The Tiptronic transmission features five forward speeds and has manual mode gear selector switches mounted exclusively on the steering wheel.
Aside from the mechanical innovations, the Boxster also features a few practical features that buyers will appreciate. First, the Boxster offers more cargo area than any of its competitors due to the inclusion of front and rear trunks. This front/rear trunk design produces an impressive 9.1 cubic feet of cargo space, and is made possible by the mid-engine design. Second, the Boxster's livable cockpit has a good deal of space for two occupants and features wonderful, cradling seats. For safety, side airbags are standard and roll bars are built in behind the seats. Finally, the Boxster has the fastest closing automatic top in the business, going from completely open to completely closed in a scant twelve seconds -- perfect for those unexpected rain showers.
This year, the Boxster has added a new option package called "Classic". The Classic Package features metallic exterior paint and all-leather seats, as well as granite and amber paintwork on the interior. Sport Package options are individually optional (including features like sport seats or a sports suspension with short springs and hard dampeners). The real reason that people will buy this car, however, rests with the fact that it is a Porsche that many people can afford. With prices starting at $24,000 under the 911 Carrera Coupe, the Boxster's price tag leaves enough money in the bank to park a practical sedan or sport utility next to it in the garage. If you're looking for the most prestigious set of wheels under $45,000, you've found it.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 1999 Porsche Boxster.
5 star(75%)
4 star(25%)
3 star(0%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(0%)
36 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.63 out of 5 stars
Nothing Better
Rob Wilson-Black, 09/01/2006
1999 Porsche Boxster 2dr Convertible
The Boxster is a great every day driving car, but ice can be a challenge without specific tire changes. Be careful never to let water into the air intakes on the side of the body, especially while washing your car, as this can lead to serious engine trouble. The classic body holds its beauty and there's nothing more fun to drive, except for the 911 obviously. This car is great for … kids in the passenger's seat because one can off the airbag. The 1999 year is among the best for engine reliability and Consumer Reports agrees with that in years past. What a value for the dollar. It loses only about $3,200 dollars per year in value. It is the cheapest sports car and there are tons of used ones are out there. European delivery was the best.
4.63 out of 5 stars
Porsche - There Is No Substitute
Schnellman, 11/09/2008
1998 Porsche Boxster 2dr Convertible
While living in Germany I owned a 924, then a 944 and then a 911 Carrera. I left them in Germany because I felt it wouldn't be fun to drive a Porsche in the States. I was wrong. I bought a Boxster as a second car and love every minute of driving it. Porsche quality and Porsche ownership can not be beat. The twisty roads around my house have become my playground. I've owned Z's, an … RX-7, a Lancia and a Quattro. But I'll say it again Porsche - there is no substitute.
4.75 out of 5 stars
One of the funnest cars at any price
Lordblood, 10/07/2008
1998 Porsche Boxster 2dr Convertible
I got this car 2 months ago, and so far it's been absolutely amazing. I upgraded from Nissan Altima's and Toyota Camry's, so I know reliability. The only thing that went wrong with my Boxster is that the left window regulator is broken, but that happened before I bought it. It is a bit pricey to run, you do have pay well out of your pocket for small repairs. But it is one of the funnest … cars you can buy, no matter what price level you look at. It's mid engined, so it is perfectly balanced and provides for fun in every corner. It's a bit underpowered, mine produces around 215 HP because of a better exhaust, but 0-60 in around 6.7 seconds is pretty brisk. Worth buying!
4.88 out of 5 stars
All-Around Performer
Tim Stoops, 01/12/2006
1998 Porsche Boxster 2dr Convertible
I bought my 1998 Porsche Boxster used with 45,000 miles and sold it recently with nearly 110,000. It was a wonderful car. So good, that we bought another newer one. The Boxster provides excellent performance and sophisticated engineering that can be easily used as a reliable daily driver. I needed to perform very little service on it. It only needed one pricey repair, an a/c … evaporator. Buy one and startle the non-car people with the two trunks!
We have a limited number of reviews for the 1999 Porsche Boxster, so we've included reviews for other years of the Boxster since its last redesign.
1999 Boxster Highlights
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 20 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $208/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
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