2005 Porsche Cayenne Review and Specs

Summary

What Edmunds.com says

Awkward-looking but thrilling behind the wheel, the Cayenne is a thoroughly capable vehicle that makes good on its Porsche nameplate.

Pros

Sports car performance, available adjustable ride height and suspension damping control, solid off-road capability and towing capacity, slightly more cargo room than a Range Rover.

Cons

Can't match the Rover in the dirt, annoying turbo lag on top end model, you have to pay a little extra for the name.

What's New for 2005

The base Cayenne receives a six-speed manual transmission and Porsche's Drive-Off Assistant System, otherwise known as a "hill-holder" clutch. All Cayenne models now feature a power rear tailgate and body-colored side sills and fascias. An optional panoramic power sunroof debuts this year, along with an available rearview camera system. A comprehensive performance upgrade package is available on the Turbo model through Porsche's Tequipment program. Highlights include a horsepower increase to 500 and upgraded brakes.

Consumer Ratings & Reviews

Great performance, poor reliability

Written by: Gustavo on 09/26/2009

Detailed Ratings

Overall Rating


Performance:	10	Fun-to-Drive:	10	Build Quality:	7
Comfort:	10	Interior Design:	10	Reliability:	5
Fuel Economy:	6	Exterior Design:	10

Vehicle

2005 Porsche Cayenne Tiptronic AWD 4dr SUV (3.2L 6cyl 6A)

Review

This SUV is a dream to drive. The handling is superb and the feeling of comfort and security are incredible. However, I had to: 1. Reprogram the software several times, 2. Replace a solenoid in the transmission (hard painful "clunk" when decelerating), 3. Replace crankshaft because of defective rubber housing, 4. cheap plastic parts in the interior keep braking at minor touch, 5. PCM2 system screen went bad after 60,000 miles. According to the dealer and my mechanic, all of the above problems seem to be common for the 2005 model. I hope that Porsche is listening. Would I buy another Cayenne again? Absolutely yes. The pleasure of driving one far exceeds the pain of repairing it.

Favorite Features

High speed handling, cornering and steering, braking, ergonomics of seating.

Suggested Improvements

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05 Cayenne S after 47,000 miles

Written by: JB on 02/03/2009


Performance:	10	Fun-to-Drive:	10	Build Quality:	10
Comfort:	8	Interior Design:	9	Reliability:	8
Fuel Economy:	7	Exterior Design:	8

2005 Porsche Cayenne S AWD 4dr SUV (4.5L 8cyl 6A)

I have the 2005 Cayenne S with 19" wheels. The odometer is about to turn 47,000 miles. I love my Cayenne. It has a few quirks that the the 2nd generation cayenne has addressed such as touchy brakes, Super stiff rear suspension. I have had a few service items that the dealer has address. The best part of owning this car is driving this car. It is a fun car to drive period. The car handles and corners great. The engine sounds cool too. It actually drives like a Porsche. I own a 997 2S. If you like to drive, you need the S, GTS or Turbo version. The 6 cylinder is too underpowered for the car's weight.

Since you sit up higher than cars you can see well in traffic and on the highway. The all wheel drive makes the car corner very well for it's size. It sounds cool too.

Most have been addressed in the 08 and 09 2nd generation Cayenne. Rear suspension too stiff, brakes are touch. Front clip needs to be lowered a touch.

Awesome

Written by: bj on 07/16/2008


Performance:	10	Fun-to-Drive:	10	Build Quality:	10
Comfort:	10	Interior Design:	10	Reliability:	10
Fuel Economy:	7	Exterior Design:	10

A perfect car if you can only afford one and a nice addition if you can afford more

safety

3 row seats

Spectacular Cayenne

Written by: PorscheChap on 12/25/2007


Performance:	10	Fun-to-Drive:	10	Build Quality:	10
Comfort:	10	Interior Design:	10	Reliability:	10
Fuel Economy:	8	Exterior Design:	10

I really love my Cayenne - after driving this vehicle, all other SUVs should be banned from our roads. How dare people make other lame SUVs and try to seel it alongside the Cayenne. The Cayenne is in one word - fantabulous !!! Porsche has done a spectacular job. Thank you I have just achieved Nirvana with this machine!!

Tight turning circle, aggressive acceleration, suuper handling on corners. Sexy lines - deep growl of engine, auto-fold mirrors. Heated seats, in dash navi screen and in console navi. Plenty of power!!

None!!

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

Amazing value, amazing car

Written by: Brit on 09/03/2007


Performance:	10	Fun-to-Drive:	10	Build Quality:	9
Comfort:	10	Interior Design:	10	Reliability:	10
Fuel Economy:	9	Exterior Design:	10

2005 Porsche Cayenne Turbo AWD 4dr SUV (4.5L 8cyl Turbo 6A)

This is my first Porsche. I bought a 2 year old Turbo for about half the new price. All I can say is that it has been fantastic and the higher running costs should be more than offset by the fact that it has taken most of its depreciation!

My right foot and the gas pedal!

0 out 1 people found this review helpful

2005 Porsche Cayenne Consumer Ratings & Reviews