2009 Porsche Cayman User Reviews

Pros

Handling, Braking, Flexible Power and Thrilling to Drive

Cons

Pricy when purchased new, needs LSD/TBD and $200 Oil Changes

Purchased As New

As the title states, you will be hard-pressed to find a better all around sports car than the Porsche Cayman S. If you are an enthusiast, you'll be instantly satisfied with the driver feel this car communicates. Proper engine noises coming from over your right shoulder, accompanied by thrilling acceleration that is backed by anchor-dropping brakes, and sublime handling. What does this means exactly? Instead of feeling insulated from the experience, you feel integrated. Instead of wanting more power, you feel sorry for those that do. This car just has so much more to offer than many lesser dimensional counterparts. Around town, you'll never know you are driving such a serious sports car -the car can feel down right docile (easy to maneuver with great visibility). However, turn the corner open the throttle wide and you?ll actually hear the car go from saint to sinner. Besides great visibility from the cockpit, there is also plenty of cargo space (for a sports car) and the gas mileage is not bad either! I can easily log MPG?s in the high 20?s on trips and low 20?s with a mix of city and highway. Worth noting, the 2009 and newer models have the newer DFI technology that can peak in the 30?s on the highway. As noted in the cons category, the car definitely is hampered by the open differential in the tight stuff. At Deals Gap in NC (Dragon's Tail of US RT 129), the Cayman S would sometime cut power when you were you applying throttle in the tight turns (especially when damp/wet). However, after installing a torque biasing differential (Quaife), the Cayman S drives as it should - sure-footed with a planted feel that pours the power to the asphalt, properly. Finally, the car is gorgeous! I know, that can be a subjective measure, but I assure you after months, even years of driving this car, you?ll never get tired of looking at ?her.? I?ve owned mine now for three years and the thrill for it has not worn off one bit. I used to trade-up sports cars every 1-3 years. With the Cayman S, I don?t feel that way at all. In fact, I believe that one would need to jump well into the six figure range to get something more (or as) thrilling to drive with the same visual appeal.This one is a keeper....read morehide

Pros

Mid-engine, great handling, excellent engine note - especially at full throttle, and a good amount o

Cons

Engineered to be less powerful than a 911.

Purchased As Used

I drive a 2006 Cayman S that I purchased with 26,000 miles on it. Thus far, one year later, it drives absolutely free of any problems, wakes up and has fun when I am in the mood, but calms down and acts civilized when my girlfriend is not. Overall, I would say that this is a better car than a 911, albeit with less power because of marketing concerns from Porsche. Cayman S is the evolution of the 911, in my opinion....read morehide

Pros

Precision Handling

Cons

No rear seat

Purchased As New

This car handles MUCH better than Carrera, and is comparable to a Carrera S in terms of handling. I have a friend with a 996 Turbo, a 997 Carrera and another with a 993 and I would drive a base Cayman over any of these cars for handling and responsiveness.

The GT3 and the Turbo have better suspension braking, but if you put similar power and suspension into a Cayman, it's only competition would be Ferrari. The Carrera GT is mid-engine. Porsche knows how to design better cars than 911. The problem is marketing, they do not want to cannibalize 911 sales, in my opinion. It is time for Cayman to replace 911....read morehide

Pros

Handling and appearance are hard to beat! Fuel consumption is roughly 28MPG highway...but at 75 MPH

Cons

Not overly comfortable on drive that is 4 hours or longer.

Purchased As New

I have had the pleasure of owning a Cayman for 2 1/2 years. It has been totally trouble free. I also run in Driver's Education events at Pocono Speedway, Watkins Glen and Mid-Ohio. On the track, there isn't a car that is better balanced than the Cayman. I may get passed by the twin turbos on the long straights and the banked turns, but the Cayman handles the curves like a Formula 1 car and blows them all away. I'll be buying a new one in 6 months....read morehide

Pros

Looks great, fantastic handling, great engine sound, fast, quality feel

Cons

a little expensive.... but it's a Porsche

Purchased As New

I decided to go for the upgraded 09 model instead of a used because I wanted the extra power. It feels pretty fast so I am not disappointed.
Handling is top notch, controls are intuitive, engine note is perfect, looks are great. It's all there. What has really impressed me is the quality everywhere. Shifting, controls, ect all have a great feel.
Also, this car has LOTS of storage for a 2 seat car. The front trunk is extremely useful and the hatch back can haul my golf bag.
Try a test ride and decide for yourself. It's a lot of fun....read morehide