2005 Porsche Boxster
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2005 models.

- Class
- Two Seaters
- Body styles
- 2dr Convertible RWD, S 2dr Convertible RWD
- Engines
- 2.7L 6-cyl, 3.2L 6-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 21 combined · 18 city / 27 hwy
- Length
- 170.9 in
- Curb weight
- 2,855–2,965 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 21 MPG combined — 15% better than the average 2005 two seaters (18.3 MPG).
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 10 similar 2005 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2005 Porsche Boxster is a two seaters offered with 2 engines (2.7L 6-cyl and 3.2L 6-cyl) and rear-wheel drive.
It measures about 171 inches long and 71 inches wide on a 95-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 2,855 lb (2dr Convertible RWD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 21 MPG combined (18 city / 27 highway), 15% better than the 2005 two seaters average of 18.3 MPG, for an estimated $3,900 a year in fuel.
It has 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 4 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the air bags.
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2dr Convertible RWD | 170.9 in | 70.9 in | 50.8 in | 94.9 in | 58.3 / 59.1 in | 2,855 lb | 46/54 |
| S 2dr Convertible RWD | 170.9 in | 70.9 in | 50.8 in | 94.9 in | 58.3 / 59.1 in | 2,965 lb | 46/54 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boxster | 2.7L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 / 27 / 21 | +15% | $3,900 | 423 |
| Boxster | 2.7L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 / 26 / 21 | +15% | $3,900 | 423 |
| Boxster S | 3.2L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 / 25 / 20 | +9% | $4,100 | 444 |
| Boxster | 2.7L 6-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 / 24 / 19 | +4% | $4,350 | 468 |
| Boxster S | 3.2L 6-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 / 24 / 19 | +4% | $4,350 | 468 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2005 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2005 Porsche Boxster under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2005 two seaterss
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 Porsche Boxster (this car) | 21 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2005 BMW 3 Series | 22 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2005 Acura NSX | 18 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2005 BMW Z4 | 21 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class | 19 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2005 Cadillac XLR | 18 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2005 Lexus SC | 18 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2005 Porsche Boxster.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2005 Porsche Boxster is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2005 Porsche Boxster buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Air Bags — 1 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Electrical System — 1 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Power Train — 1 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 128,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2005 Porsche Boxster. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Boxster years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Boxster | 24 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2019 Boxster | 25 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2018 Boxster | 25 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2017 Boxster | 25 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2016 Boxster | 25 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2015 Boxster | 25 | 172 in | Not rated | 2 | 3 |
| 2014 Boxster | 25 | 172 in | Not rated | 3 | 2 |
| 2013 Boxster | 25 | 172 in | Not rated | 1 | 7 |
| 2012 Boxster | 23 | 170.9 in | Not rated | 1 | 1 |
| 2011 Boxster | 23 | 170.9 in | Not rated | 1 | 1 |
| 2010 Boxster | 24 | 170.9 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2009 Boxster | 24 | 170.9 in | Not rated | 0 | 1 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Porsche. How we calculate this →