2002 Porsche 911 Review
Fuel Economy
16 - 19 mpg
Summary
What Edmunds.com says
A living legend, the 2002 Porsche 911 offers a level of technology, performance and versatility that few other cars can match.
Pros
Finely honed sports car abilities, available in all-wheel-drive, convertible, and turbo forms, legendary prestige.
Cons
Options are pricey, engine layout attempts to fight the laws of physics.
What's New for 2002
For those zealots who feel that a 911 Turbo isn't quite enough, Porsche rolls out the new-for-'02 GT2. Standard 911s receive new front-end styling and a bump in engine size (from 3.4 liters to 3.6) and power (from 300 horsepower to 320). Other 2002 Porsche 911 updates include a real glovebox, the option of a Bose stereo, a single cupholder and a gaggle of new wheels. Open-air versions were not overlooked when they were making improvements; the Cabriolet finally gets a glass rear window and the Targa model returns after a four-year hiatus.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
A tremendous sports car for the money
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 8 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 7 | Reliability: | 8 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2002 Porsche 911 Carrera Rwd 2dr Coupe (3.6L 6cyl 6M)
Review
Since prices have come down on these, they represent a tremendous value for anyone seeking a sports car, and anyone charmed by the voluptuous shape and performance of a 911. While many snuffed the new looks of the 996 chassis and design, it's unmistakably all 911... and the performance on and off the track are testimony to it's heritage. There are some weak points mechanically in some cars, but this is factored in to the low prices we're seeing for these models. 2002 added some nice goodies - and it's a great year... Would I love a 2009 997? Perhaps, but when you might be able to pay cash for a 2002 with only incrementally lower performance (but less weight, too), it's an easy decision.
Favorite Features
Great power, handling, looks, sound.
Suggested Improvements
Interior is slightly dated, but it looks like a sports car - and has all the creature comforts you might expect. Want navigation? Go aftermarket, better quality anyway...
An unexpected Pleasure
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2002 Porsche 911 Carrera Rwd 2dr Coupe (3.6L 6cyl 6M)
Review
Always fun to drive, even after 7+ years of ownership. I would recommend buying a set of winter tires to anyone who lives in a cold climate, especially if you expect to drive in snow regularly. Without them, the garage is the best place for the car! However, with a set of snows traction becomes very good & driving confidence climbs considerably. This is my ONLY car and I use it in all sorts of nasty weather. I don't baby it at all.
Favorite Features
The most amazing and unexpected thing for me has been the car's reliability. True, upkeep ain't cheap, but aside from a couple of flats - expensive proposition, those tires! - I've never been stranded anywhere for anything. I don't hesitate to jump in the car and wolf off 5 - 700 miles.
Suggested Improvements
The biggest gripe I have is with the tires. They perform very well BUT they are sooooo fragile - and soooo expensive to replace when you destroy one. I'm also tempted to say that on many occasions I'd love a quieter interior, but hey, it's a Porsche - fancy - sports car right?
Awesome Targa!!
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2002 Porsche 911 Targa Rwd 2dr Coupe (3.6L 6cyl 6M)
Review
I frequently change vehicles and have had some of the greats in the mid- price range - Elise, NSX, S2000. The 911 edges out the NSX for top honors in my opinion. It gives an unbelievably smooth ride when calm, but upon hard acceleration or cornering tightens up significantly. This is the first of the cars I've owned that my wife will drive. I've only had the car for a few months, but it hasn't missed a beat. Also, the torque curve is much more linear than any car I've previously owned. It's a welcoming contrast to the lack of bottom end power I've experienced in the past. In my opinion the Targa design is far superior to the standard 911; the glass breaks up the roof line nicely.
Favorite Features
Exterior Styling - loved it since I was a kid. Rear Wing - just icing on the cake. Manual Transmission - one of the smoothest manuals around. Linear Power - as previously mentioned. 3rd Gear at 3500 rpm - drop the hammer and you'll giggle like a school girl.
Suggested Improvements
Steering Wheel - no adjustment allowed. This is the most annoying thing in the world to me. Forces you to change your natural driving position. Seat Bolsters - not as aggressive as I would like. Seats are a bit flat for such a performance oriented car.
First Porsche C4 Cabriolet
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2002 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 AWD 2dr Cabriolet (3.6L 6cyl 6M)
Review
Spring 2008 acquired beautiful used factory certified 2002 cab in seal gray over black leather with 33,000 miles for less than 50% original window sticker. Tight as a drum. Fast, fun, smooth, reliable, comfortable and sure-footed. Can confidently drive very fast. Daily driver is a 2007 BMW 335 coupe. A truly great machine but there's nothing like a ragtop Porsche in the twisties on a summer night or spring/fall day. I see a 997 TT cabriolet in my future.
Favorite Features
Driving experience, acceleration, exhaust sound, breaking, reliability, premium sound system, beautiful body design with rocker flares, factory sport 18" wheels, 2 year 100,000 mile certified factory warranty.
Suggested Improvements
Dash board in early 996s not as inspiring as later years or 997s. Convertible top squeaks a bit right over my head and material pulling away from rear folding mechanism. Sometimes I miss the more visceral road connection I experienced in the 2005 Honda S2000 I had before the Porsche.
Fatal Attraction!!
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2002 Porsche 911 Carrera Rwd 2dr Cabriolet (3.6L 6cyl 6M)
Review
What can I say more. The title says it all! I finally got my dream car and it was absolutely worth the wait! I have a triple black 911 and I look forward each week for the Fridays, the Saturdays, and the Sundays to take her out for a run!! Thank you Porsche!!
Favorite Features
Besides being a head turner? Acceleration, 6 speed manual, overall interior and exterior design!
Suggested Improvements
Figure out a space for my golf clubs. Uh, never mind! I'd rather drive my Porsche!
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