Power
0–62 mph (0–100 km/h)
Top speed (308 km/h)
Combined, EPA 2025
What owners say
Our take, from owner reports
Sentiment is highly positive regarding the 718's core driving dynamics, with owners consistently praising its exceptional handling, steering precision, and chassis balance.
7 problems reported (1 very frequent, 4 recurrent, 2 isolated) · high confidence
Problems owners report
- Very frequentEngine sound / character (turbo 4-cylinder models)
Exhaust note considered uninspiring and inferior to the flat-six engine's sound, a major point of criticism.
- RecurrentThrottle response lag / turbo lag (turbo 4-cylinder models)
Noticeable delay in power delivery, especially at lower RPMs, described as a lack of immediate response.
- RecurrentLong gearing (GT4/Spyder models)
Gear ratios described as excessively long, making it difficult to rev out the engine fully on public roads.
+ 4 more issuesShow fewer
- RecurrentLow ride height / scraping
Practical daily nuisance; requires careful navigation of driveways, speed bumps, and parking lot entrances to avoid undercarriage damage.
- RecurrentPDK transmission reliability concerns (with track use)
Potential for very expensive failures (reported in the $15,000-$20,000 USD range) under heavy track use; Porsche dealers often replace rather than repair.
- IsolatedFuel leak / fire risk
Isolated but severe report of a vehicle fire potentially linked to a fuel leak, with mention of similar issues on other 718 and 992 models.
- IsolatedInterior headliner failure
Sagging or detachment of the fabric headliner, reported on a 2018 model.
The version owners recommend
The 718 GTS 4.0 is frequently cited as the best all-around version for spirited street driving. Owners highlight its potent naturally aspirated 4.0L flat-six engine, which provides a strong mid-range and an engaging character, combined with the refined 718 chassis. It is considered a superior value and more livable choice compared to the more track-focused, harder-riding, and more expensive 718 GT4/Spyder models. For those prioritizing engine sound and classic character, the preceding 981 generation (particularly the GTS) is also highly regarded, though its interior technology is noted as being dated.
Competitors to consider
Owners compare it most often with the Porsche 911, Chevrolet Corvette C8, Subaru BRZ/Toyota GR86, Mazda MX-5 Miata and BMW M2.
Is the 718 right for you?
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Overall sentiment
Sentiment is highly positive regarding the 718's core driving dynamics, with owners consistently praising its exceptional handling, steering precision, and chassis balance. The platform is widely regarded as a pure, mid-engine sports car that offers an engaging and confidence-inspiring driving experience on both public roads and track environments. However, a significant and recurrent point of contention centers on engine character, creating a generational divide. Owners of the 982-generation (commonly referred to as the 718) with turbocharged four-cylinder engines (2.0L and 2.5L) frequently note a lack of throttle response and a less inspiring exhaust note compared to the naturally aspirated flat-six engines found in the preceding 981 generation and in higher-trim 982 models like the GTS 4.0 and GT4. This has led to a strong preference among enthusiasts for the six-cylinder variants, which are described as having a "glorious" and more engaging character. The cars are also noted for their surprising practicality as daily drivers, with good storage space and comfortable seats, though their low ride height can be a practical hindrance.
Positioning vs competitors
The 718 is consistently positioned as a more focused, purer sports car compared to the larger and more grand-touring oriented Porsche 911. It is seen as offering superior handling and a more engaging mid-engine chassis, often at a significantly lower price point, avoiding the "911 tax." Compared to mainstream sports cars like the Subaru BRZ/GR86 and Mazda MX-5, the 718 is acknowledged as being in a different league in terms of refinement, grip, steering precision, and build quality, but some owners find the less expensive cars to be more playful and fun at legal speeds. The Chevrolet Corvette C8 is mentioned as a direct competitor that has captured entry-level buyers with its performance value. The consensus is that the 718, particularly in six-cylinder form, occupies a unique space as an exceptionally capable, daily-able, and driver-focused precision instrument.
Recommended configurations
A manual transmission is strongly implied as the enthusiast's choice for engagement, though PDK is acknowledged for its performance. The GTS 4.0 trim is the most recommended for its engine and balanced spec. For turbocharged 718 models (S, GTS 2.5), aftermarket exhaust systems (e.g., Soul Performance) are suggested to improve the sound, with notes about potential heat management. An extended warranty or Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) status is recommended for peace of mind, especially concerning potential PDK transmission issues. For track use, a dedicated warranty or setting aside funds for potential transmission repairs is advised.
General recommendations
The 718 is highly recommended as a daily-drivable sports car for those who prioritize handling precision and driving engagement. It is suitable for young professionals or enthusiasts without children. Prospective buyers are urged to test drive both four-cylinder and six-cylinder variants to assess the importance of throttle response and engine character. For those considering a 718 as a primary vehicle, be mindful of the low ride height, which can lead to scraping and makes drive-throughs and steep entrances challenging. Aggressive negotiation is suggested due to high dealer inventory and significant depreciation on nearly-new models. For track use, budget for high consumable costs (tires, brakes) and consider the potential reliability of the PDK transmission under sustained hard use.
Remarks
Owner feedback is sharply divided along generational and engine lines. The switch from the 981's flat-six to the 982/718's turbo-four is the single most discussed topic, with the subsequent reintroduction of the flat-six in the GTS 4.0 and GT4 models widely seen as a correction. The PDK transmission, while praised for its performance, carries a reputation for catastrophic and costly failure when tracked, discouraging heavy track use without warranty coverage. The platform enjoys a strong reputation for mechanical reliability for the turbo-four engines, with one owner quoting a mechanic calling it "the most bulletproof Porsche they've ever made." The 718's role as Porsche's entry-level sports car is under pressure from competitors like the Corvette C8, as noted in sales comparisons. Analysis based on approximately 50 substantive owner discussions.
Generation by generation
Owner insights per generation and US complaint/recall records (NHTSA).
Complaints and recalls by model yearWorst year: 2023. Years to avoid: 2023Source: NHTSA (US)Show table
Each year graded against the model's other years: Year Score.
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 1 | 0 | electrical system |
| 2023 | 4 | 0 | service brakes |
| 2022 | 1 | 0 | electrical system |
| 2021 | 4 | 0 | engine |
| 2019 | 1 | 0 | power train |
| 2017 | 8 | 6 | seat belts |
Complaint counts come from owner reports filed with the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Higher-selling years naturally accumulate more complaints.
Recall notices6 on record · Source: NHTSA (US)Show recalls
2017 · fuel system, gasolinecampaign 19V113000
Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2017-2019 718 Boxster, 718 Boxster S, 718 Cayman and 718 Cayman S vehicles and 2018-2019 718 Boxster GTS and 2018-2019 718 Cayman GTS vehicles. In the event of a crash, a crossmember may detach from the luggage compartment bracket, possibly causing a fuel leak.
2017 · fuel system, gasoline:delivery:hoses, lines/piping, and fittingscampaign 17V054000
Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2017 911 Carrera, 911 Carrera S, 911 Carrera 4, 911 Carrera 4S, 911 Targa 4, 911 Targa 4S + GTS, 911 Carrera Cabriolet, 911 Carrera S Cabriolet, 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet, 911 Carrera 4S Cabriolet, 718 Boxster, 718 Boxster S, 718 Cayman, and 718 Cayman S vehicles. The screws that fasten the fuel collection pipes in the engine compartment may shear off, resulting in a fuel leak.
2017 · air bags:side/windowcampaign 16V946000
Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain model year 2017 718 Boxster, 718 Boxster S, 718 Cayman, 718 Cayman S, 911 Carrera, 911 Carrera S, 911 Carrera S Cabriolet, 911 Carrera 4S, 911 Turbo, 911 Turbo S, 911 Carrera 4S Cabriolet, and 911 Turbo Cabriolet vehicles. The seat mounted side air bag inflator initiator may fail to ignite during a crash.
2017 · air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator modulecampaign 17V134000
Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2016 911 GT3 RS and 911 R vehicles and 2017 911 Carrera, 911 Carrera Cabriolet, 911 Carrera 4, 911 Carrera 4S, 911 Carrera 4S Cabriolet, 911 Carrera S, 911 Carrera S Cabriolet, 911 Targa 4, 911 Targa 4S, 911 Turbo S, 911 Turbo S Cabriolet, 718 Boxster, 718 Boxster S, 718 Cayman and 718 Cayman S vehicles. The passenger frontal air bag inflator initiator may fail to ignite during a crash.
2017 · visibility:windshieldcampaign 17V135000
Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2017 911 Carrera Cabriolet, 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet, 911 Carrera 4S Cabriolet, 911 Carrera S Cabriolet, 911 Targa S, 911 Targa 4S, 911 Turbo Cabriolet, 718 Boxter and 718 Boxter S vehicles. During manufacturing, the windshield may not have been properly bonded to the vehicle, allowing it to detach in a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 212, "Windshield Mounting."
2017 · air bags: air bag/restraint control modulecampaign 19V533000
Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2016-2017 911 and Boxster, 2016 Cayman and Panamera vehicles. The air bag Electronic Control Unit (ECU) may have a defective power supply capacitor that can result in air bag deactivation or inadvertent deployment of the air bags.
Specifications
Enthusiast code: 982
RS 4.0
4.0L 6-cylinder · 500 hp · RWD · automatic
Built 2023–2026