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2008 Porsche Cayman

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Overview

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2008 Porsche Cayman Review

By KBB.com Editors

Introduced in 2006 and 2007 respectively, the Cayman S and Cayman have wasted no time in serving notice of their intentions to rivals such as the Audi TT Quattro Coupe, BMW Z4 M Coupe and Mercedes-Benz SLK350. Although the Cayman is slightly less potent than its S sibling, it is still remarkably engaging, not to mention considerably more affordable. Both cars offer a close encounter with 911-style driving experiences for thousands of dollars less. While sharing a good deal of basic engineering with Porsche's entry-level Boxster line, the Cayman's more rigid, closed-body structure gives this mid-engine rear-wheel-drive two-seater even better handling and a more graceful appearance. Although a tad pricy, the 245-horsepower Cayman and 295-horsepower Cayman S still deliver a great return on your fun-to-drive investment.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you pine for the dynamic thrill of a 911 -- and with arguably even more styling flair -- the 2008 Porsche Cayman could be the car of your dreams. The fact that pricing starts $10,000 to $20,000 below the 911 is just icing on the cake.

You May Not Like This Car If...

If being inside a small sport coupe makes you slightly claustrophobic, or you demand good rear sightlines or need large amounts of storage space, the Cayman simply isn't going to cut it in your motoring world.

What's Significant About This Car?

As with the Boxster and 911, the Cayman now offers a new, lightweight sport bucket seat with folding backrest. Service intervals for oil changes are set every 12,000 miles, while spark plug replacement is recommended every 36,000 miles or four years.

Driving the Cayman

Driving Impressions Even among all the legendary Porsche models, it's hard to recall a car that feels so utterly right under virtually all dynamic conditions. The Cayman's super-stiff structure provides a rock-solid...

suspension platform that allowed chassis engineers to work true handling magic, complementing the excellent Porsche Stability Management system (PSM) with quick, responsive steering and a clutch-and-shifter combo that's near-perfect on both models. While the 245-horsepower base Cayman lacks the sheer acceleration of the pricier 295-horsepower "S" variant, it does offer a somewhat more complaint ride. And with both versions possessing prodigious stopping power and offering optional Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) that lets you fine tune the ride characteristics with the touch of a button, either Cayman may prove to be all the Porsche that you'll really want or need.

Favorite Features

Mid-Engine Balance
Automotive theory holds that putting a car's engine between the two axles will contribute to superior handling, and the Cayman S is real-world proof. We're hard-pressed to remember a car that feels so "just right," in so many driving situations, as the Cayman S.

Head-turning Style
Porsche has a history of creating memorable automotive statements, but the Cayman's definitive combination of sensual form and delightful details seems destined to ensure it a place in the marque's Hall of Fame.

2008 Porsche Cayman Details

Interior

Plenty of Porsche heritage is evident in the detailing of the Cayman's compact but well-finished and comfortable cabin, starting with the signature dash-mounted ignition to the left of the three-spoke steering wheel and lots of leather and brushed aluminum accent trim. Easy-to-scan gauges -- with black faces on the base Cayman and satin-aluminum dials on the Cayman S -- well-positioned main controls and supportive bucket seats reinforce the sense of purpose in this domain. However, with stowage space under both the front hood and beneath the rear hatch, the Cayman has a good deal more practicality than might be apparent at first glance. Dismal cupholders aside, the only real shortcoming is that the prominent roof pillars can block sightlines to the sides or rear.

Exterior

Even at first glance, the 2008 Porsche Cayman is unmistakably a Porsche, displaying numerous classic styling cues not only from the 911 but from a host of the marque's previous street and competition cars. Easily the most eye-catching touch is its sweeping C-pillar treatment, a flourish that harkens back to the elegant 904 racing coupe. A key visual differentiator between the two models is that the Cayman S wears 18-inch wheels fitted with lower-profile tires than those that wrap the 17-inch rims on a base Cayman. The top-line variant also has a subtle black front spoiler lip, a large single oval exhaust -- rather than dual squared-off outlets -- and red instead of black brake calipers.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

Both 2008 Porsche Cayman and Cayman S are equipped to put the driver's needs first, a fact most directly reflected in the Porsche Stability Management (PSM) system that encompasses traction control, engine throttle control and enhanced functions of the anti-lock vented disc brakes to help keep the car on the path the driver intended. The Cayman mounts Z-rated 205/55 front and 235/50 rear tires on 17-inch alloy wheels, while the Cayman S gets bigger front brakes and steps up to 235/40 front and 265/40 rear rubber on larger 18-inch wheels. As for comfort and convenience touches, both boast a full range of power assists, tilt steering column, air conditioning, AM/FM/CD radio, speed control, remote keyless entry, trip computer and an anti-theft immobilizer. Conventional front and front-side airbags are supplemented by special door-mounted head-protection bags.

Optional Equipment

Nifty upgrades start with the Sport Chrono Package that can keep track of your lap times, intensify throttle response and alter shift mapping of the Tiptronic S transmission -- plus further stiffen suspension settings when matched with the optional Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM). Also available are racing-derived Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes (PCCB), both manual and full-power sport seats, bi-xenon headlamps and four different kinds of 19-inch alloy wheels. Touring aficionados will appreciate the Porsche Communication Management system that includes available DVD navigation, MP3 playback capability and the 13-speaker BOSE Surround Sound System. In addition to full leather upholstery, automatic climate control and aluminum-look/stainless steel or wood trim kits, there's a near-endless array of factory and dealer accessory items.

Under the Hood

The 245-horsepower 2.7-liter "boxer" flat-six engine that sits amidships in the Cayman and the 295-horsepower 3.4-liter six in the Cayman S both benefit from the same VarioCam Plus technology used on the flagship Porsche 911. This system precisely controls intake camshaft timing and valve lift to enhance both total response and fuel efficiency. While the Cayman comes with a five-speed manual transmission and the Cayman S gets a six-speed gearbox (optional in the Cayman), for those who prefer an automatic a five-speed Tiptronic S with steering wheel-mounted shifter buttons is available on both models. Porsche claims a manually-shifted Cayman S can hit 60 miles per hour in 5.1 seconds and a base car needs only 5.8 ticks to reach that benchmark, with their automatic counterparts adding about a second to each of those figures.

2.7-liter Boxer-6
245 horsepower @ 6500 rpm
201 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4600-6000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 20/29 (5-speed manual), 19/28 (6-speed manual), 19/26 (automatic)

3.4-liter Boxer-6
295 horsepower @ 6250 rpm
251 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4400-6000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 18/26 (manual), 18/25 (automatic)

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2008 Porsche Cayman Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

9.5

Out of 10

Based on 79 Ratings for the 2006 - 2008 models.

Review this car

Value

9.2/10

Quality

9.6/10
Reliability

9.6/10

Performance

9.6/10
Comfort

9.3/10

Styling

9.7/10

Best 2 seat sport coupe for the $$

By trcayman (OR) on Friday, February 01, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 53,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Value, practicality, driving experience"

Cons: "Rear or side visibility, stereo"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I own a 2007 base w/ 17" wheels, 53,000 miles. No maintenance issues at all, base has plenty of power for everyday driving, only wish for more at a) the track, b) passing at higher speeds on 2 lane roads. Strong case for the base model - 1) more power than you'll ever need except for above 2) 17" tires give a great ride, good performance and are inexpensive to replace 3) fuel economy = to Porsche claims 3) lower investment. Handling has to be experienced to be believed, seems like amusement park ride, have pushed hard and am nowhere near limits, don't really know where they are... Either model excpetionally practical, 2 sets golf clubs in back, 2 o-night cases up front, no problem. Useful to remember that base model 100 lbs lighter than S so horsepower difference not as much as you might think. Exceptional driving and ownership experience for the $$."

3 people out of 3 found this review helpful

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Better than a Bmer

By Darth510 (CA) on Friday, December 28, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 34,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Fun....to drive with great gas mileage."

Cons: "Wish it had 2 more seats."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Where should I start? Beautiful, get a lot of looks whether it's moving or sitting still. But the best part is, it drives better than it looks. Love the way it handles, like a fighter jet but with better gas mileage. Now I know why Porsche has such great reputation for racing."

4 people out of 4 found this review helpful

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Point and shoot. Cayman is great car to own.

By DH (CA) on Tuesday, November 20, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 36,300

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: Not Rated
Reliability: Not Rated
Quality: Not Rated
Performance: Not Rated
Styling: Not Rated
Comfort: Not Rated

Pros: "Very fun to drive. Somewhat practical."

Cons: "Maintenance costs."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"This car handles great. Bought this car new after test driving a used Carrera which would've cost more. No comparison. The Cayman feels like it's hugging the road. Have taken it on a few road trips, plenty of room with two storage areas, and around 30mpg highway. Only downside - you'll need to find a reasonably priced mechanic you trust as you'll want to keep maintenance up and dealer care is expensive. Had one minor problem covered by warranty, other than that only required maintenance. Great looking car. Have received numerous compliments. My favorite car to date."

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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My favorite car so far!

By bad_dolphin (CA) on Monday, October 01, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 34,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Great to drive, very predictable at all speeds"

Cons: "Expensive dealer servicing"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I've been fortunate enough to be driving sports cars since the mid 1970's. My first Porsche was purchased in 1980, and I have left the brand only once--for a 1992 Acura NSX that I drove for 8 years. All my other Porsches have been 911's, but as we looked at moving into retirement, I wanted to cut back a bit. Reading about the CaymanS I was impressed--I had learned to love mid-engine cars with the NSX for the superior road handling ability. I also really liked the styling of the CaymanS, and the three position hatchback makes it not only easy for cleaning, but also allows a very long configuration for interior storage of sports equipment. A quick test drive documented what the numbers hinted at--with the same engine as my older 996, the lighter weight and mid-engine placement of the Cayman made for quicker acceleration (not as fast as a new 911, of course) and more confident handling at speed than my 911. I get way more compliments on the CaymanS, too! But mostly I have the satisfaction of driving a very quick, comfortable, tight, everyday car with Porsche handling and reliability. Porsche is notorious for focusing on driver functionality and eschewing creature comforts. Not so here. The standard leather seats are extremely firm an confortable without the need for additional lumbar support. We added heated seats when we order from the factory--the only other option we ordered was the bi-xenon brighter headlamps to replace the standard halogens, and these are superb. You have to see the cup holders to believe them. Completely out of sight when not in use, they are extremely well positioned when you engage them. And of course, super light weight--typical Porsche engineering. There have been zero manufacturing defects on this vehicle in the 6 plus years of ownership so far. Based on earlier experiences with Porsche built vehicles, I would not be surprised if this trend continues. We intend to drive this vehicle for at least 10 years, if not longer."

4 people out of 4 found this review helpful

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True sports car!!

By Al (FL) on Monday, March 19, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 22,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Handling, sound of the engine, and technology"

Cons: "Very expensive to maintain."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"The only thing I am sorry about owning this car is I waited so long to own one. I have owned so many cars mostly BMW and I failed to test drive a Porsche. This is the best handling car I've owned including my vette and Mustang Cobra. I wake up and I can't wait to drive this car. It is so much fun and the sound of that flat head six and the way it drives like it is on a rail. AWESOME!!! If you are thinking of buying don't waste another minute you could be enjoying this car. BUY IT! The only thing I would recommend is to buy certified pre owned. I am selling my 07 Cayman and buying a Cayman S. Go for it I promise you won't be sorry!"

6 people out of 6 found this review helpful

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Amazing Drivers Car

By NolaPorsche (LA) on Friday, March 16, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 32,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Amazing to Drive"

Cons: "Squeaks like a mouse"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I purchased a used 2007 cayman with 20k miles on it. Ive put on 12k miles now a year later. It is a wonderful car to drive every day to work. it definitely wakes me up in the morning. I do have a few beefs with it though. Tires cost me $2,000, I had trunk rattles, squeaks, the side window threaded stud broke, prompting a window replacement, the rotors have to be changed with every brake job because of the excessive wear due to high breaking force, the seats are hard to clean and get dirt off of (tan.)Overall though, it is an amazing car. I daily drive it and autocross race on the weekends. Mechanically it has not caused any problems, only small annoyances and quirks. I do know about the ISB (intermediate support bearing) failures which causes your engine to grenade. Basically, I got a magnetic drain plug and if you see metal shavings on oil changes (every 3k miles), STOP DRIVING IT AND TAKE IT TOE A DEALERSHIP."

9 people out of 11 found this review helpful

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