Best Car Reviews - 2018 Porsche 911 Targa 4S

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Introduction

The 2018 Porsche 911 Targa 4S is a distinctive all-wheel-drive sports car that combines classic 911 character with an automatic retractable roof panel and a fixed Targa bar. Aimed at drivers who want open-air motoring without giving up year-round usability, it stands out for its wide body, rear-mounted twin-turbo flat-six engine, rapid PDK dual-clutch transmission, and everyday-friendly refinement.

Design and Exterior Features

Built on the facelifted 991.2-generation 911 platform, the Targa 4S measures about 177.1 inches long, 72.9 inches wide, and 50.8 inches tall. Its curved roofline, brushed-metal-style Targa hoop, wraparound rear glass, and broad all-wheel-drive rear body give it an unmistakable silhouette. Compared with earlier naturally aspirated 991 Targas, the 2018 model benefits from the turbocharged 3.0-liter engine introduced with the 991.2 update, revised lighting details, and a more modern Porsche Communication Management system.

Electrically operated Targa roof panel with a dramatic folding mechanism.
Wide all-wheel-drive body and full-width rear light treatment.
20-inch alloy wheels and performance summer tires.
Bi-Xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights and available LED upgrades.
Rear spoiler integrated into the classic 911 profile.

Interior and Comfort

The cabin is focused on the driver, with a central tachometer, a low seating position, excellent forward visibility, and high-quality switchgear. Leather upholstery and supportive sport seats were standard, while 14-way and 18-way adaptive sport seats, heated and ventilated seating, premium trim, and Bose audio were available. The front seats are comfortable for touring, but the rear seats are best treated as occasional seating or additional storage.

Four-seat 2+2 cabin with practical front luggage space.
Standard leather upholstery and sport front seats.
Dual-zone automatic climate control and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.
Rear-view camera and front and rear parking sensors.
Extensive factory personalization for seats, trim, colors, and audio.

Performance and Handling

The 2018 Porsche 911 Targa 4S uses a rear-mounted 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged direct-injection flat-six with six cylinders, 420 horsepower at 6,500 rpm, and 368 lb-ft of torque from 1,700 rpm. This example’s seven-speed Porsche Doppelkupplung automatic transmission and active all-wheel drive deliver exceptionally quick responses and secure traction in poor weather. Manufacturer figures for the manual version list 0-60 mph in about 4.2 seconds; PDK-equipped cars with the optional Sport Chrono package are quicker. The supplied fuel-consumption figure is 12.39625 l/100 km, while officially listed results vary by transmission and test cycle; premium gasoline is required.

420-hp 3.0-liter twin-turbo flat-six with direct injection.
Seven-speed PDK dual-clutch automatic transmission.
All-wheel drive with strong traction on wet roads and out of corners.
Independent suspension, powerful ventilated disc brakes, and precise steering.
Available Sport Chrono, rear-axle steering, PASM, PDCC, and ceramic brakes.

Technology and Connectivity

Porsche Communication Management brings a 7.0-inch touchscreen, navigation, Bluetooth, USB connectivity, satellite radio capability, and Apple CarPlay. The interface is more contemporary than earlier 991 systems, although it lacks the broad smartphone integration expected in newer sports cars. Optional equipment included Wi-Fi capability, Bose or Burmester audio, Sport Chrono, front-axle lift, and adaptive cruise control with Porsche Active Safe.

7.0-inch Porsche Communication Management touchscreen.
Navigation, Bluetooth, USB input, and Apple CarPlay.
Standard eight-speaker audio with available Bose and Burmester systems.
Available Sport Chrono drive-mode and performance functions.
Available adaptive cruise control and front-axle lift system.

Safety Features

Standard safety equipment includes stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes, brake assist, tire-pressure monitoring, multiple airbags, a rear-view camera, and front and rear parking sensors. Porsche Active Safe and adaptive cruise control were optional. A separate 2018 NHTSA or IIHS crash-test rating specific to the 911 Targa 4S should not be assumed, as a Targa-specific rating is not readily verifiable.

Electronic stability control and traction control.
Four-wheel ABS with ventilated disc brakes and brake assist.
Front, side, knee, and head-protection airbags.
Rear-view camera and ParkAssist sensors.
Available adaptive cruise control with Porsche Active Safe.

Pricing and Variants

The 2018 Porsche 911 Targa 4S had a verified starting MSRP of about $124,300 in the United States before destination charges and options. The PDK transmission, Sport Chrono package, upgraded seats, sport exhaust, rear-axle steering, ceramic brakes, premium audio, and appearance packages could raise the final price substantially. Within the 2018 Targa range, buyers could choose the less powerful Targa 4, the Targa 4S, or the more powerful Targa 4 GTS. Rivals included the Audi R8 Spyder, Mercedes-AMG GT Roadster, BMW M4 Convertible, Jaguar F-Type R Convertible, and Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Iconic Targa styling and an unusually theatrical roof mechanism.
Strong twin-turbo acceleration and fast, polished PDK shifts.
All-wheel drive improves confidence in changing weather.
Excellent steering, braking, chassis balance, and daily usability.
High-quality cabin materials and broad personalization options.

Cons

High original price and expensive options.
Rear seats are very small for adults.
Premium fuel, tires, brakes, and specialist servicing are costly.
Infotainment and driver-assistance technology feel dated beside newer rivals.
The Targa roof adds weight and complexity compared with a 911 Coupe.

Maintenance and Common Issues

A model-specific annual maintenance figure is not firmly established, but broad Porsche 911 repair-and-maintenance estimates average about $1,072 per year and can be much higher for older cars requiring tires, brakes, cooling-system work, or PDK service. A pre-purchase inspection and complete service history are particularly important. Commonly reported 991.2-generation concerns include water-pump or thermostat leaks, coolant-reservoir warnings or leaks, turbo wastegate rattle or oil-line seepage, occasional PDK warnings or shift irregularities, and PCM screen or software faults. On Targa models, buyers should also test the roof mechanism, seals, rear glass, and wind-noise performance carefully.

Rating

Overall rating: 9.0/10. Design: 9.5/10; comfort: 8.5/10; performance: 9.5/10; technology: 8.0/10; safety: 8.5/10. The 911 Targa 4S earns its score through its rare blend of performance, style, open-air enjoyment, and all-weather capability, tempered by high ownership costs and aging technology.

User Reviews and Feedback

Owner feedback commonly praises the 911 Targa 4S as a special-occasion car that can still handle regular driving, commuting, and long trips. Enthusiasm is strongest for the roof design, PDK transmission, all-weather traction, and steering precision, while the biggest reservations concern options pricing, rear-seat space, and repair bills outside warranty.

Owners often value the Targa design more than the slight weight penalty.
The PDK is widely appreciated for quick shifts in traffic and on spirited drives.
All-wheel drive is seen as reassuring in rain and colder conditions.
Front seats receive strong feedback for support and long-distance comfort.
Maintenance costs and option-heavy purchase prices remain frequent concerns.

Best Cars in This Category

2018 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S
2018 Audi R8 Spyder
2018 Mercedes-AMG GT Roadster
2018 Jaguar F-Type R Convertible
2018 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport

Summary

The 2018 Porsche 911 Targa 4S is best suited to buyers who want a genuinely fast, premium sports car with a distinctive open-roof experience and confidence-inspiring all-wheel drive. It is not the cheapest route into high-performance motoring, but its combination of timeless design, turbocharged power, everyday usability, and Porsche driving feel gives it lasting appeal for enthusiasts who can budget properly for ownership.