DecodedCars2011 Porsche Boxster
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2011 models.
- Class
- Two Seaters
- Body styles
- Base/S/Black Edition 2dr Convertible, Spyder 2dr Convertible RWD
- Engines
- 2.9L 6-cyl, 3.4L 6-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 23 combined · 20 city / 29 hwy
- Length
- 170.9 in
- Curb weight
- 2,811–2,987 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 23 MPG combined — 20% better than the average 2011 two seaters (19.1 MPG).
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 5 similar 2011 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2011 Porsche Boxster is a two seaters offered with 2 engines (2.9L 6-cyl and 3.4L 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 2,987 lb (Base/S/Black Edition 2dr Convertible).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 23 MPG combined (20 city / 29 highway), 20% better than the 2011 two seaters average of 19.1 MPG, for an estimated $3,550 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 1 complaint with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the power train.
What changed for 2011
- Lightest version 176 lb lighter
Compared with 2010; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2010 Boxster →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base/S/Black Edition 2dr Convertible | 170.9 in | 70.9 in | 50.8 in | 94.9 in | 58.3 / 59.1 in | 2,987 lb | 46/54 |
| Spyder 2dr Convertible RWD | 170.9 in | 70.9 in | 48.4 in | 94.9 in | 58.3 / 59.1 in | 2,811 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 | 2.9L 6-cyl | Automatic 7-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 20 / 29 / 23 | +20% | $3,550 | 386 |
| Boxster S | 3.4L 6-cyl | Automatic 7-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 20 / 29 / 23 | +20% | $3,550 | 386 |
| Boxster Spyder | 3.4L 6-cyl | Automatic 7-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 20 / 29 / 23 | +20% | $3,550 | 386 |
| Boxster | 2.9L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 19 / 26 / 22 | +15% | $3,750 | 404 |
| Boxster S | 3.4L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 19 / 26 / 22 | +15% | $3,750 | 404 |
| Boxster Spyder | 3.4L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 19 / 26 / 22 | +15% | $3,750 | 404 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2011 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2011 Porsche Boxster.
Similar 2011 two seaterss
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 Porsche Boxster (this car) | 23 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2011 Porsche 911 | 22 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2011 Porsche Cayman | 23 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2011 BMW Z4 | 22 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class | 21 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2011 Audi TT Roadster | 26 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (1)
Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly · Mar 30, 2010
NHTSA campaign 10V125000 · 9 vehicles
- Problem
- PORSCHE HAS NOTIFIED NHTSA OF A DEFECT IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 BOXSTER SPYDER 2 DOOR CONVERTIBLE PASSENGER VEHICLES. IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THE LOCKING HOOK ON THE SUN SHIELD (TEMPORARY SOFT TOP) MAY NOT ENGAGE CORRECTLY INTO THE LOCK CATCH WHICH IS POSITIONED ON THE WINDSCREEN FRAME OF THE VEHICLE.
- Risk
- IF THE SUN SHIELD IS NOT FULLY LOCKED, THE SUN SHIELD CAN OPEN WHEN TRAVELLING AT HIGHER SPEEDS INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
- Fix
- DEALERS WILL HAVE BOTH THE LOCKING HOOK AND LOCK CATCH REPLACED WITH REDESIGNED COMPONENTS. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 30, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PORSCHE AT 1-800-545-8039.
Not every 2011 Porsche Boxster is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2011 Porsche Boxster buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- 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 36,314 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 2011 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 |
| 2010 Boxster | 24 | 170.9 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2009 Boxster | 24 | 170.9 in | Not rated | 0 | 1 |
| 2008 Boxster | 23 | 170.9 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Porsche. How we calculate this →