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2008 Porsche Cayman Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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Some Porsche enthusiasts will tell you that with the Cayman - the hardtop Boxster - Porsche finally got the engine in the right place. That will sound like heresy to the Porsche 911 faithful. Automotive journalists, however, tend to side with the heretics.
The Cayman comes in two main flavors - Cayman and Cayman S. The standard flavor features a specifically engineered two-piece aluminum block with 24 valves in the traditional Porsche flat-six boxer layout. The 2.7-liter engine is equipped with Porsche's VarioCam Plus variable valve timing and lift system and a two-stage resonance induction manifold for better airflow. It produces 245 hp with 201 lb-ft of torque. The hotter S model increases the engine size to 3.4 liters, producing 295 hp and 251 lb-ft of torque. Both versions are equipped with a race-bred dry-sump oil system and an electronic oil-level indicator that does away with the dipstick, allowing oil pressure and temperature to be checked from the driver's seat.
Standard on the Cayman is a five-speed manual, with the five-speed Tiptronic and a six-speed manual as options, while the Cayman S offers the six-speed manual as standard and the Tiptronic S as an option. Porsche claims the five-speed Cayman does the 0-60 jump in 5.8 seconds - though Car and Driver managed 5.5 seconds - with the automatic getting there in 6.7 seconds; respective manual/automatic top speeds are 160/157 mph. The Cayman S hustles along at 5.1 seconds for the six-speed manual and 5.8 seconds for the automatic, with top speeds of 171/166 mph, manual/automatic respectively. Gas mileage, according to Porsche figures, is quite impressive at 23/32 mpg for the manual Cayman and 21/28 mpg for the automatic. The high-performance S achieves 20/28 mpg for the manual and 20/27 for the automatic.
Some reviewers fault the 2.7-liter engine for lacking low-end grunt. Reviewers find it most satisfying between 4,000 and 7,000 rpm. They prefer the 3.4-liter S engine's "smooth, ready power for any situation." The five-speed manual also came in for criticism when compared to the finesse of the six-speed - and no one even mentions the Tiptronic S when reviewing the Cayman!
Both models feature McPherson struts front and rear with lateral control arms and lightweight aluminum axle assemblies with Porsche's excellent variable steering up front. Porsche Stability Management (PSM) is a standard on the Cayman and Cayman S. This highly capable stability system constantly monitors the car's dynamics to insure that it's traveling in the direction the driver is pointing it. For the more adventurous, the system can also be set to standby, allowing it to automatically re-activate when the ABS system is called into play.
But the key piece of the Cayman performance architecture is the car's mid-engine layout. Long considered an ideal engine placement for sports cars, Porsche has applied its usual engineering brilliance to the Cayman as an expression of this principle. Reviewers seem unanimous in their enthusiasm for the Cayman's near perfect balance, Car and Driver noting its "confidence-inspiring stability at high speed." Edmunds was the most "heretical" and suggested the Cayman is Porsche's best handling car.
Yet it's not just the ability to hold a line through a high-speed corner that excites reviewers. The Cayman is a fine-riding everyday driver. Reviewers were surprised to find that the Cayman handles bumps and cracks without undue harshness. They also enthuse about the Cayman's variable steering and race-bred braking capabilities.
Adding to the handling refinement of the Cayman is the Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) system, which is optional on both trims. PASM lowers the ride height by 10 millimeters and electronically controls the damping of the shocks according to road conditions and driver input. The system offers the driver two modes, Normal and Sport. Reviewers find the system furthers the Cayman's handling dynamics, allowing it even more comfort on the daily drive and greater high-speed stability.
Reviewers and owners also have enthusiasm for the sensual aesthetics of the Cayman's exterior design, while also applauding Porsche's driver-focused interior, where the main attraction is the road. Set up as a driver's car, the interior locates controls and gauges within easy reach. The Cayman also offers an amazing amount of cargo space for a two-seat sports car, with 5.3 cubic feet of cargo space in the front trunk and 9.2 cubic feet under the glass hatchback.
Safety, as with all Porsches, receives the same attentive engineering as does performance. The interior provides six airbags that work in concert with a raft of passive and active safety features.
Published Aug 8, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
User reviews for 2008 Porsche Cayman
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by Mike H
Sep 10, 2024
What a joy to drive this car. The Cayman S is a blast. Accelerates so effortlessly, you are well over the speed limit and still have 2 more gears to go. Nothing but smiles so far. Sep 10, 2024
by Lysle M
Mar 05, 2023
The car is like brand new. Exellent shape. Must buy.Mar 05, 2023
by John T
Feb 22, 2023
In the market for one at the right price Feb 22, 2023
User rating:
by Mike H
Sep 10, 2024
What a joy to drive this car. The Cayman S is a blast. Accelerates so effortlessly, you are well over the speed limit and still have 2 more gears to go. Nothing but smiles so far. Sep 10, 2024
by Lysle M
Mar 05, 2023
The car is like brand new. Exellent shape. Must buy.Mar 05, 2023
by John T
Feb 22, 2023
In the market for one at the right price Feb 22, 2023
by John O
Jan 20, 2023
So far so good. Beautiful car shift nice handles even better. Jan 20, 2023
by Ernie L
Oct 24, 2022
I liked this car very much. I really like the mid engine design, compared to its rear engine 911 sibling. One does not have to be an automotive engineer in order to see the advantages of a mid engine layout. The car I drove was a base model Cayman which I believe has 245 hp, but being one of those guys that there’s never enough horsepower for, I would probably opt for an s. If I ever grow up, the base model would be fine I’m sure. It was a fast car. I have been driving BMW’s for about twenty years, so the higher revving boxer motor was more fun. Of course I really enjoy the German engineering. There truly is a difference compared to Asian, or American cars. My next car will be a Porsche.Oct 24, 2022
by Joseph M
Sep 10, 2022
The car is magnificent to drive. I feels a lot like a Boxster S and thats mostly because it is mid-engined and very well balanced. The brakes, as on any Porsche are magnificent and the horsepower is startling more than you might expect.Sep 10, 2022
by Dallas P
Aug 31, 2021
Im seeing and reading a lot of information about engine problems with the 2008 Gen1 cars. I think Im going to start looking at a 2009 Gen2 Cayman. But this particular car was really nice just scared of the engine.Aug 31, 2021
by Anonymous
Aug 11, 2021
2.7 liter motor seems gutless. My clk 350 has more get up and go. The under powered motor is not worthy of a porcheAug 11, 2021
by John M
Aug 05, 2020
I believe you get the Porsche experience for less money.Aug 05, 2020
by Joseph P
May 12, 2020
Awesome.e car handles good fast and comfortable smoking fast May 12, 2020
by Steve C
Oct 12, 2014
Parts and service are over priced. Fun to drive and to be seen driving. At age 63 I'm having difficulty getting in and out. This car is not a good choice for daily commuting, it needs to be garage kept and dusted daily.Oct 12, 2014
by gererado t
Nov 29, 2013
This car is so much fun to drive. It's as long as the 997 in terms of chassis but it's a two seater so when I am driving this on my way to Lake Tahoe, on those long winding and twisty roads, I feel like I am inside a rocket. The brakes are very powerful. Never a moment that I felt this car will oversteer. It's perfectly balanced. And the exhaust note lets out that hummimg sound that's music to my ears. This car wants to be driven, it's gears want to be played. That's why I mostly drive it going up in to Lake Tahoe where I can play with the gears which you can't do when you drive in a highway. And it's solidly built.Nov 29, 2013
by Anonymous
Oct 31, 2013
Porsche touts their 911 as the ultimate sports car, but in reality, at least from where I sit, it's the Cayman that does it best. Whether it's looks, handling, or overall balance, this is the Porsche you want if performance, rather than posing, is your first priority.Oct 31, 2013
by Carlos R
Dec 05, 2011
Awesome daily driver and track car. Best balanced car out there! Styling
is very sexy and unique for Porsche! Best car I have ever owned, and the
most fun I have had in a sports car! Could use more power, but that can
be modified, hopefully soon! :)Dec 05, 2011
by Anonymous
Sep 20, 2010
in order for a performance level driving experience, one needs to keep this small 2.7 liter engine "on the cams", this means maintaining RPM levels above 4000, other wise you will be disappointed. The 5 speed transmission gearing is designed to insure its off the line performance is no threat to any other Porsche.The shift linkage also requires slow precise shifts. vehicle is a fine driver but lacks any capabilities on the track. The base model radio is no better than a low end Korean cheapie.The rubber steering wheel is another low end piece of equipment unfitting a $50,000 dollar sports car. Sep 20, 2010
by Anonymous
Jul 24, 2010
Handling is phenomenal. Base 2.7 is plenty quick you just
have to rev it. Gas mileage is 25 mpg combined. Extremely
well built. Absolutely beautiful gets compliments every where.
I drove it to Hiltion Head Island concours auto show and
people looking at million dollar cars in the show were looking
at my car in parking lot. Maintenance is expensive. Oil
changes are 190.00 bucks even at independant mechanic.
Car is practical for a 2 seater with good luggage space. Wife
and me went to wedding a a week in NYC with 2 days worth of
formal clothes and a weeks worth of other clothes with no
problem.Jul 24, 2010
by Bradley K
Jul 23, 2010
It has an amazing sound and the gears are smooth the clutch isn't heavy good steering is good but the fuel economy isn't the best thing in the world. Also it has very good looks and lines. Love the car.Jul 23, 2010
by Scott C
May 25, 2010
Looks v-nice!
Soundtrack is thrilling when you use the range up to red line @ 7000 rpm.
Multi function steering wheel is a bit fiddly going through the menu.
Sat Nav is good however its a bit low in the dash so as you have to look down a little too much to see it.
Build quality.. external and frame seems sound.. interior is good, say 7 out of 10.May 25, 2010
by Wayne H
Mar 04, 2010
This car is awesome!!! It's fast, handles fantastic, looks the bollox and you can fit luggage in it too!!!! Fuel ecconomy is acceptable considering what it is and how it gets driven. Great all rounder, altho later model has better emmissions so lower taxMar 04, 2010
by Christopher S
Nov 17, 2009
Mine is turbo charged, sways, half a degree of
negative camber. 411whp. Brakes are the downfall of
this car. But the balance is incredible. But into it for
over 100k, a lot of other cars to have out there for
that kind of money. However, this one is a sleeper and
that's what I love most about it.Nov 17, 2009
by Nicolas R
Oct 21, 2009
best car i ever drove. acceleration quite better than 911, handling is excellent easier than driving a bicycle, appearance... i dont even have to say. its extremely fun to drive. Brakes are superb. interior is a small piece of heaven. Oct 21, 2009
by Kathrine J
Oct 17, 2009
It's cool, and I simply just love it. German cars are the
best. There is nothing more to say. It is a very, very,
very beautiful car!! I love Porsches! I love driving it,
and this is the limited edition! Oct 17, 2009
by Vivek V
Jul 06, 2009
Awesome car!!amzing driving experience,both on and off road.And its good looking too.drastic pick up,unbelievable motor sporting eperience.sexy looking tacometer and tubeless tyres make the ride feel good.best in class car.but no good milage.i just love the car.Jul 06, 2009
by Richard S
May 17, 2009
Performance of this car is fantastic! the handling is great, it feels like it is glued to the road. when you brake it feels like your organs move it is that good! acceleration is from 0-60 in about 4.5 seconds, love it!
the build quality is fantastic, it is a wonderful place to be, unfortunately the rear tyres wear down quite fast though. there are no squeaks or rattes at all.
this car is possibly the best looking car ever, the suble grey stripes are so gorgeous!
the car ranges from about 50K to about 60K and is well worth it because it is incredible fun to drive!May 17, 2009
by Paul P
Nov 21, 2008
A great sports car. One of my favourites in fact. Great performance combined with great build quality and it's fun to drive. I 've driven up to 155mph on a closed circuit and it still had more! The Cayman is a perfect everyday performance car and a very safe 'buy' Highly recommended.Nov 21, 2008
by Guillaume D
Sep 06, 2008
Préambule : je l'ai conduite après une Lambo Gallardo Superleggera... ça calme... d'où une impression en retrait certainement... et puis, je ne suis pas vraiment porschiste ;-)
Un look d'enfer : blanche immaculée, jantes 20 pouces noire, un pack aéro... une super gueule !!!
Déçu par l'intérieur, sportif certes mais... cheap !
Le moteur pousse (310cv mais après la Lambo et ses 530cv... point de salut). Une propulsion plus difficile à garder sur la piste humide... donc un plaisir en retrait. Une très belle GT tout de même ;-)Sep 06, 2008
by Gary T
Jun 20, 2008
den einai SJun 20, 2008
by Dylan C
Jun 16, 2008
NICEST,CARJun 16, 2008
by Yuki L
Jun 12, 2008
I love it Jun 12, 2008
by Hassan A
Jun 12, 2008
awsomeJun 12, 2008
by Larinda W
May 02, 2008
This sucker corners like its on rails!May 02, 2008
by Phillip G
Apr 27, 2008
The power to weight ratio on this is bananas! Though it sits low to the ground it's as fun to drive as a rally car. I purposely drove towards the 360 degree on ramps to test the rail like quality of the suspension dynamics...and all I can say is God Bless 2nd gear in this monster.
I was more impressed with this machine than the F360 Spyder I drove a couple of weeks ago. I MUST HAVE A CAYMAN OF MY OWN!!!!!Apr 27, 2008
by Nazrin E
Apr 20, 2008
On a first glimpse the Cayman S might look like a completely new machine as comapred to the 911s and the Boxster. But if you have ever driven the Porsche Boxter you realize that both cars share the same interiors. Everything just looks almost the same which is the first let down after forking in the extra dollars for the Cayman S. Despite the interiors, the Cayman S also shares the same mid engine design (and even engine) as comapred to the Boxster S which pretty makes it a coupe version of the original Boxster or Boxster S.
When we look into engine performance, the Cayman S is on par with the Boxster S. Both cars share the same engine and engine layout making it almost impossible to make a distinction between the 2 when it comes to sheer performance. So it comes to no suprise that both cars are able to hit 0-60 mph in 5.1s. The only distinction in this category is that the Cayman S is able to top a speed of 171 mph and the Boxster S could only handle a speed of 169 mph (big difference huh?)
On the plus side though, the Cayman S is still a pleasure to drive. One of the best things to notice about driving the car is its steering feel which makes you feel in total control even if you're taking a high speed hairpin. The suspension on the other hand managed to attain a nice balance of comfort and stiffness. As a bonus, the Cayman S comes with an adaptive damper system which makes the dampers stiffen up even more and also reduces the ride height which caters to a more aggresive and faster driving needs. As we come to the engine, the Cayman S gives the driver precise and sharp throttle response which further enchances the driving experience. This sharp throttle response can be further heightened which to activation of the car "Sports" mode which is designed to handle just this. Overall the Cayman S is still a wonderful machine to be driven
The biggest downfall of the Cayman S is the pricing of this car. Even though the pricing of the Cayman S sits in between the Boxster and the 911, the car comes with various options that can bring the price of the car. Consumer will have to pay more to enjoy such options which include, 19" rims, ceramic brakes, metallic paintjobs, sports packages, adaptive damper systems etc. All this put together will just make the bridge between the Boxster and the 911 rather short. As a personal opinion, the Porsche 911 would seem like the better buy if you're willing to dish in the extra dollars into your budget.
Apr 20, 2008
by Michael V
Apr 11, 2008
fast, comfy, easy to drive, looks amazing and i can still get my golf clubs in the bootApr 11, 2008
by Neil A
Apr 04, 2008
Loved the handling on the corners.....CAN'T wait to own one
Apr 04, 2008
by Michael R
Mar 28, 2008
Go drive one for yourself. Words can't describe it.Mar 28, 2008
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Have you driven a 2008 Porsche Cayman?Compare this car
2008 Porsche Cayman Pricing
Original MSRP
$49,400 to $59,100Price range
N/AAverage price on CG
N/AYoY price change
N/ATrims & specs
Air Conditioning
Active charcoal air filtration · Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Driver side front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: deactivation switch · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · CD changer: 6 · Single disc in-Dash CD · Premium Brand: Bose · AM/FM radio · Remote CD changer location: in trunk · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 6 · 50 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.7 · Front brake width: 0.94 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.8 · Rear brake width: 0.8 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Center console trim: carbon · Dash trim: leather · Door sill trim: stainless steel · Door trim: wood · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front and rear · Headliner trim: Alcantara · Parking brake trim: leather · Shift knob trim: aluminum · Steering wheel trim: wood
Convenience Features
Cargo cover: hard · Center console: second row · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: side mirrors · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: paddle shifter · Storage: door pockets · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Active driver support: active bolstering · Adjustable lumbar support: power · Manual adjustments: 4 · Power adjustments: 2
Exterior Features
Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: stainless-steel · Mirror color: aluminum · Paint: metallic · Rear spoiler: lip
Header
Option Delete: Generic
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Xenon · Taillights: adaptive
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated driver mirror
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4 · Power adjustments: 2
Safety
Crumple zones: front · Parking sensors: rear
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: sport · Heated: mulitlevel · Passenger seat manual adjustments: height · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: leather-appointed
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Phone: hands free
Tires
Type: summer performance
Tires and Rims
Run flat tires: puncture sealing compound with electric compressor · Wheels: painted steel
Wheels
Wheel locks: front and rear
Windows
Front wipers: rain sensing
Air Conditioning
Active charcoal air filtration · Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Driver side front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: element · CD changer: 6 · Single disc in-Dash CD · Premium Brand: Bose · AM/FM radio · Remote CD changer location: in trunk · Total Number of Speakers: 9 · 350 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 12.5 · Front brake width: 1.1 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.8 · Rear brake width: 0.9 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Center console trim: carbon · Dash trim: carbon · Door sill trim: stainless steel · Door trim: wood · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front and rear · Headliner trim: Alcantara · Parking brake trim: alloy · Shift knob trim: alloy and leather · Steering wheel trim: leather and carbon
Convenience Features
Cargo cover: hard · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): two 12V · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Storage: storage organizer · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Active driver support: active bolstering · Adjustable lumbar support: power · Manual adjustments: 4 · Power adjustments: 2
Exterior Features
Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: stainless-steel · Mirror color: aluminum · Paint: metallic · Rear spoiler: electronically controlled
Header
Option Delete: Generic
Headrests
Front headrests: integrated · Number of front headrests: 2
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: cornering · Taillights: adaptive
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated driver mirror
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4 · Power adjustments: 2
Safety
Crumple zones: rear · Parking sensors: rear
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: sport · Heated: front and rear · Passenger seat manual adjustments: height · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: leather
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Phone: hands free
Tires
Type: summer performance
Tires and Rims
Run flat tires: puncture sealing compound with electric compressor · Wheels: alloy
Wheels
Wheel locks: front and rear
Windows
Front wipers: rain sensing