2008 Porsche Cayenne
Based on analysis of 28 Cayenne reviews and test drives.
Porsche Cayenne - What the Auto Press Says
The 2008 Porsche Cayenne ranks 10 out of 15 Luxury Midsize SUVs. This ranking is based on our analysis of 28 published reviews and test drives of the Porsche Cayenne, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
The Cayenne offers one of the nicest interiors in the class, but an underpowered base engine combined with a steep sticker price means it ranks in the bottom half of this highly competitive group.
Though the 2008 Porsche Cayenne may be ideal for those who want sporty, refined performance and off-road capabilities in a luxury family-friendly SUV, a high sticker price and questionable power detract from its appeal. Introduced in 2002, the Cayenne received a makeover for 2008, gaining a mildly redesigned exterior and an overhauled performance package. "More power, better fuel economy, and potent technology put this new Porsche right at the top of the class with the likes of the all-new BMW X5, Acura MDX, and Mercedes-Benz ML," praises Motor Trend. "We predict a nasty dogfight when they're all in six-cylinder format, but when looking for a 500-horsepower peer, the new Porsche Cayenne is in a class by itself."
But Porsche commands a premium for its vehicles, and the Cayenne is no exception. Though the base model is the lowest-priced Porsche out there, the difference in price between the base and the top-of-the-line Turbo is a whopping $50,000. On the plus side, the Cayenne is expected to enjoy very high resale value.
The 2008 Porsche Cayenne is available in three trims: the base Cayenne, the Cayenne S and the ultra-premium Cayenne Turbo. The base Cayenne comes standard with a six-speed manual, but is optional with the six-speed Tiptronic S transmission. The Cayenne S and Turbo come standard with the Tiptronic S.
- "If you're willing to pay the price for the premium equipment, the 2008 Cayenne really does take some remarkable steps forward." -- Forbes
- "Ultimately, anyone willing to pay top dollar for a top-of-line vehicle will get his or her money's worth. Drivers will sit inside their Cayenne, encased in beautiful leather, listening to premium sound and confident that if they need to, they could hit 160 mph. And even at those speeds, the cabin is quiet enough to hear the gasps from the back seats." -- Detroit News
- "Yep, the Cayenne is now more than ever an engineering tour de force, at a price to match." -- Newsday
Cayenne Performance - 7.8 (Good)
The 2008 Porsche Cayenne is a capable performer and falls in the middle of the pack in this category. Road and Track says, "For those who want the best-handling SUV money can currently buy, then the Cayenne, with any of its powertrains, is probably what you're looking for." A new performance package for 2008 offers even more power and optional Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control. Continue with our full Performance Review to learn whether or not you should trade up to the S model's V8 engine. continue
Cayenne Exterior - 7.5 (Good)
The 2008 Cayenne's redesigned exterior, praised as a "more sophisticated look" according to the Detroit News, merits a good score in the middle of its class. The new exterior even includes style changes that bring the Porsche's drag coefficient down to improve aerodynamics. Continue with our full Exterior Review to learn how the exterior trims differ, or check out our Photo Gallery to see it for yourself. continue
Cayenne Interior - 8.0 (Very Good)
Critics appreciate the Cayenne's luxurious five-seat interior, which carries over mostly unchanged from the previous model and ranks in the top half of its class. Rather than including a multifunctional system as most luxury cars do, the Cayenne's interior controls are simple. "While tech heads might consider Porsche to be behind the curve in this regard, we consider the lack of a single knob controller that governs all interior functions to be a serious advantage for the Cayenne," says Forbes. Continue with our Interior Review to learn about some of the Cayenne's versatile cargo options -- including a power tailgate and Cargo Management System, or check out our interior photos. continue
Cayenne Safety - NA
Crash test ratings are not yet published for the 2008 Porsche Cayenne. But with six airbags and hi-tech features like Porsche Stability Management, the SUV's standard equipment vouches for its safe ride. Continue with our full Safety Review to learn about its long list of standard and optional safety features, including Porsche Stability Management. continue
Cayenne Reliability - 8.0 (Very Good)
The 2008 Porsche Cayenne reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). The Cayenne comes with a four-year/50,000-mile basic warranty. Continue with our full Cayenne Reliability Review. continue