2000 Porsche Boxster S

Exclusive Carweb.com Porsche Review
by Glenn Gould

The 2000 Porsche Boxster S had just arrived. As I slipped behind the steering wheel I felt like a kid opening that special gift Christmas morning. All Porsches are exceptional, but this one more so. It was the "S" version. The "S" in Porsche lingo carries a near mystical feel and meaning. It signifies both trim and performance upgrades. However, the emphasis is on the go, not the show, side of the equation.

The Boxster is a modern interpretation of the Classic Porsche roadster style. Its shape is slippery, yet aggressive and top up or down the Boxster looks, as a sports car should. The car's functional side air-scoops emphasize the Porsches sporting nature.

My mind raced trying to calculate the quickest route to a deserted stretch of road. Unfortunately it was rush hour, so fast was not an operative word. Still, I had to get that bad-puppy rolling. The 250 hp Boxer-six turned over quickly and idled smoothly. The standard Boxster has a 217 hp engine. The S's clutch was smooth and light. We eased into traffic with minimal fuss. The Boxster had good low-end torque and never felt like it would stall.

We spent the time in traffic getting to know the Boxster S. You sit low in the car, but the view out the front and sides was good. The view to the rear was skimpy with the top up. However, weather permitting, the electric top goes down in just a few seconds. That was the first thing we did when we got to that priceless piece of back-road. Also, unlike some high performance cars whose interior seemed cobbled together, the Boxster's was splendidly styled. The interior's smooth, sculptured lines, ergonomic controls, and soft textured materials were a pleasure to the eye and touch. The seats were supportive and comfortable. However, interior storage space was at a premium. The Porsche did not have a glove box and the center console was minuscule. The doors though, had storage compartments and there was an innovative storage shelf behind the seats.

The Boxster is a two seat mid-engine roadster. The car's motor sits right behind the seats. There is no storage space behind them, but it has two trunks. One was up front and the other in the normal rear location. The total amount of trunk space was 9.1 cu. ft. It may not sound like much, but it is actually excellent for a mid-engine sports car. You have room for a set of golf clubs in the rear and you can stuff a lot of soft-sided luggage onboard for an extended trip.

Oh, one down side to the mid-engine location, you won't be able to show off the cars power plant. That is unless you want to crawl underneath it. The engine cover is screwed down. Heck, it's more fun to drive then look at anyway.

Once on the secluded twisty road we downshifted and booted the gas. The Porsche swooped through a series of tight corners in one fluid motion. A heavy foot also brought astounding speed and acceleration. However, the S was easy to handle and felt comfortable at speed. Shifts with the Boxster S's six-speed manual transmission were slick and precise. The non-S Boxster has a five-speed manual transmission. Porsche's delightful Tiptronic S automatic transmission is optional on both Boxster models. It offers nearly all the fun of the manual, and would be my first choice in stop-and-go traffic situations. The Porsche's handling was balanced with no noticeable vices. The Boxster had the punch of a kick boxer and the grace of a dancer.

The car's ride was surprisingly smooth. Rough roads and speed bumps were handled without jarring the occupants. You won't have to worry about spilling your Coolata this summer.

What is the price of admission to the Boxster S's world? It is $49,930 compared to the standard Boxster's $41,430 base price.

If you've got the lose coin go for it. If not, well that's what dreams are for.

-Glenn Gould

CHEERS
1. Just about everything.

JEERS
1. Plastic, not glass, rear window.
2. No cup holders, but who cares?