2010 Porsche Boxster Review
2010 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
- Adding options quickly skyrockets the price, soft top lacks the versatility of a retractable hardtop, taller occupants can feel a bit cramped.
What’s new
The Porsche Boxster gets a new steering wheel on both models for 2010.
Edmunds says
The 2010 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 2010 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 $4.45 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$246/mo for Boxster Base
Boxster Base
vs
$179/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Vehicle overview
The Porsche Boxster has been the leader in the roadster clubhouse for roughly 13 years now. It offers well-balanced handling, strong engines, a luxurious interior, a surprising amount of practicality and the pedigree that comes with the Porsche name. It's so good, in fact, that BMW basically threw in the towel with its latest Z4 roadster and transformed it into a more Mercedes-like cruiser. The 2010 Porsche Boxster, therefore, remains the pre-eminent choice for those desiring a classic roadster driving experience.
The 2010 Boxster makes do with only a new steering wheel design after extensive changes to its powertrains, features list and in-car electronics interface last year. Otherwise, the Boxster soldiers on with essentially the same winning formula (and styling) that debuted back when Bill Clinton was having legal troubles. It features a choice of two horizontally opposed six-cylinder engines placed just behind the passenger compartment in a midengine layout ideal for balanced handling. This location also frees up space for a pair of trunks -- one in back and the other up front.
Other than its stout, balanced chassis, the Boxster also features sublimely communicative steering and an easy-to-drive nature that makes novices feel like champions. Last year's addition of the PDK automated manual gearbox gave those novices a more sport-oriented alternative to the admittedly superb six-speed manual. Capable of smooth, lightning-quick gearchanges, the PDK can behave like a regular automatic or like a manual via shift buttons on the steering wheel.
As it's a Porsche, potential customers have the ability to customize a Boxster with an almost endless number of options -- both functional and cosmetic. From ventilated seats to match-to-sample leather upholstery, you can make the Boxster however you'd like. There is a catch, though: Porsche's options are expensive and you'll quickly find your MSRP rising faster than a soufflé placed in a blast furnace.
We started off by saying the Boxster is our top choice for a premium roadster, but there are certainly others to consider. The BMW Z4 offers a completely different take on the roadster -- both in appearance and driving demeanor. If you're more apt to enjoy a relaxed drive up the coast and would appreciate the top-up serenity of a retractable hardtop, it could be the way to go. The same could be said, but to a lesser extent, about the Mercedes-Benz SLK. On the opposite end of the spectrum, hard-core driving enthusiasts should check out the Lotus Elise. Yet only the 2010 Porsche Boxster -- even in its most basic form -- strikes the best balance among them all.
Performance & mpg
The base Boxster is outfitted with a mid-mounted 2.9-liter flat-6 that generates 255 horsepower 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 5.5 seconds, while the S chops about a half-second off that time.
EPA-estimated fuel economy is 19 mpg city/27 mpg highway and 22 mpg combined for a manual-equipped base Boxster, and an excellent 20/29/24 with the PDK. The Boxster S achieves 19/26/22 with the manual and 20/29/23 with PDK.
Safety
Standard safety features for the 2010 Porsche Boxster include antilock disc brakes, stability and traction control, dual thorax and head side-impact airbags and rollover safety hoops above the headrests.
Driving
Thanks to its petite size, modest weight and midengine layout, the 2010 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. With the optional active suspension, the Boxster rides amazingly well for a sports car.
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. 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, however, and driving enthusiasts 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 the current center control stack is much friendlier than those in past Porsches, and the touchscreen navigation system is a particular improvement. The base stereo's sound quality is laughable, but the optional Bose system is a worthy upgrade.
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. Porsche insists that the lighter weight of a soft top is preferable, but the BMW Z4's retractable hardtop, for example, is far more pleasant to live with. Another advantage for the Z4 is its sizable interior space -- the Boxster is merely average for a roadster, meaning taller folks may feel constrained. 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.
2010 Porsche Boxster models
The 2010 Porsche Boxster is a two-seat roadster available in base or S trim. The base model comes standard with 17-inch wheels, front and rear foglamps, a power soft top, cruise control, six-way front seats (power backrest, manual fore/aft and height), a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, air-conditioning, partial leather upholstery and a four-speaker sound system with a CD player. The more powerful Boxster S adds 18-inch wheels and a seven-speaker sound system.
Should you wish to double the base price of the Boxster, Porsche will happily oblige you with a seemingly endless options list. Typical items include different wheel sizes and designs, a limited-slip rear differential lock, PDK shift paddles, an adaptive suspension, ceramic composite brakes, rear parking sensors, adaptive bi-xenon headlights, automatic climate control, auto-dimming mirrors (packaged with automatic wipers) and a wind deflector. Inside options include fully powered seats, two different sport seat designs, heated seats, ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, Bluetooth, voice controls, satellite radio, an in-dash or remote six-CD changer, an iPod interface, a navigation system, a seven-speaker sound system 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.
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 2010 Porsche Boxster.
5 star(95%)
4 star(2%)
3 star(3%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(0%)
38 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 2010 Porsche Boxster, so we've included reviews for other years of the Boxster since its last redesign.
2010 Boxster Highlights
Base
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $47,600 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 22 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $246/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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