Facts & Figures
Exterior Dimensions
Cargo Measurement
Fuel
Facts & Figures
Exterior Dimensions
Cargo Measurement
Fuel
Reliability History Reliability History
Trouble
Spots
Trouble
Spots
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
Engine Major
Engine Minor
Engine Cooling
Transmission Major
Transmission Minor
Drive System
Fuel System
Electrical
Climate System
Suspension
Brakes
Exhaust
Paint/Trim
Noises/Leaks
Body Hardware
Power Equipment
In-Car Electronics
USED CAR
VERDICTS
Engine Major
Engine Minor
Engine Cooling
Transmission Major
Transmission Minor
Drive System
Fuel System
Electrical
Climate System
Suspension
Brakes
Exhaust
Paint/Trim
Noises/Leaks
Body Hardware
Power Equipment
In-Car Electronics
USED CAR
VERDICTS
CR.ORG/CARS NEW CARS 159
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Porsche 718 Boxster
Porsche’s roadster offers turbocharged 2.0- and 2.5-liter four-
cylinder engines. Most 718s come with a seven-speed automatic,
which impersonates a manually shifted gearbox quite well. A manual
transmission is also available. The engine delivers readily available
power, along with a throaty thrum, but it comes at the expense of
Porsche’s classic six-cylinder sound. Handling is superlative, with
impressive grip and balance, which makes the car super-responsive
and fun to drive. The ride is very firm but not too punishing. The
cabin has a premium ambience, but the button overload takes getting
used to. Opening or closing the well-insulated power top takes 10 sec-
onds, even on the move up to 43 mph. The front trunk is a bonus.
Overall Score 86
Predicted Reliability 40
Owner Satisfaction 50
Road-Test Score 95
Front-Crash Prevention Opt.
Base Price: $59,000-$82,800
Body Styles: convertible
Trim Lines: Base, GTS, S
Drive Wheels: Rear
Seating: 2 front
Engines: 2.0-liter 4 turbo (300 hp);
2.5-liter 4 turbo (350 hp); 2.5-liter 4
turbo (365 hp)
Transmissions: 6-speed manual;
7-speed sequential
Length (in.)..................... 172
Width (in.) ......................71
Height (in.) ..................... 50
Wheelbase (in.) ..................97
Weight (lb.) .................. 3,150
% weight front/rear ...........44/56
Max. Load (lb.) ................ 485
Cargo Volume, cu.ft............... .4
Towing Capacity (lb.) ............NR
Premium
CR overall mpg ..................26
16 17 18
(^05)
04
(^05)
(^05)
05
(^05)
(^05)
05
(^04)
(^05)
(^05)
(^05)
05
(^02)
(^05)
05
(^01) *
04
Better than average 04
Nissan Z
Employing a strong and smooth 3.7-liter V6, the Nissan Z deliv-
ers quick acceleration and respectable fuel economy. The six-
speed manual is a bit stiff but easy enough to use, and it can match
revs on downshifts. Handling is planted, with quick steering and lots
of grip, but somehow the car isn’t as engaging to drive as one would
expect. The ride is very stiff and choppy, and road and tire noise are
constant. The Z’s well-finished interior is cramped, and visibility is
lousy. The radio and climate controls are very low, and their labels
are small. Convertible and stiffer-riding, higher-performance NISMO
versions are available. A noise cancelation/enhancement system
helps to quiet some of the interior racket.
Overall Score 74
Predicted Reliability 03
Owner Satisfaction 04
Road-Test Score 81
Front-Crash Prevention NA
Base Price: $30,090-$49,500
Body Styles: convertible; coupe
Trim Lines: Base, NISMO, Sport,
Sport Touring, Touring
Drive Wheels: Rear
Seating: 2 front
Engines: 3.7-liter V6 (332 hp); 3.7-liter
V6 (350 hp)
Transmissions: 7-speed automatic;
6-speed manual
Length (in.)..................... 167
Width (in.) ......................73
Height (in.) ......................52
Wheelbase (in.) .................100
Weight (lb.) ..................3,385
% weight front/rear ...........54/46
Max. Load (lb.) ................ 450
Cargo Volume, cu.ft................ 7
Towing Capacity (lb.) ............NR
Premium
CR overall mpg ..................23 Average
16 17 18
03
P