2003 Porsche 911 Review
Price: $35,990





+183
Porsche 911 model years
Porsche 911 types
- Coupe
- Convertible
- GT2
Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Sizzling performance, tenacious handling, legendary reputation.
Cons
- Interior quality doesn't match sticker price, outlandish option prices.
What’s new
Porsche finally puts a standard CD player in the 2003 Porsche 911. Five horsepower are mysteriously lost in non-Turbo 911s, meaning output is "only" 315 horses now.
Edmunds says
With a drive this entertaining, it's no wonder that the 2003 Porsche 911 has so many fans.
For sale nearby
50 listings
- 114,683 miles
- No accidents, 3 owners, corporate fleet vehicle
- 6cyl manual
- 786 Auto Sales (135 mi away)
- AWD/4WD
- Leather Seats
- Sunroof/Moonroof
- Power Driver Seat
- Auto Climate Control
Close
Located in Fresno, CA
RARE, Carrera 4S, Well Maintained, IMS Done, Manual 6 Speed, 2 Keys, $91,700 Build, Guards Red, Factory Guards Red Seatbelts, Bose High End Sound, Hea...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: No
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
18 Combined MPG (15 City/22 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: WP0AA29973S623445
Stock: 3S623445
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 04-29-2025- $66,990fair price$5,367 below market
- 59,967 miles
- 2 accidents, 5 owners, personal use only
- 6cyl manual
- MDK International (305 mi away)
- AWD/4WD
- Leather Seats
- Sunroof/Moonroof
- Upgraded Headlights
- Power Driver Seat
Close
Located in Burbank, CA
2003 Porsche 911 Turbo (996) – OEM+ Upgrades, Exceptionally Clean This is not your average 996 Turbo. Exceptionally clean, well-maintained, and thoug...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: No
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
16 Combined MPG (14 City/20 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: WP0AB29933S686930
Stock: 686930
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Vehicle overview
Debuting in 1964 as a replacement for the aging 356 series, the Porsche 911 kept the basic Porsche tenets intact -- light weight, an air-cooled engine hung out aft of the rear wheels and a no-nonsense cockpit. The fearsome Turbo debuted in 1976 and, along with its blinding acceleration, sometimes taught overzealous or inexperienced (or both) drivers the meaning of drop-throttle oversteer -- a tendency for the tail to swing around if the driver jumps off the gas. During subsequent years, Porsche steadily increased power but also fine-tuned the suspension to the point that only the foolhardy could get into trouble while piloting the sharp-handling 911.
In 1999, the 911 underwent its first all-out "clean-sheet" redesign since its introduction in the mid-'60s. The new age 911 was slightly longer, wider and sleeker than any previous version. That year also saw a switch to a water-cooled version of the flat six, a seeming improvement from the standpoint of more efficient engine cooling and cabin climate control. But not everyone agreed; some car buffs flew the Porsche flag at half-mast. These diehards were afraid that some of the car's character was lost with the disappearance of the air-cooled design and its unique sound. They were partially right; even though the "new" 911's performance was impressive, the engine and exhaust were too subdued. Last year, along with more power was brought a better soundtrack that resurrected the intoxicating, metallic throbbing and full exhaust note that are unmistakably 911.
What's not to like? With MSRPs ranging from nearly $70,000 to $180,000, the Porsche heritage still includes sapping a big bundle of cash out of your wallet. The company also charges a fortune for many of the 911's options. But if you're looking for supercar performance in a legendary package, it's tough to top the 2003 Porsche 911.
Performance & mpg
Standard 911s have a 3.6-liter, rear-mounted, horizontally-opposed six-cylinder engine that produces 315 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. The Turbo's figures jump to 415 hp and 413 lb-ft of torque. For $65,000 more than the Turbo, the GT2 offers 456 wild horses and 450 lb-ft of twist in a car that's 221 pounds lighter. This road rocket comes only in rear-wheel drive and doesn't have Porsche's stability control system. In other words, only highly skilled (and wealthy) drivers need apply.
Porsche offers the choice of either a six-speed manual or a five-speed Tiptronic S automanual transmission on all models except the GT2, which comes only with the manual gearbox.
All-wheel drive as well as stability control (PSM) is found on Carrera 4 and Turbo models. PSM is optional on the other 911s except for the GT2.
Safety
Side airbags and ABS are standard on all 911 models. Stability control comes on the Carrera 4 and Turbo and is optional on all the other 911s except for the GT2. No crash tests score were available for the 911 as of this writing.
Driving
Driven sedately, the muscle-bound 2003 Porsche 911 is docile and easy to drive. But stab the throttle and the car blasts through the first four gears like a roller coaster rushing downhill, with the urgent song of the flat six at full cry. Speed is reigned in quickly by easily modulated and incredibly powerful brakes that feel as though they could stop a semi in short order.
The 911 is equally at ease running through various turns, possessing dead neutral poise that belies the rear-engine architecture. The steering has a reassuring heft and plenty of feedback that allows one to easily settle into a rhythm.
In the ugly reality of rush-hour traffic, however, one quickly realizes why so many people opt for automatics in their sports cars. Work the 911's heavy clutch enough and you might expect your left leg to resemble Arnold's in his bodybuilding heyday. Fortunately, Porsche offers its Tiptronic-style automatic transmission as an option.
Interior
In spite of its lofty price tag, some of the 911's interior components could use some work. The control stalks feel flimsy and the lone cupholder is mounted too high, which could result in a spilt soda. Lastly, the sunroof opening is rather small, though one could buy a 911 Carrera Targa with its essentially oversized sunroof.
2003 Porsche 911 models
There are six 2003 Porsche 911 models: the Carrera Coupe and Carrera Cabriolet, the all-wheel-drive Carrera 4 Coupe and Carrera 4 Cabriolet, the 911 Turbo and the 911 GT2. A huge list of options allows one to personalize their 911 with different wheels and interior trim. Be forewarned, however, that it's all too easy to jack up the price of a 911; some of the options can cost more than $7,000. We do recommend the stability control (PSM) option that can help prevent the car from skidding or spinning out of control.

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Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2003 Porsche 911 Carrera Rwd 2dr Coupe (3.6L 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 $5.16 per gallon for premium unleaded in California.
Monthly estimates based on costs in California
$329/mo for 911 Carrera
911 Carrera
vs
$226/mo
Avg. Compact Car
See Edmunds pricing data
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Porsche 911 Reviews
Owner Reviews
5(83%)
4(9%)
3(3%)
2(1%)
1(4%)
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
The Every-Day Super Car
4.38 out of 5 starssubzero288, 12/23/2008
2003 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S AWD 2dr Coupe (3.6L 6cyl 6M)
I bought a blue '03 C4S in Jan '08 with a 6-sp man & 64,000 miles on the odometer. Factory MSRP was over $82K (with destination), but I got it for 40. I had concerns 'cuz of the mileage, but it looked great, everything worked, the leather smelled new and the car rode as solid as a brinks truck. Having used it as a daily driver for 11 months, I can report that handling is phenomenal on a … dry road (even with AWD and PSM, the car will spin if pushed in the wet), acceleration is sublime and the brakes are in a class of their own. The tear of the flat-6 when the revs pass 4000 makes the driver feel like he's in a race car. The C4S's gorgeous turbo-style body draws envious stares.
A decade of Porsches are lemons
3.5 out of 5 starsautofahrer1, 03/03/2013
2003 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S AWD 2dr Coupe (3.6L 6cyl 6M)
Forget your prejudices about Porsches and German engineering.
With the 996 and the Boxster (water cooled Porsches for over a decade until 2009) Porsche built and sold a car it knew had a self-destructive intermediate shaft bearing that could easily and without visible warning destroy the engine on any car, and has not issued a recall to correct the design defect.
It has also not recalled … the more common leaky main bearing seal.
This is especially egregious because the 996 has the highest gross profit margin of any automobile ever in production. They could have replaced every engine on every 996 sold and still made a handsome profit.
And yes, it is a hoot to drive.
2003 911
5 out of 5 starsmadhav pai, 06/19/2006
2003 Porsche 911 Carrera Rwd 2dr Coupe (3.6L 6cyl 6M)
It's a piece of history! After 40 years Porsche has finally tuned its chassis against the laws of physics. It's amazing to drive and so reliable. No other super car can reach 100,000 miles and still run smoothly. The Germans know how to build and it shows on the JD Power survey.
911 Porsche delivers!
5 out of 5 starsCWB, 12/25/2003
2003 Porsche 911 Carrera Rwd 2dr Coupe (3.6L 6cyl 6M)
The performance and handling of the
Porsche 911 border on telepathic! It
deleivers on the promise of exception
performance, comfort nad reliability.
This is a true driver's car; not
Spartan but neither is it burdened with
clutter and unecessay bells and
wistles. What is most remarkable is
that such a capable sports car can be
so civilized!
2003 911 Highlights
Coupe
Carrera
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $68,600 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 19 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $329/month |
Seating | 4 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 4.6 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the 911 include:
- Alarm
- Stability Control
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