The Good
The 2001 911 offers exhilarating performance and a connected driving experience that appeals to enthusiasts. While not the most reliable Porsche, its engineering is robust enough for decent longevity. The design remains iconic, and used models offer good value. It balances emotion with practicality; the 911 is usable daily.
The Bad
The 2001 911 (996) is known for potential IMS bearing failure, which can lead to catastrophic engine damage. Rear main seal (RMS) leaks are also common. Additionally, check for coolant leaks and ensure regular maintenance has been performed. Oil leaks are also not uncommon as the car ages.
2001 Porsche 911: Quick Overview
- Engine Options:
- 3.4L Flat-6 (Carrera, Carrera 4):
- 3.6L Flat-6 Turbo (911 Turbo):
- Horsepower:
- Carrera/Carrera 4: 300 hp
- 911 Turbo: 415 hp
- Fuel Economy (estimated):
- Carrera/Carrera 4: 17 mpg city / 25 mpg highway
- 911 Turbo: 15 mpg city / 22 mpg highway
- 0-60 mph Times (estimated):
- Carrera/Carrera 4: 5.0 - 5.2 seconds
- 911 Turbo: 4.2 seconds
- Towing Capacity: Not applicable. The Porsche 911 is not designed for towing.
- Trim-Level Features:
- Carrera: Leather seats, climate control, power windows and locks, AM/FM/CD stereo, alloy wheels.
- Carrera 4: Adds all-wheel drive for enhanced traction and stability. Features are generally similar to the Carrera.
- 911 Turbo: Includes all features of the Carrera plus a turbocharged engine, upgraded brakes, sport suspension, and unique styling elements. Also includes leather sport seats, a Bose sound system, and various performance enhancements.
2001 Porsche 911 Specifications
Vehicle Information
| Year | 2001 |
| Make | Porsche |
| Model | 911 |
| Trim | - |
| Style | - |
| Type | Coupe |
| Category | Compact Car |
Manufacturing Details
| Made In | Germany |
| Manufacturing City | - |
Dimensions
| Doors | - |
| Curb Weight | - |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating | - |
| Overall Height | - |
| Overall Length | - |
| Overall Width | - |
| Wheelbase Length | - |
| Standard Seating | - |
Engine & Performance
| Engine | 3.4 L 6-Cyl. |
| Engine Size | 3.4L |
| 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
History Check
Check
Check
Check
Check
Listings
Recalls
Check
Analysis
What Problems Does the 2001 Porsche 911 Have?
Another common issue is the Rear Main Seal (RMS) leak. The RMS is a seal that prevents oil from leaking out of the rear of the engine. While RMS leaks are generally not as catastrophic as IMS failures, they can be messy and require repair. Coolant leaks are also relatively frequent, often stemming from brittle plastic coolant pipes.
Specifically, the 2001 model year falls within the range most susceptible to IMS bearing issues. While Porsche addressed some of these issues in later model years, the early 996 models are at higher risk. Check service records to see if the IMS bearing has been replaced or upgraded. Look for signs of oil leaks around the RMS and coolant leaks around the engine compartment.
Recalls for the 2001 911 were relatively limited, primarily concerning electrical issues and minor safety-related concerns. However, always check the NHTSA website with the VIN to confirm if any open recalls exist for a specific vehicle.
How long will the 2001 Porsche 911 last?
What Technology & Safety Features are Included?
Standard safety features include anti-lock brakes (ABS), front airbags, and side airbags. Porsche Stability Management (PSM) was optional and provides enhanced stability control. Traction control was also standard.
Crash test ratings for the 2001 Porsche 911 are somewhat limited. The NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) did not conduct full crash tests on this model year. However, the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) may have conducted some limited evaluations. Finding specific and comprehensive crash test data for the 2001 911 can be challenging.
Compared to contemporary vehicles, the 2001 911 lacks many of the tech and safety features now considered commonplace. Modern infotainment systems, smartphone integration, and advanced safety aids were not available or were in their infancy at the time. Therefore, buyers should focus on the driving experience rather than cutting-edge technology.
What Colors Options are Available?
Exterior Colors
Interior Colors
2001 Porsche 911 Prices and Market Value
2001 Porsche 911 Cost of Ownership
2001 Porsche 911 Fuel Efficiency
2001 Porsche 911 Insurance
reasonable repair costs.
How Does the 2001 Porsche 911 Compare to Other Coupe?
Regarding features, the 911 was relatively basic compared to some rivals. The M3 offered a more modern interior and more available technology. The Corvette had a more spacious interior. The SLK focused on luxury amenities.
Reliability is where the 911 (996) falls short. The IMS bearing issue is a significant concern. The BMW M3 (E46) is generally considered more reliable, as is the Corvette. The Mercedes-Benz SLK also presents fewer major mechanical issues.
In terms of price, the 911 was positioned at the higher end of the spectrum. A used 2001 Corvette can be found for less, offering similar performance. A well-maintained BMW M3 E46 can be a good alternative, offering a better balance of performance, reliability, and features. If reliability is a primary concern, the Corvette or a later-model 911 (997 or newer) without the IMS bearing issue might be better options.
Ranks #2080 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★) |
| 2080 | 2001 Porsche 911 | (5.0★) |
Final Verdict: Is the 2001 Porsche 911 a Good Coupe?
Eddie A on August 2, 2023
The 996, A true sports car value!I'm a proud owner of my 2001 911 cabriolet. Its in mint condition and looks like new which is a tribute to the quality of this car. I have done all required maintenance and it runs as good as new. At 58k miles It doesn't feel like it needs a clutch but when it does I will do the IMS as preventative maintenance. I've owned 3 other porsches including a 1967 911s which I loved and should have kept, but hands down this 2001 is a far better engineered car. Its faster, handles better, more luxurious, safer. Its no comparison to previous generations! I'm keeping this one for good! If you can find a well maintained 911 and take care of it you too will feel the love and appreciation for this 911 model. Its definitely one of the best values you'll find. Oh, and I love the 917 style headlights on my 911. I get where were going when they designed this model. Classic!
Doug on December 19, 2022
Awesome CarBought this 01 996 as a retirement gift to myself 2 years ago. It’s an awesome car and it’s as much fun to drive as brand new 911. Not cluttered with high tech electronics it’s a simple blood and guts manual transmission sports car. It has nearly as much torque (259 lb feet) as horsepower (300). It might be the last affordable 911. FYI the IMS issue is overblown but that’s only my opinion. It checked off one of the top boxes on my bucket list. I’ll never sell this wonderful car,my kids can fight over it when I earn my wings. And it will be worth the fight to the winnner!
Rich on August 27, 2022
993 vs 996 turboI have owned a 1972 911T, 1982 Coupe. I now own 1995 cab for 16 years and a 2001 996 turbo coupe. While the 993 gets the looks from everyone, the 996 is the performer. Awesome power, response and comfort. All have been manuals and this one just has the performance. Will never sell the 993 but the turbo gets more use
Michael HD on April 14, 2021
Most reliable car iThis porsche is in great shape after looking all over it was a great fair deal Thanks for all your help 5 star all things Porsche
PorscheGreg on April 3, 2021
Have owned several 911's for over the yearsOnce you own a 911 you will always have one in your garage!! currently I have a 2000 911 C4 Cab 6 speed / Black on Black (996) love everything about it. First thing after purchasing with 62K mi was to replace clutch and upgrade IMS to the L&N racing bearing and never looked back. $3,200.00 in and done. Once you get past that moment the car is flawless (by the way the old IMS was in perfect condition, Its now sitting on my desk as a paper weight / my grown up fidget spinner!! The 996 is fast, powerful (more HP than a 87 911 turbo wail tail) and in my opinion looks great. Drop the top and smile as you roar past the crowd. Buy the most expensive Porsche 911 you can afford and drive it like it was stolen!! The only fear about purchasing a used 996 would be passing up the opportunity to own such a great car because of skeptical haters
Lano on September 11, 2020
Most enjoyable car to drive!!Test drive 2 911 automobiles and can’t wait to buy one!! Concerned about reliability and don’t mind doing maintenance. Owned 3 corvettes but the handling of the 911 is phenomenal!! Search continues.
Homer300 on June 19, 2020
Great Summer CarFun car to drive. What I expected. Looking forward to long trips with the top down. Not a family car, has back seats but they are for very small kids only.
frankH on April 8, 2020
Super fun car, and a lasting investmentI use this car for weekend fun drives only. It does not disappoint. Every detail is solid and well-engineered. Every time I drive I have a smile on my face. It looks and drives great, still, it has the "old-time" feeling of a true mechanical masterwork without any digital helpers. Just be aware that repair and maintenance can easily get very expensive. It is imperative to select a well-maintained and mechanically solid car in order to avoid trouuble down the road. So I paid a bit over market price for this one, knowing that it has been well maintained and engine issues (IMS bearing, clutch, seals) have been taken care of before buying it.
Robert-Whitemarsh on March 8, 2020
Simply an awesome driving experience.AWESOME car. Nothing really handles like a Porsche. And the 6-speed is so thrilling to drive. My car has been babied by older drivers, and it shows. There isn't a speck of paintwork anywhere.
Shanks on June 28, 2019
Best since my 64 356C!Everything I expected from my research and Porsche reputation. I loved the car - just don't drive it enough. It could be an every day driver.
Jovan
Jovan specializes in interpreting vehicle records and making sense of VIN data. With over 10 years of experience in the automotive data industry, his work ensures that every report is clear, accurate, and useful for car buyers.