Built to replace the 924 as the entry model Porsche (despite Porsche later deciding to continue the 924's run up to 1995) the Prorsche 944 was built from 1982 to 1992, when it was replaced by the Porsche 968. Over the 944's 10 year production run Porsche built manyvariants, including the 944S, 944 Turbo, 944S2, and the rangetopping 944 Turbo S.

Initially offered with a 2.5L strainght-4 engine, which was based heavily on the 928's V8 engine, it wasn't until 18985 that the Porsche 944 saw it's first major changes to both the engine and the styling. Interior changes were also made with the Porsche 944 being given a new dash and door panels (these parts were previously borrowed from the Porsche 924). '85 was also the year that saw the introduction of the Porsche 944 Turbo, a turbo charged, intercooled variant producing 220hp.

Porsche released a naturally aspirated uprated model known as the Porsche 944S, producing 190hp, in 1987, before releasing the 944 Turbo S a year later in '88. The Porsche 944 Turbo S produced more power still, at 247hp, and was capable of reaching 60mph in an outstanding 5.5 seconds. Porsche has to make significant chnges to the 944 Turbo S in order to cope with the high power output. Koni adjustable shocks were added, a lower ride-height, wider wheels and progressive springs to name a few. In '89 Porsche dropped the 'S' name from the Turbo range, and all Porsche 944 turbo's had the 'S' package albeit without the 'S' badging. Also in 1989 the engine capacity of the base model Porsche 944 was increased to 2.7L, and a new 3.0L, 208hp, Porsche 944S2 was introduced.

A Porsche 944 Turbo Cabriolet was released in 1991, with the original 944 Turbo's 250hp engine. Originally 500 were to be built but with Porsche dealerships reporting relatively good sale figures 625 were finally produced, before 1992 saw the debut of the 944's replacement; the Porsche 968.