2005 Porsche Cayenne Reviews, Pricing & Specs
































































































































































































































































































































































































Overview
In its third year of production, the all-wheel-drive Porsche Cayenne SUV was available in three trim packages for 2005. The entry-level...
In its third year of production, the all-wheel-drive Porsche Cayenne SUV was available in three trim packages for 2005. The entry-level base Cayenne was powered by a 3.2-liter V6 engine, which produced 247 horsepower. Stepping up a notch, the Cayenne S received a 340-horsepower, 4.5-liter V8, while the high-end Cayenne Turbo came equipped with a turbocharged 4.5-liter V8 engine that pumped out 450 horsepower. For the first time, a six-speed manual transmission was added to the standard equipment list for the base Cayenne. The manual transmission included Porsche's Drive-Off Assistance system, which provided automatic braking on steep slopes until the driver engaged the clutch and transmission. A six-speed automatic Tiptronic transmission, with a gate for manual shifting, was standard on the Cayenne S and Cayenne Turbo models and optional on the entry-level model. Standard features for the Cayenne included air conditioning, power windows and door locks, leather seats with power adjustments in the front, a full array of airbags, cruise control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a powered rear tailgate, and an AM/FM stereo system with a CD player. Options included a power sunroof, wood trim, and a CD changer. Many drivers liked the Cayenne's new manual transmission, noting that it was a good replacement for the automatic transmission, which some drivers considered problematic -- not to mention the fact that the manual gave drivers a better feel for the vehicle. The Cayenne's responsive handling, firm suspension, smooth turning ability, comfortable interior, and safety features were also cited as positive points by drivers.

What owners say
"Overall, drivers express strong positive feelings about the 2005 Porsche Cayenne, praising its performance, power, and comfortable ride. Many owners enjoy its sporty handling and design, often comparing it favorably to other luxury SUVs. However, some drivers noted issues with gas mileage, high maintenance costs, and an outdated navigation system as downsides."
This crossover is probably one of the best out there with the Audi Q5 / Q7. Comfortable, fast, but a bit on the heavy side. Due to too many electronic assistance? Enjoyed it for road trips and commutes. This car is also convenient for the urban type who need to carry things around. The V8 is smooth but thirsty. Maintenance is pricey.
October 10, 2014excellent performance, very comfortable ride (air suspension equipped) and great in the snow and on icy roads. It is a fantastic long distance cruiser that is quiet and has a great stereo. I hate the Park-tronic, as I have backed into something twice (both times as I was fumbling to turn the damn thing off). The keyless entry key-fob has been a source of constant problems and was changed in the next model year. Gas mileage is pretty bad around town, but expected.
May 6, 2008I love how quick this SUV is. Leather is still in great condition and drives smooth. Has a flashy look to it that always gets the attention from others. Driven it for about a year and have had 1 problem due to recall. Cooling pipes were plastic and failed. Changed to metal piping and no problem since.
August 30, 2013What owners say
This crossover is probably one of the best out there with the Audi Q5 / Q7. Comfortable, fast, but a bit on the heavy side. Due to too many electronic assistance? Enjoyed it for road trips and commutes. This car is also convenient for the urban type who need to carry things around. The V8 is smooth but thirsty. Maintenance is pricey.
October 10, 2014excellent performance, very comfortable ride (air suspension equipped) and great in the snow and on icy roads. It is a fantastic long distance cruiser that is quiet and has a great stereo. I hate the Park-tronic, as I have backed into something twice (both times as I was fumbling to turn the damn thing off). The keyless entry key-fob has been a source of constant problems and was changed in the next model year. Gas mileage is pretty bad around town, but expected.
May 6, 2008I love how quick this SUV is. Leather is still in great condition and drives smooth. Has a flashy look to it that always gets the attention from others. Driven it for about a year and have had 1 problem due to recall. Cooling pipes were plastic and failed. Changed to metal piping and no problem since.
August 30, 2013Porsche has the best performance suv. the acceleration is abt 5,sec to 100km and it handles perfectly. The suspension works extremely well and it is pure adrenaline to drive it. It is also very tough off road. love it!
December 14, 2009Great SUV. Solid and heavy, very stable on the road. The V8 has a lot of power but maybe the coupe is a little heavy for it. The Turbo S is another thing. It's aggressive like an animal but the regular S is also a lot of fun to drive :)
October 3, 2008Needed a car with 4 seats, all wheel drive and performance. Viola. This car has some serious get up and go and it handles very well in the snow. You can transport 4 people very comfortably and yet it handles like a sports car. the interior finish is very nice - better than any car I've ever seen. Only serious flaw that I will mention is the transmission. The car shifts up to higher gears in situations where it should stay at a lower gear. The result is that you end up with the RPMs in the wrong place and subsequently quite a bit of turbo lag. This can be overcome by simply shifting the gears manually but for a car of this price point you should not have to do so. I believe the new 2011 cayenne turbo has an 8 speed transmission and much better gear mappings as well as much better gas mileage, I'd suggest you buy the new 2011 and not bother with the older 2005-2010 models. As a further update, I purchased the 2011 cayenne turbo and all the issues of the 2005 are addressed and more. The car gets much better mileage (18/24) due to the 8 speed transmission. The transmission shift patterns are much better so no turbo lag and there is a sports mode that really gives an aggressive shift pattern. Lastly one new option pdcc adjusts the shocks so the car has no body roll at all. With the pdcc option the car handles like a 911 turbo. It's simply amazing. Again, it's an expensive car but very fun to drive. overall, if you need a sports sedan with some "spirit" and want all wheel drive, this is your car
February 8, 2008Best SUV I ever owed, the power on the highways is unbillable very smooth on high speed. the only thing I did not like was the fuel, but the handling and the looks on this SUV is one of the best...
April 22, 2014Belongs to a former co-worker of my dad's. I helped her move out of her apartment and she let me drive it. Quickest acceleration I've ever experienced. Only the Jeep SRT-8 is faster.
January 26, 2008Effing Techart Magnum package is amazing. I can't look at at a stock Cayenne the same ever again. Handling and turn in feel is amazing. Amazing brakes. Booost!
July 15, 2008The Cayenne S is a true Porsche. Despite all the naysayers. It's just a Porsche for grown-ups who need more than 2 seats and some cargo space. I used to drive a Range Rover and Porsche succeeded in creating a more comfortable ride and one that can really hold its own vs fast luxury sedans. More torque and power would be welcome because it's a big car. I would go next with the turbo version or may be the Hybrid.
August 17, 2012Trims & specs
Base MSRP $57,115 | Seating 5 |
Engine N/A | Cargo Capacity 19.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG N/A | Drivetrain N/A |
Base MSRP $41,915 | Seating 5 |
Engine N/A | Cargo Capacity 19.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG N/A | Drivetrain N/A |
Base MSRP $90,115 | Seating 5 |
Engine N/A | Cargo Capacity 19.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG N/A | Drivetrain N/A |






