Overview & Reviews

The two-seat Porsche Cayman sports car shares its midengine platform with the Boxster, but its stiffer structure makes it an even more precise driving tool. Offering ultra-responsive handling, competition-grade brakes and sonorous flat-6 engines that make every road your own personal racetrack, the Cayman is a delightful car to drive. Now that the 911 has moved up in size and luxury, the Cayman perhaps best exemplifies the Porsche tradition of high performance in a compact, lightweight package.

The Cayman can also be surprisingly affordable, at least by Porsche standards. The base Cayman undercuts the entry-level 911 Carrera by tens of thousands when new, and the higher-performance models are still relative bargains if you go easy on the options. Pre-owned specimens, meanwhile, can be real steals thanks to the magic of depreciation, yet they provide thoroughly up-to-date performance. Whether you opt for the current Cayman or its nicely aging predecessor, you'll be getting one of the very best pure sports cars for the money.

Current Porsche Cayman
The current, second-generation Cayman features crisper exterior styling and a considerably richer interior than the original, though its performance is only incrementally better; it's hard to improve on near-perfection. Electric-assist power steering debuts on this Cayman, sacrificing a bit of road feel, yet remaining one of the most gratifying tillers in the industry. The car is slightly longer and lower now, with a stretched wheelbase underneath and wider tracks front and rear. Laudably, Porsche claims a weight reduction of 55 pounds for the Cayman S.

There are three trim levels for the current Cayman: base, S and GTS. The base Cayman comes with a 2.7-liter horizontally opposed six-cylinder engine ("flat-6") that's good for 275 horsepower, crossing the auspicious 100 hp/L threshold. The Cayman S packs a 3.4-liter flat-6 rated at 325 hp, while the GTS's 3.4-liter flat-6 makes 340 hp. A six-speed manual transmission is standard across the lineup, with Porsche's seven-speed dual-clutch automated manual (known as PDK) offered as an option. All models are capable of 30 mpg or more on the highway.

A base Cayman with no options means you're stuck with a lame four-speaker stereo, but other standard features are more appealing, including 18-inch wheels with summer tires, an automatically extending rear spoiler and a 7-inch touchscreen. The Cayman S adds perks like bigger wheels, bi-xenon headlights, a nine-speaker stereo and enhanced infotainment functions. The GTS is distinguished by unique styling elements, a sportier interior, dynamic transmission mounts and some otherwise optional electronic driving aids. It goes without saying that the options list is long, colorful and full of eye-popping price tags.

In reviews of the current Cayman, we've run out of synonyms for "awesome." Handling basically doesn't get any better than this, particularly given how comfortable the Cayman can be on a daily basis. The textbook driving dynamics combined with Porsche's nearly infallible electronic driving aids will make you feel like a Formula One hero every time you take a corner. We also applaud Porsche for taking the interior to the next level, as the Cayman now feels like a premium sports car in its own right rather than a junior 911. Alas, the Cayman remains a junior 911 in the engine room -- keeping the 911 a few horses ahead is a matter of company policy -- but only the pathologically power-hungry will find the sublime 3.4-liter engine lacking, and the 2.7-liter mill is a thrill in its own right.

Used Porsche Cayman Models
The previous, first-generation Cayman was produced for the 2006-'12 model years (there was no Cayman for 2013). Like its successor, it was based on the Boxster of its era, substituting a fixed roof for the Boxster's soft top. For '06, only the Cayman S model was available, powered by a 3.4-liter flat-6 rated at 295 hp and paired with a six-speed manual transmission, or optionally a five-speed automatic with "Tiptronic" manual control. The base Cayman model launched for 2007, featuring a 2.7-liter six-cylinder with 245 hp and a five-speed manual transmission as standard, with the six-speed manual and five-speed automatic also offered.

The Cayman lineup was refreshed for 2009. There were exterior styling tweaks like attractive LED lighting accents, but the real changes were found under the skin. Most notably, the PDK transmission debuted, putting the aging Tiptronic out to pasture. The base Cayman upgraded to a 2.9-liter flat-6 with 265 hp, while the Cayman S added direct injection to its 3.4-liter engine for a healthy 320 hp.  The optional navigation system was modernized with a larger screen and more intuitive controls, and items like ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, an iPod interface and satellite radio were offered for the first time.

For '09 only, all Caymans with PDK came with awkward shift buttons on the steering wheel that tended to get in the way during enthusiastic driving, but a sport steering wheel with proper shift paddles was made available for 2010 (and was backwards-compatible with 2009 PDK models). For the first generation's 2012 grand finale, two special-edition models with 330 hp were introduced: the Black Edition (with a blacked-out color scheme and added luxuries) and the Cayman R (with a lowered suspension, lightweight seats and limited feature availability).

Our reviews of the first-generation Cayman were almost uniformly positive, though in retrospect, the 2009-'12 batch is where it's at for clutch-averse shoppers; PDK is so much better than Tiptronic that it's not even worth discussing. If you don't mind doing your own clutch work, however, any year will do. This Cayman was built to a consistently high standard, and exhilarating performance came standard throughout its run. So if you're shopping first-generation Caymans, go where your price ceiling takes you and look for a well-maintained car with low miles. You're going to have a blast, and the price might make your grin even wider.

User Reviews:

Showing 51 through 60 of 90.00

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  Porsche... there is no substitute. - 2007 Porsche Cayman
  By Dan - December 10 - 4:46 pm

  This is a sportscar that has to be driven to be believed and for the normal driver the 2.7 has more than enough hp and torque to keep a permanent grin on your face. As mine is a daily driver, in heavy traffic, I chose the Tiptronic and Im not disappointed with its performance at all. In manual mode it shifts extremely quickly and it screams thru the twisty turns, easily keeping pace with my buddys Corvette... without ever touching the brakes. The car is a real looker in meteor gray with the Boxster S wheels, chrome twin exhaust and I really like the preferred package extra touches. Be prepared to talk "Porsches" to complete strangers drooling over your car as most have never seen one.

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  My Cayman S - 2007 Porsche Cayman
  By vipersaint - October 12 - 11:13 pm

  Handling without peer; superb balance in the corners; unmatched braking; Porsche quality. Car is funnest to drive of any Ive had (inc. Vettes and Vipers) - pure driving experience. Commands attention. Xenon lights a must. Buy the S model, youll thank yourself in the end.

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  My First Porsche - 2007 Porsche Cayman
  By ron - May 25 - 12:56 pm

  I have had many Corvettes, all of which were maintenance nightmares. I moved on to the 2004 350Z, which never cost me a dime and delivered lots of performance and pleasure. I wanted to move up to Porsche and liked the mid-engine design. I love the sound this car gives to you with each gear change. It handles better than my Z and is just a touch faster.

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  It just felt right - 2007 Porsche Cayman
  By bhegg - April 23 - 10:00 am

  Ah, what a car. I tested several others - STi, Vette, 335i, 370Z. This is the only one that felt just right. Came from a 06 Miata so I didnt want a large car. This had the power, sound, handling, looks...everything. Its just right for me. Sometimes I just wish it had a backseat so I could share the experience w/ more than 1 other person at a time. I have the Carmon Red and its a beauty but Im actually surprised at the smiles I get. She definitely holds her own at track days as well of course. Yes, the cup holders seem rather delicate and not well placed - thats why I dont use them. The xenon headlights are very good and Im happy w/ the stereo. Certified warranty is excellent too!

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  2012 Porsche Cayman R is the next great classic!! - 2012 Porsche Cayman
  By Broward - April 13 - 7:40 am

  I have owned several Porsches including twin turbo 911s and driven Lambos, Ferraris and Nissan GTRs. The Cayman R is more fun than anything I have driven. It completely connects you with the road more than these other exotics. My guess is the value of the Cayman R has bottomed out as of mid 2017 so now is the time to buy one!

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  Cayman S PDK & Sports Chrono - 2009 Porsche Cayman
  By Cayman S PDK - November 27 - 6:16 pm

  We stopped by a Porsche dealership to test drive the 911 S. My wife saw the Cayman S, and she wanted to test drive it as well. We ended up with the mid-engine Cayman S. Best decision Ive made.

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  The REAL Ultimate Driving Machine - 2007 Porsche Cayman
  By sandpuppy - August 19 - 11:20 pm

  The Cayman S is simply the best sports car for the buck. No, its not the fastest, but straight-line speed is only a part of the equation. This car handles like no other Ive owned, including a multitude of Benzes, BMWs, Miatas and an RX-8. To add to its value, it is a useful sports car with decent storage and trunk space for its two passengers. And it works as a daily driver with decent gas mileage and comfort. This car is a truly wonderful machine that Porsche will probably regret that they built once 911 owners find out that buying down will give them a new high!

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  Better than I expected - 2007 Porsche Cayman
  By jim lentini - June 16 - 2:00 am

  Have been interested in this car for a while. Finally had the chance to drive one and fell in love. Plenty of room with the seat all the way back, great driving position, perfect balance and the sweet sound of the engine. I dont think it gets much better than this. Plan on having this for a long time.

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  best looking , performing car I have seen - 2008 Porsche Cayman
  By Dan Smith - May 18 - 6:48 am

  I selected the 08 because it did NOT have all the electronic crap that they put in today. I want a drivers performance sport car that drives like a formula 1 car. I did not want a computer, phone, gizmo terminal that is to defeat the reason to have a porsche . Running Michelin PS Z tires and the car is stable and smooth all the way to 150.... I can take 55 mph curves at 100 with ease. When manual shifting I wind it to 4800 rpm and shift... and you feel like your on a rocket... in 400 yards your doing 80.... from a standing start. Gas milage, about 19.8-20.5 at speeds of 75-85 Ac is good. What I do like is the simple dash with out the screens and entertainment. Everything easy to run. Gages easy to read, I have a MBZ 250 coupe and the porsche is in the same quality range Dealer service is fantastic and I get new Porsche loaner cars wa every service. With 80,000 miles any worry about engine problems is far from a problem. Sold the car last month, because I came to the realization that I was overwhelmed by the high performance and speed the Caymen would do... Speed? In a short deserted desert road I put it to the floor....got to 155 before I backed off...it was still climbing. This is a car for the person that is on top of his driving game and skill. The car demands 200% attention like flying an airplane,if you dont have that skill level it can kill you.... This is not a daily commute driver. Its hard core performance stuff. You can keep up with Lamborghini and Ferraris if that is your wish ( top speed Porsche lists is 212 mph)

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  Best Car Ive Ever Owned - 2007 Porsche Cayman
  By SRB - March 19 - 4:40 pm

  This is by far the best handling, fun to drive car Ive ever owned. The styling is classic. The precision steering and great brakes make it feel safe at all times.