2005 Porsche 911 Carrera Coupe Test Drive

Porsche's sports cars – the Carrera and Boxster – have been superseded on the dealers' hit list by the Cayenne SUV. These big hawgs are money-spinners for both the company and for the dealers. Almost everybody loves them – except perhaps drivers who have to share the road with them. On the other hand, everybody without exception loves the 911 Carrera. With a bare minimum of what a friend calls "techno-crap" the base Carrera is comparatively lightweight with a straightforward, normally aspirated engine. To many, it represents a pure example of automotive art. As a car to be driven for fun, the Carrera has few peers. As a daily driver, though, I'm not so sure. Even though the suspension of the base Carrera has been tuned for the highway, it can still give the old kidneys a workout on broken city streets. But who really cares about that? When you’re driving the Carrera people stare at you. Of even greater interest to the more shallow among us, young women seem to notice you more and even smile in your direction occasionally. But make no mistake about it: the Carrera is one of the all-round best automobiles in the world and with ample reason one of the most lusted after by red-blooded car lovers. But don't spoil the fun by just driving it to work. Check prices at Edmunds.