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2012 Porsche Boxster

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Overview

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2012 Porsche Boxster Review

By KBB.com Editors

KBB Expert Rating: 8.4

Though the term consistently echoes throughout the enthusiast networks, the definition of a "driver's car" varies from person to person. We believe a true driver's car should demand driver involvement, transmit the visceral thrill of performance motoring, and most importantly, provide infinite levels of fun. The 2012 Porsche Boxster wholly embodies these elements on account of its lightweight underpinnings, mid-engine layout, rear-wheel-drive platform and signature open-air cockpit. While rivals such as the BMW Z4, Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class and the Audi TT Roadster offer a higher degree of luxury and comfort, only the Porsche Boxster and its high-performance Boxster S, Spyder and Black Edition variants deliver the unadulterated driving pleasure that emphasizes the true meaning of what it takes to be a driver's car in today's automotive setting.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you've been yearning for a mid-engine roadster, but your budget begs to differ, the 2012 Porsche Boxster might be right up your alley. And as the least expensive car in Porsche's stable, Porsche admirers looking for the most affordable avenue into the brand will appreciate the Boxster's reasonable starting price.

You May Not Like This Car If...

If the Boxster's engineering formula is everything you desire in a sports car sans the drop-top roof, the marginally more expensive Porsche Cayman is the right car for you.

KBB Expert Ratings

Overall Rating

8.4
Driving Dynamics

9.2
Comfort & Convenience

7.6
Design: Interior & Exterior

7.6
Value

7.6
Safety

7.9

How It Ranks

#5

out of 13

Horsepower

#5

out of 13

Consumer Ratings

View all rankings

Consumer Rating

9.6 out of 10

View all
consumer ratings

2012 Porsche Boxster Low/wide front photo

What's New for 2012

With an all-new 2013 model on the horizon, the Porsche Boxster receives minimal changes for the 2012 model year.

Driving the Boxster

2012 Porsche Boxster Front angle view photo

Driving Impressions Typical of its inherent Porsche DNA, any Boxster model, from the base version to the lighter, more hardcore Spyder, delivers a typically sporting driving experience. Feedback through the steering wheel...

and chassis are about as good as it gets, and the seating position is excellent. Controls are deliberate and easily manageable, with the driver support systems like stability management and the available active suspension system providing minimally invasive corrections, but always there to assist should you overestimate your own driving talent. The brakes, too, are simply incredible across the range, and particularly so on the Boxster S and Boxster Spyder. The lightweight Spyder offers the most visceral and emotional Porsche driving experience this side of a 911 GT3, which costs nearly twice as much. Best of all, while they are undoubtedly sporting, the various Boxster variants offer perhaps the purest driving experience available in a new car today.

Favorite Features

PDK AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
The available PDK dual-clutch automatic transmission is comprised of two separate manual gearboxes and clutches. With odd-numbered gears housed in one assembly and even-numbered gears in the other, Porsche's PDK transmission anticipates the next gear change based on driver input for virtually seamless acceleration.

DRY SUMP LUBRICATION
Conventional wet sump oil systems shift oil to one side of the engine during constant high-g maneuvers, hindering the oil pump's ability to sufficiently lubricate vital engine components. The Boxster's dry sump system utilizes a pressurized oil reservoir and a series of pumps that cycle oil to and from the engine for consistent lubrication regardless of extreme gravitational forces.

2012 Porsche Boxster Details

2012 Porsche Boxster Dashboard, center console, gear shifter view photo

Interior

The Boxster's driver-focused cabin boasts a pair of heavily bolstered bucket seats along with a host of race-inspired instruments. The assortment of audio and climate controls feel unintuitive at first, but prolonged operation ultimately stimulates a muscle-memory response. Wind control is kept under wraps with the top-down, although top-up wind noise at highway speeds can drown out a conversation or music from the standard audio system. For this reason, we recommend the high-output, 10-speaker Bose premium sound system. Cargo space is surprisingly generous thanks to the Boxster's mid-engine design, which permits enough room for a trunk under the hood and behind the engine.

Exterior

From its Carrera GT-like headlights to its timeless silhouette, the 2012 Boxster organically mixes contemporary roadster design with classic Porsche DNA. Dual center-mounted exhaust outlets and red-painted brake calipers help distinguish the Boxster S model from the standard version, while the Boxster Spyder's prominent rear deck fairings, revised taillights and distinctive beltline graphics produce a truly unique appearance. As is typical for Porsche, the 2012 Boxster offers a variety of standard and available wheel choices. The base model rides on 17-inch wheels, whereas stepping up to the Boxster S lands you a set of larger 18-inch alloys. Both the Spyder and Black Edition models receive a unique 19-inch split-spoke wheel design, with the Black Edition showcasing a – you guessed it – black paint finish.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

The 2012 Porsche Boxster comes with a 255-horsepower flat-6 engine, with the Boxster S, Boxster Spyder, and Boxster S Black Edition featuring an uprated 310-horsepower 3.4-liter engine (320 horsepower for the Boxster Spyder and Boxster S Black Edition). Non-Spyder models are equipped with a power canvas top and heated glass rear window, while the Boxster Spyder receives a small, manually-deployable soft top. Safety equipment includes six airbags with head-protection airbags housed within the doorsills along with roll hoops above the headrests for supplemental rollover protection.

Optional Equipment

Individual options for the 2012 Boxster and Boxster S include Porsche's dual-mode Active Suspension Management, which automatically adjusts the damping force to each wheel based on current road conditions and driving style, rear parking sensors (which we highly recommend due to the sizable blind spot created by the soft top), and a mechanical limited-slip differential. All models offer Porsche's renowned 7-speed PDK automatic transmission with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters. If track days and extensive canyon runs are your cup of tea, the Boxster S and Boxster Spyder can be outfitted with pricey, but extraordinarily versatile ceramic composite brakes.

Under the Hood

The 2012 Porsche Boxster's standard powerplant is a horizontally-opposed 2.9-liter engine that puts out 255-horsepower. The Boxster S sports a 310-horsepower 3.4-liter flat-6, while a modest retune ups the horsepower to 320 for the Boxster Spyder and Black Edition. All models are available with either a standard 6-speed manual transmission or the optional 7-speed PDK dual-clutch automatic.

2.9-liter flat-6
255 horsepower @ 6,400 rpm
214 lb-ft of torque @ 4,400-6,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 19/27 mpg (manual), 20/29 mpg (PDK automatic)

3.4-liter flat-6
310 horsepower @ 6,400 rpm
266 lb-ft of torque @ 4,400-5,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 19/26 mpg (manual), 20/29 mpg (PDK automatic)

3.4-liter flat-6
320 horsepower @ 7,200 rpm
273 lb-ft of torque @ 4,750 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 19/27 mpg (manual), 19/26 mpg (manual, Black Edition), 20/29 mpg (PDK automatic)

Pricing Notes

The 2012 Porsche Boxster and Boxster S are priced at a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of around $49,000 and $59,500, respectively. The Boxster Spyder begins at around $63,000, while the Boxster S Black Edition, limited to 987 examples, will set you back $66,000. Adding the dual-clutch PDK transmission to any of these adds another $3,420 to the bottom line. The BMW Z4 shares a similar starting price with the 2012 Boxster, though the Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class and the Audi TT Roadster undercut the Boxster by a few thousand dollars. To see what consumers in your area are actually paying for their 2012 Boxsters, take a look at KBB.com's Fair Purchase Price at the bottom of this page, 5-year projected resale values for the Porsche Boxster remain slightly higher than the SLK-Class and on par with the Z4 and the TT Roadster.

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2012 Porsche Boxster Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

9.6

Out of 10

Based on 65 Ratings for the 2005 - 2012 models.

Review this car

Value

9.4/10

Quality

9.7/10
Reliability

9.6/10

Performance

9.8/10
Comfort

9.3/10

Styling

9.7/10

The perfect adult escape

By TaxMike (NY) on Thursday, May 23, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 21,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Engine/exhaust note, interior comfort, quickness"

Cons: "wimpy cup holders.."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Despite a screw rattling around in the passenger vent and a top motor malfunction this car is like nothing else. It corners beyond this middle aged man in crisis' ability to break it responsibly from the pavement. Its strong acceleration from midline to redline is thrilling and braking is equally as compliant. Road manners are excellent and comfort exceeds expectations. With a little responsibility it even shatters EPA numbers despite the 19" Carerra wheels and tires (about 1400 a set online). This car is a rush from the time you put the key in the left handed ignition. I could hardly imagine what the S version would be like. In this price segment, if you can find one used in adult driven condition - JUMP at it. You will never have a single regret!"

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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S Model is the Best Roadster!

By E27 on Monday, November 26, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 10,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Very fun to drive"

Cons: "None"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"We tested the 911s, Cayman, Z4, and Elise and came away with a Boxster S black on black. The jump in hp with the S is noticable and needed. If we could, we would drop in the 911 S engine. With that engine mounted mid-engine in the Boxster the car would be awesome. As it is, the car handles very well in its design envelope and can be driven comfortably as a daily driver. The 911 is rear biased, but has good power - no. The Cayman is closed up - no. The Z4 is front engined - no. The Elise handles well at the track but is not well sorted with a huge blind spot - no. The Boxster could handle a bigger engine but Porsche will never put as powerful of an engine as any 911 engine into this car. 911 owners would cry foul! Overall the Boxster S has everything we were looking for - a droptop, decent power, very good handling, and a classic design. The Bose stereo is very nice at full volume but you will want to turn it off when you get on the throttle as the boxster engine makes a very nice growl wide open. Mileage is ok at 19 combined. Oh, and get the short shift kit on the 6 speed manual for sweet snappy shifts in the power band. At the track you will definitely want more power, but most times you will be driving on city streets so for that, the S has power a plenty. If you really want and need therapy, this car for what it is, will no doubt make you one very, very happy patient... ;-)"

40 people out of 40 found this review helpful

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Exceptionally well balanced

By JohnB (AR) on Friday, June 15, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 33,700

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Great value in a great sports car! :>"

Cons: "No dealers in Arkansas. :("

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"The S version of the now venerable Boxster is the one to own. Our previous 2004 base Boxster was okay, but the S is several steps above it in power and handling, so if you're in the market for a Boxster, spend the extra money on an S. The interior of the Boxster is IMHO not up to par with the Porsche image of quality and the surfaces wear prematurely if care isn't taken to treat them gently. Otherwise, the car is pretty much "bullet proof" reliable as long as scheduled services are done. If you own a Porsche, you should have the funds to keep up on maintenance. That having been said, the scheduled maintenance intervals are verity well spaced, so while the bills can be large, they don't come often. If considering a pre-owned Porsche, get it inspected before buying, and have the technician check the intermediate main bearing seal on any model prior to 2009. Failure of this bearing will require engine overhaul/replacement. MY 2009 on is not a problem, as this potential problem was addressed by Porsche. Get two keys with the car. Replacement keys are very costly ($500 ) and require coding by a Porsche dealer at the dealership. Avoid black exterior color. It looks good for 5 minutes after it's cleaned, and then it shows scratches and dirt plainly, and it gets HOT in the summer. Finally, if you do buy a Porsche of any model, join the Porsche Club of America. Lots of benefits, plenty of activities, a wealth of information, and it will add tremendously to your enjoyment of owning one of these cars."

31 people out of 32 found this review helpful

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Therapy on wheels.

By Dan (DE) on Friday, March 30, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 31,500

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Fun to drive, Comfortable, Turns Heads!"

Cons: "Dealer Service Costs"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I have owned this car as my 1st Porsche- and overall I am thoroughly amazed. I have the "S" model, and with the additional power and slighly sharper tuning it is the most enjoyable car you can buy for the money. Even my wife loves to drive it as much as she can- it brings a smile to your face every time. The quality and reliability has been top-notch, though the yeary service visits are quite expensive, and some of the features like cruise control are not the most intuitive. Those are my only complaints. This will not be my last Porsche."

7 people out of 11 found this review helpful

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great handling, great to look at, fun to drive

By DENNI (MA) on Thursday, March 29, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 16,400

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 8/10
Quality: 8/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "fun to drive"

Cons: "squeaks"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 7

"Great car: however not worth the price: does not hold its value as well as i thought it would. Expensive to purchase, but when trading in most dealers do not come close to blue book value"

9 people out of 10 found this review helpful

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Disappointing!

By JIM (OR) on Saturday, February 11, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 59,000

10 5.0

overall rating 5 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 5/10
Value: 5/10
Reliability: 6/10
Quality: 5/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 6/10
Comfort: 5/10

Pros: "Fun to drive"

Cons: "Workmanship, ergonomics pricey to fix"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 5

"I bought this car new, and have had this car four years. At 50,000 miles wear and tear are catching up with poor design and workmanship: radio goes out all the time, floor mats won't stay in place, cup holders break, seat leather is breaking down. I had a 1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS-T before this, and that car held up better. While the car was on warranty, I didn't mind so much taking it in 2 or 3 times a year when things randomly broke. But 2 years I bought a Honda Element, and the overall quality of ergonomic design and materials is so superior to that of the Porsche -- and nothing ever breaks down. Getting the Porsche fixed is expensive, too, especially since the only thing the dealers will do is replace parts; they can't fix anything. I will definitely not buy a Porsche again."

7 people out of 9 found this review helpful

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See all 65 reviews