Used 2004 Porsche Cayenne Consumer Reviews
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great bang for the buck!
I saw a beautiful 2004s on a lot and decided to take it for a spin. This is not a fake Porsche but the real deal! I drove it home a week later. A huge pleasure to drive! One worry was mpg but to my surprise it really gets 21 mpg on the highway at 65 ans cruising. Yes there are some bugs like the radio that doesn`t always work but overall I got a $70,000 car for well under 20 grand. One piece of adviceis to verify how the car was maintained and by who.
Lemon
After 15 months have settled with Porsche. The vehicle was in the shop 52 days for one problem. Additionally, the driver's seat broke, the remote doesn't work, and tires had to be replaced. This SUV has always driven herky jerky and the brakes squeak. Three months ago I asked the dealership to work with me on a trade in. They offered $30K less than I paid for it, which I thought was ridiculous. When I finally "lemon lawed" it, Porsche called and wanted to settle, fifteen months after I purchased it. I am so disappointed in this car and would recommend to everyone to not buy it.
My one year of ownership review
LOOKS: It's a beauty. No it is not a VW. FEEL: I have never driven such a tight vehicle. I traded in a Mercedes ML430 for this and never looked back. GAS: Lousy gas mileage, more like 12/15. But for some reason when I get it above 80 my mileage improves to about 18. Too bad I can't stay at those speeds for very long.
NIGHTMARE S
We just purchased the 04 Cayenne S with under 60k miles, got the extended warranty...after less than a month owning it the rear axle had to be replaced at a cost of $1400.00. 2 weeks later in the hot sun the check coolant light went on, car was in the shop for a week to replace the coolant tubes had to replaced with the aluminum tubes, a Porsche defect that they are currently avoiding, at a cost of $3200.00, exactly 1 week later while I was backing my car into the garage the steering wheel started doing what it wanted and the light came on MOVE STEERING WHEEL there was a loud noise click click click and the car died. Will not start, go into gear, NOTHING. Had to be towed back to the dealer.
Porsche Cayenne S
This SUV is awesome. I have had every other high end SUV, but none give you the thrill of driving as the Cayenne does. With this package you get the best of both worlds. It handles like a sports car and you can still pull your boat to the lake on the weekend. I have had mine for over 3 years now and still love to see what it can do. There is nothing that sounds better than the sound of a Porsche when you put your foot into it with psm off.
Fun SUV, but lots of bugs
This SUV drives more like a sports sedan than an SUV. It is an absolute blast to drive on a daily basis. I also use it to tow my racecar to the track and with its 7,700 towing capacity there are very few if any competing vehicles that has both of these qualities. It has excellent brakes and the V6, thought not a speed demond like the S and turbo models, does quite well and will be more than adequate for most owners. The downside to this vehicle is it comes stuffed with plenty of build quality bugs. Most are only annoyances, but they are still completely unacceptable for a premium brand like Porsche. If you can overlook these small problems it may be for you. Otherwise look elsewhere.
Rip Snorting Fun
I am a certifiable car FREAK. I have owned over 100 cars in my 54 year life and this car rocks my world. If you think driving a 911 is fun to drive, stick four other people in this rocket and cruise up Pacific Coast Highway from San Clemente to Laguna or Newport and just watch the smiles on all five faces. I own three old Corvettes and a 356 Porsche and they are just a lot of fun to drive. A year ago I had the opportunity to sell a Cayenne Turbo for a friend and I had the car for about a month and only had to drive it three times to be HOOKED. Turning an SUV into a Hot Rod/Race Car has to be one of the greatest ideas of the 21st Century. This is the most fun Sports Car I have ever owned.
2004 Cayenne S
I bought mines used 45,000 which is actually good. Had it 3 yrs and everything at once started to go and man was it costley. Over 10,000 grand in 2 months. The passenger brake goes constantly and the radio everyone I spoke to says they have issues with it. If I had to do it over I WOULD NOT GET THIS. Looks are good but so not worth the money. I could have bought a new car for 10 grand. The headlights are like 1,000 just to replace no spare tire. Batteries are like $500 Very costly to say the least.
LOVE THE TURBO & EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS SUV!
I have owned this super rocket for some time now and I have no complaints. If you can afford this car, I strongly suggest to buy one and you won't regret it. I got this car used at Princeton Porsche, NJ and the car was in immaculate condition, black on black w/ dark wood trimmings. It even smelled like new since the previous owner really took care of this baby. I also had the opportunity of owning a 2006 Range Rover Sport Supercharged (my review is also posted here in edmunds - My supercharged rover! By Rick Respicio on July 26, 2006 23:45pm) but it just can't compare to the Cayenne Turbo. The Cayenne is faster, sportier and more luxurious than the Rover. Test drive one and you'll agree!
Pamela B. Bankert
Fast, powerful, and comfortable with terrific handling. Feels like a Porsche in every respect. Very roomy, with wonderful interior details including a self-adjusting heated steering wheel. Quality thoroughout the vehicle, even in the little details. Unusual enough to be distinctive and to create comments from other drivers! Expensive to maintain with oil changes at the dealership running around $250! Not the best car for the budget-conscious driver, but is predicted to hold it's value. A step above the BMW X5!
What else can go wrong
Not long after owning this vehicle there was a recall for the transmission. It was replaced. Another warranty issue was the radio/cd player rear seat belts and hinge replacement on the tailgate. Since the warranty ran out at(80,000 Kms) all hell broke loose. The driveshaft flex joint went the heater blower, plastic cooling tubes,(now metal), water pump, brake switch(can start without having to apply brake), warning buzzer for lights left on etc., heated seat module, rust under rubber on door window frame, seat belt springs have weakened,(they jam in door), tailgate barely closes, repairs to the tune of approx. $8000.00. What a $140,000 money pit. Don't buy one.
V6, but real "Porsche"
I'm not Porsche enthusiast, but begun to understand their feeling after buying this car. This car is not normal SUV but crossovered sports car. If you like to drive calmly, then just take D range, but if once you take M and always keep 3000-3500 rpm, this car would be drastically changed into real "Porsche". This change is so attractive to me, really fun to drive!
What a ride to hot spring....
Just came back from 4th of July vacation driving off roads near by Black Rock Range in North of Navada. This is my first time off road and the view from my beige leather interior perfectly compliments the dust and sunset outside. Driving on the playa up to 80 mph was like being in a James Bond movie, and when winding up or down the hills was like being in Harry Potter movie where road appears just in front of me by inch. Couple of times, it seems we could have stuck in mud, but with 'long lock' the car just pull itself off effortlessly. We also enjoyed drinving on mini-playas whose surface are so smooth without a single crack.
2004 Porsche Cayenne
The Cayenne Turbo is truly an awesome machine. It's a 911 and a SUV in one. I owned an X5 (which I loved)and thought was a great car, but it falls short of the Turbo by far. It cannot comparied to a VW Touareg or a Cayenne S, there is no comparison. It's worth every penny that I paid for it and I would do it again tomorrow.
04 TURBO owner here!
Great car, super fast, great performance... I wish I was back home in Europe and use it to the limit instead of crusiing 60mph in Cali highways... I like the exterior design more than the latest ones (2012-2013). So musculan! Inside looks bigger to me, again compare to newer ones. Gas consumption might be a problem for some. I am not a commuter and I work 7days. Since I dont have time to drive that much I enjoy when I drive.If you can effort get a new one. Gas mileage is much better.
Not for everyone
My Cayenne V6 is wonderful to drive although the acceleration is slow unless you use the manual mode. The handling is superb and road feel is good with quick response to emergency maneuvers. Visibility is good on both sides. It is fun to drive and you do not get tired driving the car for long distances. I am satisfied with my ownership and driving the Cayenne.
2004 Cayenne S
I've owned this vehicle for 2 months and have had an excellent driving and ownership experience. I am a road warrior and needed a tow vehicle that had some prestige associated with it. Towing 7700 lbs, quiet, plenty of power, excellent handling. If you can afford it, get it!
Boxster S Replacement-Almost as Much Fun
I have owned my 2004 Porsche Cayenne S with 20 inch wheels for 7 months and it has been a great SUV with awesome power and handling. Although, the ride is a bit stiff, I have become accustomed to the ride now. I previously owned a 2001 Boxster S and love it. I sold it last year and have enjoyed driving my Cayenne.
excellent sports car/SUV/luxury car
this car can do it all. It has 450 hp, and still gets 18 mpg freeway. It can take the place of 3 cars. Love the twin turbo engine.....and the wide mouth front. Adjustable suspension is great, as is the stereo, brakes, handling, interior , all the amenities and features of comfort.
Tire Eater
I love this vehicle in its entirety. I also have it's baby sister in a 2004 911, 996 cabriolet turbo. They both have great handling in all situations. The power of the Cayenne is remarkable and it is a joy to drive at high speeds. The Cayenne Turbo "eats" rubber with tires, all four lasting only about 6,000 miles. This appears to be typical of this model and it doesn't matter whether it has winter or summer tires - they all get eaten up by just cruising. I've tried Pirelli, Michelin, Continental and all the same wear problem - they wear out far too soon. Also, it is difficult and time consuming to get the rear seats down - but the drive and handling are far superior to any SUV I've ever driven.
Wonderful CS
This is a sports car on steroids. For its size, it should not be possible to move as efficiently when prompted by the right, or even the left, pedal. Interior is beautiful. Nice lines and great color of black with aluminum accents, very sporting. Really do enjoy driving this car every day. Often take this car out on trips over the 996, and not due to the weather. So glad that we decided on Porsche over the VW. Extra payment well worth knowing I'm driving the best of the best. No regrets. Great handling in wet weather.
I hope you like spending $.
Overall, I can't complain, but I am rather dissapointed. In my opinion, for an oil change to take over an hour (resulting in a bill of over $200) is unacceptable. This problem could be fixed by better design of the underbody allowing for easier basic maintnence. In addition, Tiptronic system sometimes kicks in at random. I was dissapointed when I learned that I had to get a completely different WHEEL to get a snow tire. I espescially do not like the image that I payed $70,000 for my car. Buying Premium gas constantly gets very old, very fast. Also, my familly constantly reminds me of the fact that it looks like a rollerskate. If you like spending money and driving is all you care about go for it
Sports car-like handling in 5k lb truck!
This vehicle continues to amaze me. Braking is second to none. Handling for a large vehicle as this is world- class. How'd they do it is what you'll wonder when you drive it. V8 power is more than sufficient, would not recommend V6 unless you are only picking up groceries and live in snow country. Ride is comfy, not too noisy, plenty of great lux features to please anyone. Beautiful design. Interior is lovely. Faux leather dash is quite nice. Seats offer plenty of adjustments. Nav works really well! Parking sensors are well worth the $. Don't need heated seats as in Southern CA not too cold.
04 Cayenne
I have Owned many SUVs over the years and this is by far the most enjoyable ride.
Porsche Cayenne hot as a pepper
The handling on the vehicle at high speeds around curves is outstanding. My wife has the BMW X-5 and my car outperforms hers in everythig. The navigation systems is also better than what I expected. I compared mine to the one the Mercedez 500 SL convertible and the Cadillac Escalade have, and it's much better (my co- workers have the two other vehicles). The additional lighting when you make turns is also awsome. Parking assist is super as well. There is nothing to complain about in regards to this car.
Engine Failure
I am / was the original owner of a 2004 Cayenne S. I carefully maintained the car with oil changes every 7 to 10K miles, transmission fluid at 80K and the car was not driven hard. Overall the Cayenne was great to drive but extremely expensive to maintain, numerous brake jobs and sets of tires. The real disappointment was this past week after 9 years and 121K miles the engine failed. The issue was a cylinder scoring leading to failure of cylinder one. The Cayenne engine can not be rebuilt and a replacement engine is about $22K installed, used engines are about $8k installed. Upon searching the web the engine failure is not unique and it seems like it is a major issue with old Cayennes.
Long term observations
Mileage is 18 highway at best due to the excessive weight of the car and the big V-8. Overall driving impressions over the past 4 years rate this SUV as med-high. It has a stiff/harsher ride for the rear passengers as the seats do not cushion as well and are over the rear tires.
Great SUV
I LOVE my '04 Cayenne Turbo, except at the gas pump! I am averaging 14.1 MPG, having to add a quart of oil every 2,000 miles or so, and it goes though a set of Pirellis every 10,000 miles or so. Other than that it's perfect. I'm thinking of getting a n 8,000 lb trailer.
great but expensive
Great handling. Tows heavy loads with ease up hill. Points like a sport car on the track (it does have a LOT more mass, though).With active suspension it was surprising to see how little body roll there is when cornering at speed. Off road and in mud and snow the high performance tires are useless, however. Mine came with 20" tires that are great in any condition except snow. In the snow I would recommend the Dunlop WT M2 tires 235/60/R18. No technical or mechanical problems to date. Quart of oil per 600 miles of hard driving used.
Porsche? Never again
Good day, It's with disappointment that I post my review of my Cayenne. I like driving the car, but I've had a lemon and after wrestling with it for three years, I'm giving up. Three Porsche dealers within 1 hr and I'm on a first name basis with each. I've read other posts and it would appear that '05 or newer might be the fix, but this vehicle has been a nightmare from day one. Fun to drive, and GREAT control in winter weather. Also I would be remiss if I didn't say, I was disappointed in the 6 cyl. I went that way for fuel efficiency and it does well. It's just to much of a sacrifice to give up the 8 cyl.
Trouble
First let me say that from the day that I bought the car, there was something very wrong with the allignment. After taking it in 3 or 4 times with the same problems, I was getting frustrated to say the least. Up until this point, everything was "under warranty." Suddenly, when I took the Cayenne infor an oil change & to fix te ongoing problem--when I picked up my car, the bill was $700 for an oil change & balance. Right then I decided to trade it in before something incrediblewent wrong!!
The Great SUV
The SUV is an amazing vehicle. It's an SUV Carrera. The gas mileage is about 20 highway and 15 around town. Not bad for the suburbs. Handling is excellent. Just need an extra aux. pwr up front.
WOW!
I love this car! It is a dream come true! Drives like a sports car but gives you the confidence of a 4wd rig. Fast, classy, well designed!
Join the Herd
Traded one of 911c/2 (cab 6 spd) for CS. Tested at high speed, rides like 996 c/2 only one foot taller. Gas mileage was surprising when I keep my lead foot off. Had 7 BMW (740, 740l, 735, 528, 318c, Z3, 325), 4 MB (430CLK, S430, SL380, S550). This SUV rides like 911 c/2 in an S550 interior.
I hate my Cayenne
Seat comfort is terrible and sitting in them becomes somewhat painful after long trips. Every small road variation is felt as a hard sharp bump; my teeth are getting loose! Fourtunately,my SUV has sept many nights and weeks in the shop tso I can experience a pleasant ride with the Ford loaner.
Nothing else comes close...
This is my first SUV, after many years of BMWs. This car / truck is great! Handles better than all but my M3s! Good on gas for its size - almost 20mpg. Drives all the Detroiters nuts! Needs more low end torque...
great car !
a lot fun !
Poor throttle response
Herky jerky transmission. Push the pedal and wait 4 seconds for the car to move while Dodge Neons zip on by. The car is fast , once the transmission engages. I also own a new c4s and have had several carerra's over the years. I expected better. No help from the dealer either. They just say that's normal.
too much fun
traded in my Lexus LS430, Cayenne is a kick to drive and practical too. I can take kids, dogs, or just lots of stuff. Great on dry pavement, off road, or in the snow.
What a Joy
The build quality of this vehicle is actually better than that of my 2003 SL500. The engineering is incredible-smooth ride, great handling, good acceleration, all in a sport-ute! I am very pleased with this vehicle.
No Spare Tire or Rim
Electrical system and alarm system repeatly failed and went back to dealer three times in the first two months. Also no spare tire or rim and of course I had a flat that could not be repaired . Not able to change tire so towed back to dealer for three hundred and fifty dollar new tire on a car with 400 miles, and dealer cannot put spare in because the subwoofer displaces the space for the spare. no help from Porsche. no
Fun is an understatement
This handles better then any other vehicle I have ever driven. It is a gas around curves even in the high altitude of Colorado. There are some negatives though....I purchased some upgrades that are more nuisance than anything. The back hatch never seems to close & it is supposed to be automatic and I have a "ghost" in my radio, it changes stations on its own. Otherwise I love this vehicle.
Best SUV in the World
The Porsche Turbo is a new breed of SUV. I have never driven a car like it in my life. Turn off the PSM click the transmission into manual and this car is a beast. But in normal traffic it purrs like a tame feline. The Turbo is truly the best auto on the road. Fast, fun, big, nimble and it can even pull my boat. I got it when my previous S version blew a cylinder and they agreed to give it to me for 89,000 down from 99,900. Best deal I have ever made. If you have the $$$ you can not do better.
Cayenne
I use my Cayenne mostly for work and have taken it to Tahoe several times. Clients are very impressed and comfortable and the vehicle is very nimble in the snow and in icy conditions. I plan to tow a 6,000lb boat and will be using the vehicle on impassable logging roads this summer.
Can't beat the performance!!!!
An absolute BEAST !!! This car has so much juice to it.I look at it as a big race car. It handles with precision for a vehicle in its class. It blows away the BMW 4.8. Please drive this vehicle and see for yourself.
Most Practical Porsche
This is the tightest, smoothest, most comfortable, and easiest to drive SUV period. I have owned or driven the BMW X5, Mercedes ML series, Range Rover. They cannot compare. 450 HP and excellent torque at anytime. Some earlier models had the hesitation problem, but Porsche has fixed this with a software update.
Porsche cayenne 2004
This SUV is a bullet, when it comes to take off at the stoplight. The handling is superb. Like a sports sedan. Please get the radar detector as an option! Of course with this performance comes gas consumption. The car behaves disappointing when it comes to regular normal "grocery shopping use". Downward shifting is worthless. Passengers complaints about whiplash are common. Functionality leaves allot to be desired. Finally, the car feels over engineered and several of the ordinary features do not function properly. (four visits to the dealer have not fixed the problems) For a vehicle of $ 65K, you better reevaluate your expectations!
Great Automobile, Should be better!!!!
With a price over $100,000 this vehicle should be near perfect. Don't get me wrong, I love the vehicle, but the design of the back seat, rear window and cargo height are serious problem for me and my 115 pound old english sheep dog. I traded in an ML55 Mercedes for this vehicle and while the Porsche is larger in overall size, there is significantly less head room in the Porsche cargo space, the rear window only goes down half way and the placement of the rear seats in reclined position is old school design and reminds me of my 98 5.9 liter jeep. It also has some shift hesitation problems when trying to accelerate quickly.
Cayenne S
I have enjoyed the Cayenne S and can highly recommend it. I tried out BMW X5 4.6, Range Rover, Lexus GX/LX470, and Toureg V8. I have occasional towing requirements and carry 4 passengers routinely. The Cayenne has the best engine, transmission, and suspension of that group, and its interior design and luxury is on par, too. Several strangers have stopped me and raved about its good looks but it's the driving experience that hooked me. It's a blast!
Would buy another!
I considered an E320 and the new 530i while searching for a new business car. I had not considered the Cayenne until I drove home one night in the ice and snow in my old Land Rover Discovery and decided I needed all wheel drive. I drove the Cayenne S the next week and my decision was made. It is great to drive and feels like a sedan. Although no turbo, I feel the power is ample. All the kids fit in well. The stereo is awesome with the surround sound feature. I read that after I drove it, I may want to trade in my 911 Cab...It's good, but not that good! I'm definitely getting rid of the Discovery.