I’m just going to put this out front — formerly known as the “poor man’s Porsche”, the 2013 Boxster blew us away — and this wasn’t even the Boxster S! With an as-tested price of $56,565, the Boxster is a fast, lightweight convertible sports car. The looks we received while driving this — the cyclist who stopped us to say “nice car”, the other Boxster owner who did a thumbs up out of the top of his car when we both had our tops down in 45 degree weather, or the photographers who confused it for a Ferrari — were very satisfying. This car really turns heads.

Our Boxster had 19-inch Boxster S wheels, Porsche’s 7-speed PDK Automatic transmission and the convenience package. The convenience package includes a wind deflector screen, 2-zone automatic air conditioning (two separate control settings for driver and passenger) and dual heated seats. With a black exterior and a black leather interior, our car really shined. The Boxster features auto start-stop, AM/FM/CD player with 4 very loud speakers and a speed-activated rear spoiler. The black cloth top is able to be retracted or put up in just under 10 seconds and even goes up or down at speeds of up to 31 miles per hour — so no having to wait until you’re at a light to drop the top.

With 265 horsepower and a curb weight of under 3,000 pounds, the Boxster was propelled to 60 in 5.4 seconds. Pricing starts at just under $50,000.

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Pros: great looks, great fun and a great price! The Boxster had everything we would really need in a convertible. The performance was excellent and the technology was very easy to work with.

Cons: Tall people won’t be very comfortable in the passenger seat.

QUICK FACTS:

Base Price: $49,500 || Price as Tested: $56,565

Vehicle Layout: Mid-engine, 2-passenger, 2-door convertible

Engine: 2.7L H6, 265hp, 206-lb. ft. || Transmission: 7-speed PDK Automatic

Curb Weight: 2,954 lbs || Length/Width/Height: 172.2/70.9/50.5 inches

0-60: 5.4 seconds || EPA City/Highway Fuel Economy: 22/32 mpg

RATING: 9.2/10

Exterior: 10

Interior: 8

Acceleration: 9 

Braking: 9

Ride: 9

Handling: 10 

Gearbox: 10

Audio: 10

Tech: 9

Value: 8

We’d like to thank Jake Semon at Town Porsche for getting us into the new Boxster. For all your Porsche needs, go check out Town Porsche in Englewood, NJ and online at www.town-motorcar.porschedealer.com. Make sure you tell him Greg and Dave sent you!