2009 Porsche Boxster Review
2009 Porsche Boxster Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Sublime handling and steering, soulful engines, excellent available automated manual transmission, top-notch interior, highly customizable.
Cons
- Options get pricey fast, soft top lacks the versatility of a retractable hardtop.
What’s new
The 2009 Porsche Boxster receives a slew of changes, including an optional seven-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission, an enlarged 2.9-liter base engine with a standard six-speed manual, a more powerful direct-injected engine for the Boxster S, revised suspension tuning, numerous styling tweaks and a new version of the optional Porsche Control Management system that features a larger screen and a hard-drive-based navigation system.
Edmunds says
The 2009 Porsche Boxster remains one of the most desirable roadsters on the market, as long as you don't mind that its shape hasn't really changed since 1997.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2009 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
While the 2009 Porsche Boxster midengine roadster may differ little from the original '97 model on the outside, there have been countless mechanical and technological updates in the intervening decade-plus. The result is a thoroughly modern performance car that easily retains its top ranking on the fun-to-drive list. As for the styling, we're at least thankful that the first Boxster's exterior, which suffered from the same splattered-egg headlight syndrome that afflicted 911s of that era, has long since given way to the current design and its cool Carrera GT-like headlights. Whether you find the styling timeless or long in the tooth, you have to give Porsche props for continually keeping the Boxster fresh under the skin.
There's a lot of news for 2009, but the biggest is the arrival of Porsche's seven-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission, known as PDK ("Porsche-Doppelkupplungsgetriebe" for those who enjoy long German words). Bidding "Auf Wiedersehen" to the conventional Tiptronic automatic, Porsche has replaced it with possibly the best automated manual in the world. PDK's shifts are supremely smooth in full automatic mode, yet quicker than a racecar driver's in manual mode. In other words, it's better than a conventional automatic at being an automatic -- and it's better than you at shifting manually.
Should you find PDK and its steering-wheel-mounted shift buttons a bit too Xbox-y, the base Boxster's standard conventional manual now comes with six speeds rather than five. The base engine also offers an extra 0.2 liter of displacement that yields 10 additional horsepower. Furthermore, the Boxster S's larger engine benefits from direct injection, which boosts power to an impressive 310 hp. There's also some LED exterior lighting to differentiate the '09 model from its predecessors, along with assorted other tweaks such as a retuned suspension, lighter (but still spot-on) steering, an optional button-activated sport exhaust system, a new display screen for the base audio system and an improved optional Porsche Control Management system that provides various high-tech audio, navigation and communications goodies.
If you value driving excellence above all else, the 2009 Porsche Boxster is still without peer at this price point. The outgoing Honda S2000 (2009 is its last year) is much cheaper and almost as capable in terms of handling, but the Boxster is far more luxurious and refined. The Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class has a nifty retractable hardtop, and the Chevrolet Corvette makes gobs of power, but these models are blunt instruments compared to the precise Porsche. Subjective styling considerations notwithstanding, there's more than enough inner beauty here to justify the lofty price tag.
Performance & mpg
The base Boxster is outfitted with a mid-mounted 2.9-liter flat-6 that generates 255 hp and 214 pound-feet of torque. The Boxster S steps up to a direct-injected 3.4-liter version that's good for 310 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed conventional manual transmission is standard on both models, while the seven-speed PDK automated manual is optional. The base car accelerates from zero to 60 mph in about 6 seconds, while the S chops about a second off the base car's time. Official EPA fuel economy estimates aren't known as of this writing, but the Boxster is actually quite frugal for a sports car.
Safety
Standard safety features for the 2009 Porsche Boxster include antilock disc brakes, stability and traction control, dual thorax and head side-impact airbags and roll-over safety hoops above the headrests.
Driving
Thanks to its petite size, modest weight and midengine layout, the 2009 Porsche Boxster handles superbly, managing to feel glued to the road and light on its feet at the same time. Body roll is basically nonexistent, and the variable-ratio steering -- lightened a bit for '09 -- is among the best systems on the market. With the optional active suspension, the Boxster rides amazingly well for a sports car.
The base Boxster's 2.9-liter engine may seem a bit underpowered given the car's hefty price tag, but it sounds glorious, and power-starved Porschephiles won't be disappointed by the 310-hp Boxster S. The available button-activated sport exhaust blesses the Boxster with an on-demand exotic midrange yowl. The new 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, however, and drivers will still feel more of a connection with manual-equipped Boxsters.
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 this year's new redesigned center control stack is much friendlier; the touchscreen navigation system is a particular improvement.
The transparent partition between the headrests mitigates wind buffeting at speed with the top down, but top-up motoring is marred by excessive wind noise and gigantic blind spots. Porsche insists that the lighter weight of a soft top is preferable, but the SLK-Class's retractable hardtop, for example, is far more pleasant to live with. The base stereo is laughable, but the optional Bose system sounds good. The Boxster's midengine design spawns two trunks -- one front, one rear -- and they can hold about 10 cubic feet of cargo between them, which is quite respectable for a roadster.
2009 Porsche Boxster models
The 2009 Porsche Boxster roadster is available in base or S trim. The base model comes standard with 17-inch wheels, foglamps, a power soft top that can be operated at speeds up to 30 mph, heated windshield-washer nozzles, a leather-wrapped tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, partial leather upholstery, a trip computer, cruise control and a four-speaker CD stereo with a 5-inch monochromatic display screen. The more powerful Boxster S adds 18-inch wheels and a seven-speaker sound system.
Should you wish to double the base price of your Boxster by sampling from the seemingly endless list of options, Porsche will happily oblige. Highlights include the PDK transmission, the Sport Chrono and Sport Chrono Plus packages (the latter adds launch control for PDK-equipped models), 19-inch wheels in a variety of styles, adaptive suspension dampers, ceramic composite brakes, xenon headlights, a removable aluminum hardtop, a mechanical rear limited-slip differential, a button-activated sport exhaust system, full power seats, aggressively bolstered manual sport seats, automatic climate control, satellite radio and Bluetooth. The revised Porsche Control Management system (PCM) includes a larger 6.5-inch display screen and a hard-drive-based navigation system. In conjunction with PCM, additional options include voice-command functionality, iPod integration, a USB port and a Bose surround-sound audio system with a six-CD changer.
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 2009 Porsche Boxster.
5 star(93%)
4 star(3%)
3 star(4%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(0%)
29 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
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.
4.88 out of 5 stars
perfection?
Zenith, 07/23/2008
2008 Porsche Boxster S 2dr Convertible (3.4L 6cyl 6M)
I have owned many sports cars. Previously owned a NC Miata and Nissan 300ZX TT. I hoped and was successful combining the best features of each car with the Boxster S. It's an all out blast to drive. Quick, nimble, powerful, classic good looks and with great exhaust sound. It loves winding mountain roads and hates logging trucks! Get the factory short throw shifter if you really love … driving.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2009 Porsche Boxster, so we've included reviews for other years of the Boxster since its last redesign.
2009 Boxster Highlights
Base
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $46,600 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 22 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $238/month |
Seating | 2 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 9.9 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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