2002 Porsche 911 Review

It's not surprising that the revised 177-mph Porsche 911 Carrera Coupe is a blast. How could it be otherwise, considering Porsche has been improving the iconic 911 since its introduction in 1963? The rear-drive, $67,900 Carrera Coupe is the lowest priced 911, which also comes as costlier convertible and all-wheel drive models. However, this rear-engine coupe is more expensive than Porsche's entry $42,600 Boxster mid-engine convertible.

The 911 Carrera Coupe feels like a land-bound jet fighter airplane and is one of few production cars that come close to feeling like a race car. This aerodynamic coupe is well-equipped, with a power sunroof, automatic climate and cruise controls, power windows, remote locking, heated power outside mirrors and AM/FM/cassette stereo. Safety features include door-mounted side air bags and anti-lock brakes.

But watch those options! Extras such as the $1,230 stability control system and $3,240 Advanced Technic Package with headlight washers, six-disc CD changer and a 12-speaker Bose digital sound system cause the price to jump a lot. The 911 Carrera Coupe costs a lot for a small two-seater with a marginal luggage compartment. But 911 resale value long has been high. And the rear-drive Carrera Coupe is so beautifully engineered and constructed that it should last practically forever with routine maintenance. Two tall adults easily fit in the fairly quiet Carrera Coupe's interior, although there isn't much room to spare.

The tiny rear seat area is best suited to tots or small cargo. Awkwardly designed controls have been replaced with sensible ones, although radio and climate controls are small and the cassette holders seem flimsy. The power windows should work a bit faster. Low seats and long doors make it tough to get in and out in tight spots. And the stiff clutch has a long throw that can get tiring in stop-and-go traffic. But the six-speed manual gearbox is fun to shift. And a five-speed automatic transmission from the 911 Turbo with a clutchless manual shift feature via steering-wheel buttons is available.

The 911 Carrera really should have the manual transmission because this is a pure sports car with input from Porsche's long racing experience. It's as much fun as sports cars costing at least twice its price, although the less-exclusive $49,705 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 coupe is as fast. Like the Corvette, this Porsche is so docile and durable that you can easily use it for daily driving.

Newly standard is a computer that can display engine oil level, outside temperature and 35 warning messages in plain text. Also new are several small items, including a new steering wheel, lockable glovebox, redesigned tailpipes and cupholders integrated into the dashboard. Cupholders are a big U.S. concession for Porsche; it believes a driver should direct all attention to the road at all times--not sip beverages.

Design changes are more than cosmetic. For instance, the new front air intakes increase airflow to the twin, front-mounted radiators. The new bodywork also reduces aerodynamic lift. The latest 911 Carrera no longer resembles the less exclusive Boxster. Responding to 911 owner complaints, the 2002 model has a slickly redesigned front end, widened rear quarter body panels and new taillights.

It now looks a lot like the awesome $115,000 Porsche 911 Turbo. In fact, the instrument panel has been transplanted from the 911 Turbo. The 911 Turbo has 415 horsepower, but the 911 Carrera has more than enough punch. The compact six-cylinder's displacement has been enlarged to 3.6 liters from 3.4 liters, and horsepower has been bumped up from 300 to 320.

I mean, how fast do you want to go? The fairly light (2,910-pound) but rigidly built 911 Carrera Coupe hits 60 mph in 4.8 seconds and can reach 100 in 12 seconds. Fuel economy is an estimated 18 mpg in the city and 26 on highways. But a driver can top the city figure by starting out in second gear and then shifting to fourth or fifth without engine protest.

That's because torque also has been increased and the torque curve has been broadened to enable the engine to be more responsive during typical driving. A new valve timing system helps make the engine butter-smooth. Steering is quick and sensitive. The all-independent suspension provides handling almost in the race-car class, especially with the $1,325 18-inch (up from 17-inch) alloy wheels and superwide performance tires.

Those short-sidewall tires cause the ride to be stiffer, but not uncomfortable. The brake pedal has a reassuringly firm feel and stopping distances are incredibly short. There's nothing quite like a Porsche 911. All things considered, the Carrera Coupe almost seems like a bargain.

2002 PORSCHE 911 CARRERA COUPE

Price
$67,900
Likes
More power. Slicker styling. Very fast. Sharp handling. Great brakes. High resale.
Dislikes
Awkward entry. Small trunk. Stiff clutch. Small radio and climate controls.