2009 Porsche 911 Road Test Ratings

A brilliantly engineered, masterfully executed, highly engaging sports car. And, in most cases, a good example of getting what you pay for.

Historically, Porsche's 911 is among the best handling, quickest sports cars on the road. These dynamic traits remain in virtually every model of the 911 sold today from the base model through to the top-dog 911 Turbo, the 911 offers a broad range of power coupled to an incredibly sorted chassis in every style. Dual-clutch PDK transmission is a welcome replacement for Tiptronic in 2009.

Given its superb handling abilities and excellent ride quality, the 911 is truly the "everyday sports car." Some styles offer adjustable suspension which further enhances its ride/handling compromise. Driving position is superb for average-size drivers. Forget about sitting comfortably in the rear seats.

In a quest for functionality, late-model Porsches have had too many buttons. A new-for-2009 multimedia interface controling audio, navigation and communication systems simplifies the presentation somewhat but still requires learning. Porsche's instrument panel offers a center-mounted tachometer on every 911 model and puts other critical information in easy-to-view analog gauges. Cargo space is small in 911s but all offer a useful front trunk. Top lowering on cabrio models requires only 13 seconds.

The 911 is a buttoned-up sports car illustrating excellent build quality and superb materials -- among the best in the business in this regard. Even the cabrio exhibits an uncommon "tightness." We witnessed no squeaks or rattles.