Sports car performance, available adjustable ride height and suspension damping control, name cachet.
Cons
More expensive than its direct competitors, some fussy interior controls.
What’s new
We would've never imagined it, but Porsche jumps onto the SUV gravy train. The Cayenne, with a choice of two potent V8s and an available active suspension, promises performance that's more like a 911 than an SUV.
Edmunds says
Now 911 Turbo owners know what SUV to buy for those road trips to ski country.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2003 Porsche Cayenne S Tiptronic 4WD 4dr SUV (4.5L 8cyl 6A) 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 $4.08 per gallon for premium unleaded in Indiana.
2003 Porsche Cayenne S Tiptronic 4WD 4dr SUV (4.5L 8cyl 6A)
I am 6'2 and have desired a 911 even before I could afford one. However, I refused to pay that much for a vehicle I could not be comfortable in. My prayers were answered with the Cayenne. I love this vehicle, like no other SUV on the market. Certainly, I have encountered small issues that were addressed and fixed quickly. This SUV is the best: Performance, power and comfort.
Unhappy Camper
3.13 out of 5 stars
denverowner, 06/21/2004
2003 Porsche Cayenne S Tiptronic 4WD 4dr SUV (4.5L 8cyl 6A)
My Cayenne was a joy to drive until the
recalls came in..I am on my 12th
recall. New computer system, new drive
shaft. Tires wore out at 7K miles due
to front end vibration. 2 sets of
brakes. Interior trim vibrates. Rear
door handles have broken off, ski door
broken, wood trim has come lose. On my
third set of brakes. Each set are
noisy and Porsche says thats … normal.
Interesting design feature! Dealer
cannot keep story straight and service
is getting worse. Ski racks whistle so
loud you have to remove to drive and
keep sanity. Dealer service is the
worst I have ever experienced.
Don't settle for less
4.88 out of 5 stars
Knight23, 07/02/2003
2003 Porsche Cayenne S Tiptronic 4WD 4dr SUV (4.5L 8cyl 6A)
After torturing my wife with test
drives and performance reviews I
finally decided on the Cayenne S. I
was tempted to go for the turbo, but
who really needs a 450 hp SUV? If
someone is willing to take their SUV
over 150 to beat me then they deserve
to win...
Maintenance money pit!
3 out of 5 stars
Sacha, 09/24/2008
2003 Porsche Cayenne S Tiptronic 4WD 4dr SUV (4.5L 8cyl 6A)
This is a great fast SUV, but that's about it. The fuel mileage is terrible at average of 10 mpg for street driving. The worst part is the cost of maintenance. This has become a money with average $5000 in yearly repairs after 60K miles. Brakes cost $1400 every year. The 60K mile service costs $2500. Things start to break that are not covered by 100k Porsche maintenance warranty at … average of $1800. I would stay away from this car unless you like paying Porsche for service.
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