2005 Porsche Boxster New Car Buyer's Guide

What's New for the 2005 Porsche Boxster?
Porsche's entry-level sports car, the Boxster, receives a significant freshening for 2005. Revised styling makes the Boxster more appealing, with a new nose, new tail, and revised air inlets on the flanks. A fresh 2.7-liter flat six-cylinder engine for the base Boxster produces 240 horsepower, backed by a revised five-speed manual with shorter throws. Boxster S models get an updated 3.2-liter motor making 280 ponies, mated to an improved six-speed manual with more precise operation. Underneath, both Boxsters benefit from a stiffened chassis and variable-ratio steering. Inside, there's a reworked interior with relocated seat mounts and pedals to accommodate taller drivers, a new layout for the controls, and new side-impact airbags designed to protect both the head and torso. New options include ceramic composite disc brakes on the S, adaptive sport seats, and a Sport Chrono package for those who want to take their Boxster racing and keep track of lap times.

Advantages of the 2005 Porsche Boxster:

• Handles, steers and stops with the best in the business
• Comfortable front seats
• Amazing amount of cargo-carrying capacity
• Throaty exhaust note

Objections to the 2005 Porsche Boxster:

• Heavy clutch
• Bites back if not attended to in the twisties

Editor's Advice:
This is our favorite Porsche. Adhering to the German automaker's sports-car heritage by virtue of its balanced mid-engine layout, strong boxer six-cylinder engine (and its sonorous exhaust note), and emphasis on performance over luxury, the 2005 Porsche Boxster also boasts the lowest price of any Porsche model. We'd splurge for the Boxster S, which includes a 280-horsepower engine, six-speed manual transmission, sport-tuned suspension, bigger brakes and larger wheels. Like most Porsches, driving the Boxster is more rewarding on the racetrack than on public roads – this is a car whose limits are best explored under controlled conditions. On regular roadways, the 2005 Porsche Boxster's lightning-quick steering feels darty over bumps, the suspension provides a rough ride, and the clutch is heavy and difficult to operate in traffic. On the track, however, these are non-issues, and the 2005 Porsche Boxster comes together for a thrill-ride unlike any other at this price point. Certainly, there's no arguing that this is the least expensive pathway to Porsche ownership, and the dirty little secret is that the Boxster provides 90 percent of the 911 Carrera's performance perks at about two-thirds the price.