Porsche Cayman
The original Porsche Cayman was made from 2006 to 2012, with a second generation offered from 2014 to 2016. After 2016, the original six-cylinder Cayman was replaced by the 718 Cayman, initially with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Regardless of model year, the Cayman remains one of the most desirable sports cars in the world.
The Cayman design has a long history with Porsche, stretching back to the sports-racing cars of the 1950s. The engine is mid-mounted behind the driver and passenger seats, and it drives the rear wheels. This gives the Cayman stellar balance in a light, nimble coupe body.
Explore the evolution of the Porsche Cayman
Get our expert take on used Porsche Cayman models, or view year-by-year changes.
Second generation Porsche Cayman
The second-generation Cayman benefits from a lighter body, even though it's slightly larger and longer than the previous model for improved passenger space and high-speed stability. It also gets more horsepower in the base Cayman and the upmarket Cayman S, both powered by a mid-mounted naturally aspirated (non-turbocharged) flat-six engine. A six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission sends power to the rear wheels.
Other changes from the first generation include a shift from hydraulic to electric-assist power steering, updated exterior styling with wider proportions and a rear lip spoiler, and more prominent intake openings in the front grille and ahead of the rear wheels. Storage space benefits from the mid-engine design, with cargo holds at both ends of the Cayman, giving it surprising practicality, at least by sports car standards.
Model highlights
Two-seat sports car
Mid-mounted six-cylinder engine
Rear-wheel drive
Exceptional handling
Manual or automatic transmission
Changes by year
Latest generation from 2014 - 2016
2016 Porsche Cayman
Highlights
Final year of production for the second-generation Porsche Cayman
No significant changes
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2015 Porsche Cayman
2014 Porsche Cayman
Highlights
First year for the second-generation Porsche Cayman
Larger but lighter than the first-generation model
More powerful flat-six engine
Improved fuel efficiency
Manual and automatic transmissions offered
Learn more
Reliability
RepairPal gave the Porsche Cayman an overall reliability rating of 2.5 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Average. This rating ranks Porsche Cayman 23rd out of 25 among Luxury Compact Cars.
RepairPal reports that the average total annual cost for repairs and maintenance on a Porsche Cayman is $708, compared to an average of $546 for Luxury Compact Cars and $591 for all the vehicles RepairPal considered in its dataset.
According to RepairPal, Porsche Cayman owners bring their vehicles into a repair shop for unscheduled repairs an average of 2.0 times per year, compared to an average of 1.8 times for Luxury Compact Cars and 1.3 times for all the vehicles RepairPal considered in its dataset.
RepairPal reported that the probability of a repair being a severe or major issue is 20% for the Porsche Cayman, compared to an average of 12% for Luxury Compact Cars and 14% for all the vehicles RepairPal considered in its dataset.
Jeff Zurschmeide has been an automotive journalist for more than 20 years, covering the new car business as well as motorsports and industry news. He lives in Tillamook, Oregon, at the confluence of great roads, nice weather, and plenty of space for a collection of strange old automobiles.
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