The Porsche 996 is the designation for the 911 model, a two-door, 2+2 high performance sports car that was rear-engined, introduced in the end of 1964 in Germany, and contains independent suspension. Manufactured from 1997-2006, lasting almost a decade this 996 911 was replaced by the 997 in 2004, the internal designation for the 911 Porsche that was manufactured and produced for 8 years from 2004-2012.

Development of the 966 911 sports car was shared with the Boxster, a mid-engined two-seater sports car that was manufactured by Porsche for four generations, with this model being introduced at around the same time, including numerous engine components, various interior changes, and front suspension - all of which were changed for the 966 model.

At the time of its inception, the 996 signified the biggest change from the 911 series of traditional times, including a water-cooled engine. These changes brought on many different responses - some positive, some negative - and most of them being negative. I mean, there are 15 90s supercars that we would want in place of the Porsche 911 anyway.

So it is up for you to decide - do you agree with the Porsche fanatics who didn't' like the 996 911 when it came out and considered it one of the 5 Porsches you should avoid like the Plague, or do you consider it one of the models that are worth every dollar?

Let's dive a little deeper into the 966 911 models, the changes, and what the reaction was to this innovative creation...

The Changes

Buying Guide Porsche 911 exterior headlights 2004
via Klipnik

People don't like change - even though it is inevitable, people like what they like. So when you replace the Porsche engine with a water-cooled engine, people are going to fight back - and this wasn't the only change.

The headlights had a new shape, which users did not take too kindly to. In addition, the 996 looks different compared to the previous models, with this model changing the exterior of the 911, albeit subtly - something only true Porsche fans would notice.

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Why Fans Hated The 996 911

Porsche 911 966 turbo superclassics side view
via Superclassics the finest classic car portal

When a car gets redesigned, whether it be the exterior, the interior, or the engine, fans can go one way or the other - they can love it or hate it. In this case, they hated it.

The new features are oftentimes meant to improve upon something that is wrong with versions past - however, this didn't come to fruition with the 996 911 model. The water-cooled engine reportedly failed numerous times and caused its component parts to also fail, citing a lack of reliability in this new model.

In addition, the new looks baffled the Porsche lovers. As we said, people like what they like, and any change means that they have to adapt - which many car lovers do not want to do.

RELATED: 15 Modified Japanese Sports Cars We Would Drive Instead of the New Porsche 911

Lack Of Character

2003 Porsche 966 911 headlights fried egg
via Classic Digest

Along with the numerous changes in this 996 model, the main complaint was the exterior styling changes, as we have discussed. Not only were they different, but they directly contradicted the Porsche's traditional looks, with many potential buyers turning away due to a lack of character.

This change divided Porsche purists, since the headlight shape was a huge turning point in the evolution of Porsche vehicles - and many people did not like it.

The Headlights

996tt roundheadlight conversion idea Porsche
via 6 Speed Online

One complaint about the 996, and maybe the pivotal complaint, is the headlight shape - the "fried egg" shape of the 996. Since Porsche was born, the headlights have been circular - well, no more. In addition, Porsche got rid of the orange light of the bottom of the headlights, adding to the "egg" look and the irregular shape.

The Interior

porsche 996 best 911 interior
via Philip Raby

One of the biggest complaints relates to the fact that the interior looks outdated. People complain that the inside of the car has been changed only minimally in the past few models, with the 993 owners claiming that nothing has been really altered or enhanced since they bought their own Porsches.

Despite the interior not being very modern, it isn't what we would call antiquated. Of course, the interior is over 2 decades old, so the technology will not be the same as it is now. However, this Porsche is still steps above what other cars were produced at the same time period, with added technology compared to the 993.

The IMS

Porsche 911 Carrera intermediate shaft bearing IMS
via YouTube

Another huge complaint is that the intermediate shaft bearing, known as the IMS, can fail without warning - okay, that's dangerous. When the IMS fails, the engine can explode. Now, this is a bad design flaw, but you have to keep in mind a few things.

First, most high-performance cars have some type of factory malfunction. Unfortunately for the Porsche brand, they did not address this issue.

Does The 966 911 Deserve This Label?

Porsche 966 911 buyer's guide
via Classics World

Maybe - maybe not. It really depends on how much of a traditionalist you are. I mean, there really were some bad features of this model. The "fried egg" shaped headlights garnered poor reception, while the immediate shaft bearing failures caused concern about the safety of this car.

However, the Porsche did give water cooling to this model, and the features included might actually make this one of the best Porsche models that you can get for your money. So, what do you think - love it or leave it? Watch this and decide for yourself.

NEXT: 15 Sports Cars That Are More Fun To Drive Than a Porsche 911