1986 Porsche 944 Std review from North America

Major repairs have included: front suspension work (rather extensive), timing belt, and what is generally regarded as all front engine stuff - timing gears, distributor gears, and moving parts behind the front covers. These are all things that many Porsche mechanics will insist on replacing when the front covers are pulled off to replace the timing belt. There has been no work whatsoever to the main engine components and the car still runs like a champ. Some mornings it feels like there's jet fuel in the tank.

I have learned to stay away from the dealers for service. The best Porsche mechanics are in the private Porsche shops.

I cannot imagine how any automobile could handle or run better than my 944. But I have never driven a Ferrari. The car is glued to the pavement. You cannot make the tires squeal on these cars.

There are cars on the road with more shear power than the 944, after all it is only a 4-cylinder. It is not the fastest car on the road. But for overall performance, there really is no substitute. When I need to go somewhere in a hurry, or on a country road, I want to be driving, and I want to be driving my 944. People who drive Saab's and BMW's and SUV's don't understand. You won't either until you've owned one.