About The 944
The Porsche 944 was manufactured for the 1982-1991 model years, making its debut in the United States as a 1983 model. The predecessor to the 944 is the 924, and its successor is the 968. The 944 is a front-engined, rear wheel drive, 2+2 seater, with a rear-mounted transmission. This configuration results in near perfect 50-50 weight distribution. Over the years, the 944 was made available in turbocharged and DOHC varieties. Car and Driver 10 Best in 1983, 1984, 1985, and 1986.
944 Central exists to preserve all things 924/944/968. Many of these cars are in need of "TLC", or in many cases full-blown restoration. Through our classifieds, links, and other resources, we help 924/944/968 owners find quality parts and information--in turn, keeping the remaining supply of these cars running and looking great.
Here in a nutshell is [the 944's] history: Introduced in the US in 1982 as a 1983 model. There were huge waiting lists from 1982 until 1985. Much more than today's Boxster. Don't ever think the 944 was unpopular...it was a wild success. What killed the 944 was that by 1987 it was no longer an affordable "entry level" car. The car was well over $40,000.00 USD and was being attacked on all fronts by cheaper, knock-off versions engineered in Japan (the RX-7 and Supra to name a few) and with the economy turning south, who could afford a 40K spare car? The thing that irritates "purists" most is the fact that the 944 single handedly saved Porsche from sure bankruptcy. There would be no Porsche today without the 944. And as we like to remind these "purists" daily. They have finally come around and joined us...the 944 saved their past and became their future!
—Devils944, via the Usenet