The Good
The 2003 Porsche 911 boasts exhilarating performance, offering precise handling and potent acceleration. Its timeless design evokes strong emotions. Relatively speaking it's reliable if properly maintained. While not the most spacious, the 911 provides a comfortable driving experience for daily use. For practical buyers, its strong resale value and potential for long-term ownership add appeal.
The Bad
The 2003 Porsche 911 (996) is known for potential IMS bearing failure, which can lead to catastrophic engine damage. Oil leaks are common as the car ages. The early 996 models' "fried egg" headlights are often criticized aesthetically. Furthermore, some electrical gremlins can surface. Thorough pre-purchase inspections are essential.
2003 Porsche 911: Quick Overview
- Engine Options:
- 3.6L Flat-6 (Carrera, Carrera 4, Targa):
- Horsepower:
- Carrera/Carrera 4/Targa: 320 hp
- Turbo: 415 hp
- Fuel Economy (estimated):
- Carrera/Carrera 4/Targa: 18 mpg city / 26 mpg highway
- Turbo: 15 mpg city / 22 mpg highway
- 0-60 mph Times (estimated):
- Carrera/Carrera 4: 5.0-5.2 seconds
- Targa: 5.2 seconds
- Turbo: 4.2 seconds
- Towing Capacity: Not applicable; the Porsche 911 is not designed for towing.
- Trim-Level Features:
- Carrera/Carrera 4: Leather seats, automatic climate control, power windows and locks, premium sound system, alloy wheels. Carrera 4 adds all-wheel drive.
- Targa: Features a retractable glass roof, unique Targa styling. Otherwise, similar features to the Carrera.
- Turbo: Includes all of the above, plus a turbocharged engine, upgraded brakes, sport suspension, unique body styling, and typically more luxurious interior trim options.
- Optional Features (across trims): Navigation system, sunroof (Carrera/Carrera 4), upgraded sound system, sport seats, various interior and exterior customization options.
2003 Porsche 911 Specifications
Vehicle Information
| Year | 2003 |
| Make | Porsche |
| Model | 911 |
| Trim | - |
| Style | - |
| Type | Coupe |
| Category | Compact Car |
Manufacturing Details
| Made In | Germany |
| Manufacturing City | STUTTGART-ZUFFENHAUSEN |
Dimensions
| Doors | 2-Door |
| Curb Weight | - |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating | - |
| Overall Height | - |
| Overall Length | - |
| Overall Width | - |
| Wheelbase Length | - |
| Standard Seating | - |
Engine & Performance
| Engine | 3.6 L 6-Cyl. |
| Engine Size | 3.6L |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 |
| Transmission | - |
| Transmission Type | - |
| Transmission Speeds | - |
| Drivetrain | Rear-Wheel Drive All-Wheel Drive |
Additional Features
| Anti-Brake System | - |
| Steering Type | - |
Pricing
| Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) | - |
| Invoice Price | - |
| Delivery Charges | - |
Vehicle History Report
Specifications
History
Events
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Listings
Recalls
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Analysis
What Problems Does the 2003 Porsche 911 Have?
How long will the 2003 Porsche 911 last?
What Technology & Safety Features are Included?
Optional features included a Bose sound system, which provided a significant upgrade in audio quality. Some models also featured parking sensors, which were a helpful addition given the car's low profile and limited rear visibility. Cruise control was standard.
Crash-test ratings for the 2003 Porsche 911 are limited. The NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) and IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) did not conduct full crash tests on this model year. However, the 996 generation 911 is generally considered a safe vehicle, thanks to its robust construction and standard safety features. While it lacks the advanced driver-assistance systems of modern cars, its focus on driver engagement and responsive handling contributes to active safety.
What Colors Options are Available?
Exterior Colors
Interior Colors
2003 Porsche 911 Prices and Market Value
2003 Porsche 911 Cost of Ownership
2003 Porsche 911 Fuel Efficiency
2003 Porsche 911 Safety Rating
NHTSA
2003 Porsche 911 Insurance
reasonable repair costs.
How Does the 2003 Porsche 911 Compare to Other Coupe?
Alternatives depend on priorities. If reliability is paramount, the Corvette C5 or C6 is a strong contender. If a balance of performance and luxury is desired, the BMW M3 (E46) is a good choice. For open-top motoring with more modern features, the Mercedes-Benz SLK or a later-model Porsche Boxster (987 generation) could be considered. The 911, however, offers an unparalleled blend of heritage, performance, and driver engagement, making it a unique proposition even with its known weaknesses. For those prioritizing driving dynamics and the Porsche experience, no direct alternative truly replicates the 911.
Ranks #2021 Sedan
| 1 | 2023 Toyota Camry | (5.0★) |
| 2 | 2023 Honda Accord | (0.0★) |
| 3 | 2023 Lexus ES | (0.0★) |
| 4 | 2024 Subaru Legacy | (5.0★) |
| 5 | 2022 Mazda MX-30 | (4.0★) |
| 6 | 2024 BMW M3 | (0.0★) |
| 7 | 2023 Ford Mustang | (5.0★) |
| 8 | 2023 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT | (0.0★) |
| 9 | 2023 Audi A3 | (0.0★) |
| 10 | 2023 Chevrolet Camaro | (5.0★) |
| 11 | 2023 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid | (0.0★) |
| 12 | 2023 Nissan Altima | (4.0★) |
| 2021 | 2003 Porsche 911 | (5.0★) |
Final Verdict: Is the 2003 Porsche 911 a Good Coupe?
P944na on May 26, 2023
Amazing performance carWhen you buy a Porsche 911 you buy it because of its performance. My car now has 96,000 mile are runs and drives as it should. I do several DE track days every year. It has never let me down. It is amazing to drive, steers like it is on rails, stops on a dime, and goes as fast as I need it to go. What a great car!!
Porschefanatic on June 4, 2021
Porsche Carrera 4S, what more is there to say?I have driven more comfortable cars than this, but you don't buy a Porsche for it to ride like a Mercedes. It handles the roads bumps and turns like I would expect a sports car to drive. This may not be the most comfortable touring car, but i would say it has to be one of the funest to drive. I picked this car up in Houston and drove it 1,400 miles on my way back to Atlanta. I know most people want to keep the miles off of a car like this, but I didn't buy it to look at. I can't wait to get it up onto some curvy mountain roads. Until then, it is great to look at while it is sitting in my garage waiting for me to drive it again.
Porsche Guru on December 6, 2020
Porsche 911 Carerra, IMS Done, Runs/Looks NewRuns Perfect ! Garage Kept ! Selling because I can't afford following a paralyzing stroke. IMS done ! Recently Inspected. Not a scratch on her. No body work. Paint perfect new. Will ship if you arrange and pay for. Zip code 21048 or local pickup. Extra Clean ! Will detail for buyer ! New top with glass rear window, not plastic top !, Viper remote start up to 1 mile, Backup Camera, Backup sensors, Alpine Carplay with GPS, Car cover ! Red Porsche brake calipers ! Bose speakers !
DTS on December 5, 2020
Best supercar in the world for the price and reliaNothing can touch this car for the price, insane performance, reliability with Metzer twin turbo charged engine, and incredible handling. Porsche. There is NO substitute!
Vitruvian on October 27, 2020
Really no comparisonIts reputation is well deserved. Performance and reliability are unmatched in this time tested design. At some point in your life you have to have one.
Emtmedic25 on October 12, 2020
Excellent daily driver!!Seriously the best bang for the buck! The 996 gets a bad rap, but as a owner I’ll tell you this car is everything you need in a Porsche. Unless you are a hard core track guy or need more flash. Like so many that research this car I did my homework and did get the IMS/RMS done just so in the back of my head it’s done ✅. I drive my car like a Porsche should be driven. It’s not a garage Queen and it does have wear and tear but seriously who cares.. I love it! It’s a ton of fun to drive and to upgrade all the after market options you want. So my advice is to buy one but of course do your homework and have fun!!
Porsche for life on September 24, 2020
More smiles per mile than any car I've ownedGreat as a daily driver or just weekend fun. Purchased it at 8 years old and it still drives like new at 17 years old.
996Ron on February 22, 2020
Best sports car value of all models. Extremely reLove it. Most fun of any car I've owned. Never a problem. Greatest value of any sports car. Best exterior design of any 911 in last 50 years.
Larryboy on January 24, 2020
easy to own - great track carI've owned my 996 for over 3 years. I track it and take the kids to school in it. It has room for 2 adults and 2 kids, lots of storage. On track it's very predictable and NOT a widow maker at all, you'd have to drive like a complete idiot to crash this car in a street setting. you can get any car out of sorts on track (and i did with mine). the 996 is very fast on track, its not a super fast straight line car, but it handles so well you can maintain a lot of speed in corners. the brakes are very capable and didn't fade on me in any session I've driven. They're easy and enjoyable to work on, very reliable and durable. there are a few things to look after, but overall they're a little over done. Many jobs can be done by a DIY mechanic and parts are more expensive than most cars, but once you get used to that you'll be fine. the interior is comfortable and durable, however compared to newer sports cars, it feels a bit dated. the materials are quality and have worn really well, better in my opinion than aging 997 cars. The 911 is a car that always feels special when you drive. You can't be lulled into thinking you're driving a normal car. It's distinctly rear engine and that flat six thrum is ever present.
Porsche Lover on December 27, 2019
911 4S Coupe is best car you can buy for the $I bought a used 2003 911 Carrera 4S about 6 mos ago and I love it. My 2017 CT6 twin turbo AWD sits in the driveway and I drive the 911. This is the third 911 coupe we have owned—also had a 1986 and 2015. My wife has a Macan Turbo which she loves. But I prefer my 911. It always gets admiring looks. It is a real sports car in every way. Replaced the IMS first thing, out on 4 new tires, and a set of replica Fuchs wheels. Black with brown interior. Can’t imagine a better looking and driving car. Only thing I don’t like is the Tiptronic transmission, although shifting it manually helps. Not nearly as crisp is the PDK trans in the later models. Other than that, this car is a perfect car. I have owned more than 400 cars...so have had many to compare it to!
Eugene S
Eugene is an automotive enthusiast with over 15 years of experience in the used car market. As a writer at VINCheck.info, he brings deep industry insight and a passion for cars, helping readers make smart, informed decisions. Eugene has written hundreds of used car reviews and is known for breaking down complex automotive topics into clear, actionable advice. Over the years, he has driven and worked on a wide range of vehicles—starting with tuning street cars in his early days and eventually focusing on performance upgrades and reliability improvements. Today, he specializes in evaluating used vehicles through the lens of real-world ownership and enthusiast needs. A longtime fan of Porsche, Eugene especially appreciates vehicles that blend durability with driving enjoyment.