Makes›Porsche›Boxster›2005

2005 Porsche Boxster

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

Porsche Boxster
Pictured: Porsche 718 Boxster Spyder IMG 2961. Photo: Alexander Migl, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
2dr Convertible RWD170.9 in70.9 in50.8 in94.9 in58.3 / 59.1 in2,855 lb46/54
S 2dr Convertible RWD170.9 in70.9 in50.8 in94.9 in58.3 / 59.1 in2,965 lb46/54

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Boxster2.7L 6-cylManual 5-spdRear-Wheel Drive18 / 27 / 21+15%$3,900423
Boxster2.7L 6-cylManual 6-spdRear-Wheel Drive18 / 26 / 21+15%$3,900423
Boxster S3.2L 6-cylManual 6-spdRear-Wheel Drive17 / 25 / 20+9%$4,100444
Boxster2.7L 6-cylAutomatic 5-spdRear-Wheel Drive16 / 24 / 19+4%$4,350468
Boxster S3.2L 6-cylAutomatic 5-spdRear-Wheel Drive16 / 24 / 19+4%$4,350468
Spend $7,500Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
18.3 MPG2005 Two Seaters average

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

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2005 Porsche Boxster (this car)21 MPGNot rated0
2005 BMW 3 Series22 MPGNot rated0
2005 Acura NSX18 MPGNot rated0
2005 BMW Z421 MPGNot rated0
2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class19 MPGNot rated0
2005 Cadillac XLR18 MPGNot rated0
2005 Lexus SC18 MPGNot rated4

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

4Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
1Involved a crash
0Involved a fire
1Injuries reported
128,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Air Bags1
Electrical System1
Power Train1
Engine1
Visibility/Wiper1
Unknown Or Other1
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
15/08: 116/09: 120/02: 123/03: 115/0816/0920/0223/03max 1

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2005 Porsche Boxster buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
  2. Air Bags — 1 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
  3. Electrical System — 1 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  4. Power Train — 1 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 128,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. 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 →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2020 Boxster24–Not rated00
2019 Boxster25–Not rated00
2018 Boxster25–Not rated00
2017 Boxster25–Not rated00
2016 Boxster25–Not rated00
2015 Boxster25172 inNot rated23
2014 Boxster25172 inNot rated32
2013 Boxster25172 inNot rated17
2012 Boxster23170.9 inNot rated11
2011 Boxster23170.9 inNot rated11
2010 Boxster24170.9 inNot rated00
2009 Boxster24170.9 inNot rated01

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Porsche. How we calculate this →