2010 Porsche Cayman Review
2010 Porsche Cayman Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Precise handling, responsive steering, versatile optional automated manual transmission, strong brakes, highly customizable.
Cons
- Expensive options, relatively cramped cabin.
What’s new
The Porsche Cayman gets a new steering wheel design for 2010.
Edmunds says
Although depressingly expensive when optioned out, the 2010 Porsche Cayman more than makes up for it thanks to its stirring performance and a soul of past road-going Porsches.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2010 Porsche Cayman 2dr Coupe (2.9L 6cyl 6M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.58 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$253/mo for Cayman Base
Cayman Base
vs
$183/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Vehicle overview
We're going to let you in on a little secret: Porsche's 911 isn't the brand's most dynamically blessed sports car. The price may indicate it is, 0-60 times may signify as much and words like "Turbo" and "GT3 RS" may make it seem obvious. But indications can be deceiving. The 2010 Porsche Cayman would actually be the car that best represents the driving ideal of unparalleled man/machine interaction, the one that boasts a beautifully balanced midengine chassis and the one that not only rewards a skilled driver, but won't so easily punish the overeager. The Cayman could be considered the wise connoisseur's choice.
The Cayman may seem to only be a fixed-roof Boxster, and not only do they look similar, but most of the key components are shared, including engine placement just behind the passenger compartment. Those boxer six-cylinder engines are a bit more powerful in the Cayman, however, plus the car's fixed roof provides a stiffer structure. It all adds up to a more dedicated driver's car: one you'd take out solely for the motoring thrill. The Boxster can certainly thrill, but it can also just as easily serve duty giving you a tan.
For 2010, the Porsche Cayman carries over largely unchanged. That's just fine, since Porsche seemed to address all of our complaints with last year's updates. We desired a better automatic transmission, more power, better-executed interior controls and a place to plug in an iPod. Porsche kindly obliged and added ventilated seats and a heated steering wheel just to anticipate any future nitpicks. Sadly, our requests for houndstooth upholstery and a place to store a pogo stick have yet to be satisfied.
Though given Porsche's willingness for customers to personalize their cars, we probably could have our silly wishes granted. There is a seemingly endless list of options that makes a printout of the U.S. tax code seem like a Delaware tourism pamphlet. Many are functional, like satellite radio and different seat designs, but then there are cosmetic items like leather-lined air vents and yellow-painted instruments. There is a catch, though: These options can add up quickly, and your MSRP may rise fast enough to cause a nose bleed.
Certainly, the Cayman may be too singularly focused for many drivers (not to mention expensive). As such, there are many choices among sports cars in this range likely to tug on your heart strings. Choices like the Boxster, BMW Z4, BMW M3, Chevrolet Corvette and Lotus Exige all cater to different sports car tastes. If you've got the cash, there is also the always classic, always excellent 911. However, if you're most interested in the best-handling, most forgiving and most involving Porsche, you may find the 2010 Porsche Cayman to be an even more excellent, soon-to-be classic.
Performance & mpg
The 2010 Porsche Cayman is powered by a 2.9-liter horizontally opposed (a.k.a. flat, or boxer) six-cylinder that produces 265 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. The Porsche Cayman S gets a direct-injected 3.4-liter flat-6 good for 320 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque. Both cars come standard with a six-speed manual transmission, while the seven-speed PDK automated manual is optional. The base car accelerates from zero to 60 mph in about 5.5 seconds, while the S chops about a half-second off that time.
EPA-estimated fuel economy is quite good for a sports car. A Cayman with the manual will return 19 mpg city/27 mpg highway and 22 combined, while the PDK improves that to 20/29/24. The Cayman S with a manual is estimated to achieve 19/26/22, and PDK improves mileage to 20/29/23.
Safety
The Cayman comes standard with antilock brakes, traction and stability control, side airbags and side curtain airbags.
Driving
Thanks to its petite size, modest weight and midengine layout, the 2010 Porsche Cayman handles superbly, managing to feel glued to the road and light on its feet at the same time. Body roll is virtually nonexistent, and the variable-ratio steering is among the best systems on the market. With the optional active suspension, the Cayman rides amazingly well for a sports car.
If you didn't know the 320-hp Cayman S existed, chances are, the base Cayman's 2.9-liter motor would never have a negative word thrown at it. Both are capable and impressive -- it just depends on how demanding you are as a driver and how willing you are to throw down $10,000 for an extra 0.6 second of 0-60 acceleration. The new PDK transmission is a revelation, providing faultless automated-manual shifting performance for those who would rather not row their own gears. We're not fans of the wheel-mounted buttons, though, preferring the paddle shifter designs found in the 911 Turbo and other vehicles.
Interior
The 2010 Porsche Cayman's interior boasts premium materials and proper sports car seating. The oversized center-mounted tachometer conveys the Cayman's high-performance DNA, although the analog speedometer's tiny numbers and huge range make it more decorative than functional -- the trip computer's digital speedo readout is more useful. Some controls are a bit fussy, but the present center control stack is much friendlier than before -- especially the touchscreen navigation system.
Sharing much of its cabin with the Boxster roadster, the Cayman is hardly a spacious environment. Legroom is tighter than in other two-seaters and 2+2 coupes, while the small greenhouse can feel a bit confining. On the upside, the standard seats are remarkably comfortable and supportive -- the optional sport seats really aren't necessary. In regard to trunk space, there are 9 cubic feet available in the rear hatch (located behind the engine and cabin), and a front trunk expands total storage capacity to 14.5 cubic feet. Despite this impressive total, though, both compartments are awkwardly shaped.
2010 Porsche Cayman models
The 2010 Porsche Cayman is a two-seat coupe available in base and Cayman S trim levels. Standard equipment on the base car includes 17-inch wheels, summer high-performance tires, front and rear foglamps, eight-way adjustable seats (power recline, manual for all others), a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, air-conditioning, a trip computer, cruise control and a four-speaker sound system with CD player. The Cayman S gets a bigger engine, 18-inch wheels and a nine-speaker sound system.
The Cayman's lengthy options list includes typical items like different wheel sizes and designs, a limited-slip rear differential lock, ceramic composite brakes, adaptive suspension, a rear window wiper, auto-dimming mirrors (packaged with automatic wipers), rear parking sensors, bi-xenon adaptive headlights, PDK shift paddles and a sport exhaust.
Interior options include automatic climate control, fully powered seats, two different sport seat designs, heated seats, ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, Bluetooth, a navigation system, voice controls, an iPod interface, satellite radio, an in-dash or remote six-CD changer, a seven-speaker sound system upgrade for the base Cayman and a 10-speaker Bose surround-sound system for either model. The Sport Chrono package adds a lap timer, adjustable driver settings and, with PDK, launch control.
Then there are the numerous customization choices that will cover just about any interior surface in leather, Alcantara, aluminum, carbon fiber, wood trim or exterior paint.
Reliability Ratings by RepairPal
2.5 out of 5 stars2.5/5Average
#24 out of 26 among Luxury Compact Cars
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
Cost
The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Porsche Cayman from 2008-2022.$708/yr
vs. $554/yr
for Average Luxury Compact Car
for Average Luxury Compact Car
Frequency
The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).2.04x/yr
vs. 1.57x/yr
for Average Luxury Compact Car
for Average Luxury Compact Car
Severity
The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).20.1%
vs. 11.1%
for Average Luxury Compact Car
for Average Luxury Compact Car
powered by RepairPal Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2010 Porsche Cayman.
5 star(88%)
4 star(4%)
3 star(2%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(6%)
43 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.63 out of 5 stars
I've ruined all other cars for myself...
blue098, 05/14/2012
2008 Porsche Cayman S 2dr Coupe (3.4L 6cyl 6M)
I bought this car used 12 months ago and have put over 10K miles on it. Every mile driven has been a joyous one and I've had no performance or mechanical problems with it so far (at 28K total miles).
A few minor interior rattles (easily fixed) and some minor comfort issues for the longer trips but without a doubt the most fun & engaging vehicle I've ever driven. And I've driven cars of … all types, sizes, shapes, and costs.
People regularly give it some great looks when I'm driving around town and rarely does a highway trip happen that someone doesn't pull up next to me with a "thumbs up".
Sounds great, handles great, and has more storage room than you'd think given it's size.
4.88 out of 5 stars
2008 Cayman
Herb, 06/10/2008
2008 Porsche Cayman 2dr Coupe (2.7L 6cyl 5M)
This is the latest of many Porsches I have owned. My first 911 was purchased in 1972 and the last was a 1997 993 C4S. All great cars, though the Cayman really answers the quest for a drivers car. The balance, practicality and performance put a smile on you face whether you're on the freeway, twisties or just around town.
5 out of 5 stars
Best Car I have ever owned
TH, 05/19/2009
2008 Porsche Cayman 2dr Coupe (2.7L 6cyl 5M)
I have owned this car for one year. It has been great. Two major trips of 1,000 miles, plenty of room for luggage for two. No need for trips to the dealership, reliability is the best I have seen in years. Well put together, a great engine sound, seats and ride is very acceptable for a sports car. Great Fuel economy - average 24 mpg around town and 31 mpg on our two trips.
5 out of 5 stars
The Perfect Car
Nick, 08/18/2008
2008 Porsche Cayman 2dr Coupe (2.7L 6cyl 5M)
The Porsche Cayman is by far the most well engineered car I have driven. I have test driven most of its competitors and the handling, responsiveness, as well as the overall quality is superb without reservation. The mileage for a sports car is excellent and surprised me. The comfort is excellent, especially in the lower back area. I have been envying Porsches ever since I was in … high-school. As another Porsche owner told me, this is a sports car not a luxury car masquerading as a sports car. After I drove it I could clearly see what she meant. The swaying factor around curves is for the most part non-existent. The bottom line is this car is the best choice in its class.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2010 Porsche Cayman, so we've included reviews for other years of the Cayman since its last redesign.
2010 Cayman Highlights
Base
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $51,400 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 22 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $253/month |
Seating | 2 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 14.5 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the Cayman include:
- Alarm
- Tire Pressure Warning
- Stability Control
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