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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  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.

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  Ive made it - 2008 Porsche Cayman
  By mellowtip1 - December 27 - 10:26 am

  Was about to purchase the 08 M3 but after doing the research and insurance projections, I went with the new Porsche 08 Cayman Design. I own #350 of 777 and everywhere I go it is a sure stunner. I always grew up loving the 911 but I must say this car has done it for me, and although it may not put up 911 numbers it is the most practical for an everyday car weekend driving enthusiast. The exhaust is so sweet and the comfort of the interior is awesome. I am 5/9" and have driven passenger as tall as 63" and they all are in awe at that space and the drive. This car is a keeper and I can only see it appreciating in value.

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  Pure Porsche - 2007 Porsche Cayman
  By MrCoffee - December 18 - 5:56 am

  I just purchased my first Porsche and am very happy with its performance. I traded up from a BMW X5 and havent looked back once. The handling is nothing short of telepathic and cabin comfort is ideal. I opted for the Tiptronic automatic transmission because of traffic and am pleased with its performance. The car has turned a good many heads since I purchased it. The cargo space is surprisingly generous for such a car, as I can fit a (small) bag of golf clubs in the rear hatch.

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  Wow--the best - 2009 Porsche Cayman
  By Tony - October 1 - 2:20 pm

  Great car--connected to the road, fast and plenty of low-end torque with the new PDK auto transmission, even in the my 2.9 model. Impeccable build quality, just dont overdue the options, or else it will get very expensive! (for example, standard manual seats are GREAT, no need for sport seats or even electric). Stunningly beautiful, espec in light colors (white, silver, etc.). The best handling car I ever had (including BMWs and Audis), it probably has changed my life some in that I LOVE (instead of dreading) my 45 minute commute to work back and forth every day. (Chose this over the 335i in the end, a great car too but so refined that some of the pure joy was engineered out of it)

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  Cayman S 19 inch wheels - 2009 Porsche Cayman
  By Anthony T - July 22 - 4:33 am

  Already own 1987 Porsche 930, have owned for 13 years. Drove new vette, new 911, sl 65, fell in love with cayman s, handles likes its on rails, top end is very good for normally aspirated six. Pulls hard in every gear. Lots of low end grunt. Great looks. If you like 911s, this car will out handle any 911. Sounds awesome from in the car. Feels like its carved out of a solid piece of granite. Very rugged little car.

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  One of the best - 2008 Porsche Cayman
  By franklinbrit - July 13 - 7:24 am

  I have own the Cayman for four years now was only a year old with 7,000 miles on the clock when I purchased, its does have the PASM/Chron options which I love the sport mode feature, only car I have ever owned that actual makes a difference to the car performance when you turn it on, I see several comments on the cars stereo system which is a bit out of date no Bluetooth or iPod/MP3 player as standard, cost me $700.0 for so, so IPod connections but, the best thing to do is turn off the stereo open the widows and drive it hard through a tunnel “sounds fantastic” true Porsche music.

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  Unlike previous reviewer, Im a real Porsche owner - 2016 Porsche Cayman
  By Ed N. - June 22 - 12:11 am

  Sorry, but "911 drives like a bloated Buick"? "Namby pamby automatic transmission"? [non-permissible content removed] Im a 10 year member of the PCA and have never heard any real Porsche owners talk such stupidity. Now, regarding the Cayman....I own a 2014 Cayman S with 6 speed manual that was just in for its 3 year (24k miles) service. What a low cost pleasure it has been. Still on all four original 20" Pirellis with 5/32+ tread left and brakes are like new (8/32+)......notwithstanding two half day auto cross events. Tight as a drum and not a rattle to be found. The Cayman is a better daily driver than my previous 911/997 S. Which, BTW, handled spectacularly as well, but the 911 is 300+ lbs heavier, not as nimble and a rougher ride around town. Ive averaged 21 mpg since new, with 30 mpg at 75+ on highway. Golf clubs fit in the hatch, the "frunk" handles the luggage; Ive been on several weekend roundtrips of 600-800+ miles with my wife. Handling and steering are truly exceptional - equal or better, IMO, than my buddys Ferrari 430. Straight line acceleration isnt head-snapping spectacular, but still very good and better than "only" 325 hp suggests; thanks to the 2,900 lb curb weight. Short throw 6 speed makes rowing your own a true pleasure on this car (notwithstanding that the PDK is the best dual clutch transmission on the planet, for anybody that is uneducatedly concerned about being a namby-pamby) Overall, the Cayman S is the most enjoyable sports car Ive owned. Recommend PASM and sport chrono packages. Also, 18 way adaptive sport seats are great, but if you need to save $3,000, the manual "Sport Seats Plus" are more than adequate.

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  Worth every penny - 2012 Porsche Cayman
  By Ken - April 13 - 12:12 am

  This is a super car, fun to drive, surprisingly comfortable, quick and responsive. On the downside it is expensive to repair, but with extended warranty there are less worries.