Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC)
Power
0–62 mph (0–100 km/h)
Top speed (275 km/h)
Combined, EPA 1995
What owners say
Our take, from owner reports
Sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, characterized by deep emotional attachment and appreciation for its unique character as a grand tourer.
6 problems reported (2 very frequent, 2 recurrent, 1 isolated) · high confidence
Problems owners report
- Very frequentExtremely high maintenance and repair costs
Described as "very costly," "expensive to maintain," and requiring a significant annual budget.
- Very frequentAge-related component failure
All rubber hoses, plastic parts, and vacuum lines become brittle and require wholesale replacement. Electrical wiring harnesses degrade, leading to difficult-to-diagnose faults.
- RecurrentEngine oil consumption
Linked to the hypereutectic aluminum block design, similar to issues in other manufacturers' sleeveless engines.
+ 3 more issuesShow fewer
- RecurrentComplexity of repairs
Many jobs require the replacement of ancillary parts once accessed (e.g., suspension bolts), escalating simple repair costs. The engine oil pan gasket replacement is cited as a "$5k job" requiring subframe removal.
- IsolatedHead gasket failure
Mentioned as a failure point on higher-mileage examples.
- Reported Issues Frequency Key
Isolated (1-2 mentions), recurrent (3-5 mentions), very frequent (6+ mentions).
The version owners recommend
S4 (1987-1991) and GT (1990-1992) models are implicitly favored. The S4 is specifically mentioned for its upgraded 4-piston Brembo brakes, which were shared with the 944 Turbo S. The 1990 928 GT is highlighted by an owner who traded a modern Panamera Turbo for it, noting its usability as a daily driver and clear design lineage to modern Porsches. Later models are generally perceived as more developed and desirable.
Competitors to consider
Owners compare it most often with the Porsche 911, Porsche 944/951, Porsche 924, Corvette C4 and Ferrari 400i.
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Overall sentiment
Sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, characterized by deep emotional attachment and appreciation for its unique character as a grand tourer. Owners consistently describe the driving experience as putting a "massive smile" on their face, praising its high-speed stability, powerful top-end pull, and engaging, visceral feel. The car is noted for its historical significance as a technologically advanced flagship, featuring a front-engine V8 with a rear-mounted transaxle for near 50/50 weight distribution, and for its role in saving the company financially. However, this affection is heavily caveated with acknowledgments of extreme complexity, very high maintenance costs, and age-related reliability challenges. The consensus is one of a rewarding but demanding ownership experience, best suited for knowledgeable enthusiasts or competent DIY mechanics with significant budgets and patience.
Positioning vs competitors
Positioned as a technologically sophisticated, high-speed grand tourer, distinct from the sports car focus of the 911. Within the Porsche family, it is frequently noted as being more complex and expensive to maintain than the 944/951 or 924 due to many unique, non-shared components. It is historically compared to the contemporary Corvette C4, with period reviews noting the 928's superior braking performance (180 ft from 70-0 mph / 113-0 km/h) but the C4's later surpassing roadholding (0.90g vs. 0.82g). A recurring theme in community feedback is that it is not considered a "real Porsche" by some purists within the brand's community, being viewed as distinct from the 911 lineage.
Recommended configurations
Manual transmission is highly sought after, with one mention noting a specific car was chosen for a television special because it was a manual. A comprehensive, documented service history is considered essential, with specific emphasis on recent timing belt, water pump, clutch, and transmission service. Cars with extensive records of recent major work are deemed "sorted" and preferable, even at higher mileage. A pre-purchase inspection (PPI) including leak-down and compression tests is strongly advised.
General recommendations
Only recommended for experienced enthusiasts or competent DIY mechanics with a dedicated budget for maintenance and repairs. Ownership requires either deep mechanical skill or a trusted, specialist mechanic, as the car's complex electronics and aging components demand constant attention. A reliable backup vehicle is considered mandatory. Prospective buyers should budget an additional $5,000-$15,000 USD immediately after purchase to address deferred maintenance, with a specific focus on replacing all brittle rubber and plastic components (vacuum lines, power steering hoses, etc.). Parts availability is reported as surprisingly good from Porsche, but a cottage industry of specialist manufacturers exists for obsolete parts. The car is described as a rewarding project that fosters a dedicated, knowledgeable owner community.
Remarks
The 928 holds a unique, almost mythic status fueled by poignant personal stories, most notably one where its high-speed capability allowed a final farewell to a dying parent. This emotional resonance heavily influences its perception beyond pure mechanics. The vehicle is a prime example of 1970s/80s advanced engineering, now presenting as a complex, aging artifact. Successful ownership appears almost entirely dependent on the owner's mechanical capability, budget, and tolerance for project management. The feedback suggests a sharp divide: a deeply satisfying and emotional experience for the prepared owner, and a financial and logistical nightmare for the unprepared. Analysis based on approximately 15 substantive owner discussions and historical anecdotes.
Specifications
5.4 GTS V8
5.4L 8-cylinder · 350 hp · RWD · automatic
Built 1991–1995