Overview & Reviews
Porsche raised the public's collective eyebrow when it decided to enter the sport-utility vehicle business in 2003 with the bulbous Cayenne. However, despite the grumblings of purists, this midsize luxury SUV has proven itself worthy of the vaunted Porsche name over the course of two generations.
With a lineup that stretches into six-digit territory when new and engines that range from a hybrid V6 to a twin-turbo V8, the Porsche Cayenne isn't your typical midsize SUV. Nor is it the most practical or family-friendly. Indeed, the Cayenne's relatively small cargo area, high load floor and lack of a third-row seat option limit its real-world functionality.
But in terms of spirited driving, there are few better. Thanks to its all-wheel-drive system, razor-sharp steering and superb brakes, the Porsche Cayenne demonstrates surprising dexterity around corners. The current generation isn't quite as adept off-road as the original Cayenne, but it's also lighter and more nimble, a trade-off that most shoppers will likely appreciate. New or used, a Cayenne is one of the best luxury SUVs you can get.
Current Porsche Cayenne
The Porsche Cayenne is a five-seat midsize luxury SUV with numerous trims that correspond to engine choice. The base Cayenne features a 3.6-liter V6 that produces 300 horsepower, along with all-wheel drive and a novel six-speed manual transmission. An eight-speed automatic is optional with the V6 and standard on everything else. Stepping up to the Cayenne S gets you a 4.8-liter V8 that gets the party started with 400 horses. The Cayenne Turbo rocks a turbocharged 4.8-liter V8 rated at 500 hp, while the Turbo S ups the ante to 550 hp. Should you care more about efficiency than performance, the Cayenne S Hybrid produces 380 hp but beats the base V6's fuel economy, while the Diesel's torque-rich 240-hp V6 uses even less fuel and still delivers authoritative thrust.
Inside, the Cayenne employs an enveloping, cockpit-style layout reminiscent of the Porsche Panamera, with ample standard features and as many options as your bank account can handle. The center console, adorned with upwards of 50 buttons, rises rakishly to meet the dashboard and its large touchscreen display. As with other Porsches, the Cayenne's interior boasts sumptuous materials and excellent build quality. The sculpted rear seats not only recline but slide fore and aft as well. Maximum cargo capacity, however, is more in line with compact crossovers at just 62.9 cubic feet.
In reviews, we've been astonished by the current Porsche Cayenne's athleticism. It can be hustled along a curving road with gusto, yet the ride manages to stay supple, even with the optional active dampers in their most aggressive setting. And although this Cayenne isn't meant for serious off-road use, it can still hold its own in light-duty applications. If we were making a list of the most capable vehicles across all driving scenarios, the Cayenne would be right there at the top.
Used Porsche Cayenne Models
The current, second-generation Porsche Cayenne was introduced for 2011. It may look smaller than the SUV it replaced, but this is actually an optical illusion created by the new model's lower nose and raked roof pillars. In reality, this Cayenne is fractionally longer, wider and taller. Pleasingly, though, it's about 400 pounds lighter thanks to the deletion of the dual-range transfer case (meant to permit serious off-roading) and the use of lighter-weight body panels. Besides this trip to Jenny Craig, the second-generation Cayenne benefits from sharper driving reflexes, invigorated engines and a new interior with better materials and more luxury features.
The current Cayenne has received a few notable updates during its run. The 550-hp Turbo S model didn't arrive until 2014, but from 2012-'13 a Power Kit was offered for the regular Turbo that increased output to 540 hp. Also, the Diesel and GTS models weren't introduced until 2013, and a Platinum Edition package (including special silver exterior accents and added luxury features) was unveiled for base and Diesel models in 2014.
The first-generation Porsche Cayenne was produced from 2003-'10 and came equipped with a heavy-duty all-wheel-drive system that included low-range gearing. At heart, though, the original Cayenne was all about on-road performance, just like the current model. It was considered one of the best-handling SUVs of its time -- not to mention one of the fastest in S, GTS and Turbo guises.
Inside, the driver sat high above traffic in comfortable bucket seats, facing a three-spoke steering wheel and a center-mounted tachometer that paid homage to Porsche's sports cars. The ignition was even mounted on the left side of the dash in classic Porsche style. Materials quality was generally very good throughout the cabin, but the advanced electronics controls weren't especially user-friendly. The original Cayenne wasn't the most spacious midsize SUV either, lacking the cargo and rear seat space of some similarly priced competitors.
Originally, there were only Cayenne S and Cayenne Turbo styles. The S model's 4.5-liter V8 produced 340 hp, while the turbocharged version of the same engine pumped out 450 horses. A six-speed automatic transmission was standard. A 247-hp 3.2-liter V6 base model arrived in 2004, and its standard transmission became a six-speed manual for 2005 (the rest of the Cayenne line stuck with the auto). That year also saw the addition of a few options, such as a panoramic sunroof and a Turbo Power Kit that boosted output to 500 hp and upgraded the brakes. For 2006, the range-topping Cayenne Turbo S debuted, producing a monstrous 520 hp that whisked the Cayenne to 60 mph as quickly as a 911 Carrera of the same era.
The Cayenne was not produced for model year 2007, but the following year brought major changes. The styling was given a welcome face-lift, the suspension was revised for sharper handling and every engine gained more power. The base V6 now produced 290 hp, the Cayenne S's V8 385 hp and the Turbo an even 500 hp. The Turbo S was put on hiatus. The Cayenne GTS model also arrived for '08, featuring a 405-hp version of the S model's V8 along with a six-speed manual transmission, 21-inch wheels, an active air suspension and a lower ride height. The Turbo S made its return for 2009 packing 550 hp.
User Reviews:
Showing 81 through 90 of 503.00-
High Performance, Low Quality - 2006 Porsche Cayenne
By bill sun - May 20 - 5:20 amI bought my Cayenne six months ago. Its fun to drive and I really enjoyed it until I had to send it back to the dealership for repair recently. I test-drove BMW X5 V8, Range Rover, Lexus GS470, Acura MDX and Volvo XC90 V8 before I bought the Cayenne S, which gave me the best road experience among all. The only one I didnt test was Mercedes GL450. The reliability was fair, or even poor. The plastic trim beneath the rear door broke in two month and I had to get it repaired at the dealership. The cup holder was broken two month later. One day I found the control panel was not working, and the the 4 wheel drive was not functioning. I scheduled a service appointment on the next day, but my Cayenne wouldnt start. Before I could drop the car at the dealership. Porsche sent a service guy help me to jump start my vehicle. Now the car is in the autoshop. I guess its a circuit and/or battery problem.
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Love the Cayenne S - 2006 Porsche Cayenne
By Mark - May 19 - 3:43 pmHave had my Cayenne S for five months and love it. The S model is incredible to drive, I cant imagine having a turbo. It is very smooth. Its navigational system is excellent. The only drawback I can find is the small cup holders on the interior.
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WOW CAR OR TRUCK? - 2003 Porsche Cayenne
By BOB - May 17 - 10:00 amBEST DRIVING EXPERIENCE EVER HAD
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Sports Car Excitement in an SUV - 2004 Porsche Cayenne
By pichin - May 5 - 5:46 pmI also own a 2002 Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet. So stepping into an SUV like the Cayenne S with the family does not mean I have to give up the fun of driving a sports car. The handling is almost as tight as the Carrera. There is no lack of passing speed and the seats are some of the most comfortable Ive seen in an SUV. The hardest decision is which one to take out when it is just the wife and I. The braking and safety features are second to none.
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great car ! - 2004 Porsche Cayenne
By walterusa - April 23 - 10:00 ama lot fun !
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less than expected - 2004 Porsche Cayenne
By honest - March 11 - 10:00 amThe lock on the door would not engage. In addition, a piece of plastic on my steering wheel broke off and needed to be replaced.But in order to replace the piece of plastic,a whole new air bag in the steering wheel needed to be replaced.I could not use my new porsche for 2 weeks and was subsequently given a Mitsubisi loaner. As you can understand, somewhat of a let down!
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My Turbo Blows!!!!!!!!! - 2003 Porsche Cayenne
By sleoni - March 6 - 10:00 amI hate this SUV. In the shop for more than 75 days. Tires wear out every 2000 miles. Car vibrates on highway. Electrical problems. Door lock problems. I real piece of crap for $100,000
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I Would Buy this SUV Again - 2004 Porsche Cayenne
By sforman789 - March 3 - 11:03 amThe Cayenne lacks only in on two areas; interior style and the back end, which looks a bit boxy. Other than that it is an amazing vehicle. Its fast, its built well, and it handles like a sports car. I love driving this car/SUV. It gets more fun everyday which is unusal. I would buy this over any SUV in its class.
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Solid - 2008 Porsche Cayenne
By tiger24 - February 12 - 12:43 amReplacing my 911 - dont ask! Acceleration for an SUV is impressive, especially in Sportmode. The interior is functional with enough electronic gimmicks, but not over the top. Test drove the BMW - not even close for engineer types. This is a great machine.
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An SUV Sports Car - 2004 Porsche Cayenne
By bethjones - February 2 - 2:00 amI was hesitant to purchse this vehicle because initially I did not like to exterior appearance. However, the minute I got behind the wheel I was sold. This car is a machine. It has the performance of a luxury sports car with the added performance of a SUV. I currently drive a 740IL, and the jaguar sports car and I must say that the porche is the most fun.
