2003 Porsche Cayenne: Road Test
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2003 Porsche Cayenne ▼
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- MSRP: $55,900 -$88,900
- Invoice: $48,765 -$77,657
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Our road test for the 2003 Porsche Cayenne includes a full evaluation of the 2003 Porsche Cayenne from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2003 Porsche Cayenne, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2003 Porsche Cayenne help you decide if a 2003 Porsche Cayenne is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| S w/18-inch wheels | S w/20-inch wheels | Turbo w/20-inch wheels | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 8 | 5.8 |
No opportunity to time. Porsche pegs S at about 7 sec 0-60 mph, Turbo at about 5.5. Both feel very strong, but frustrate with nonlinear power delivery. S requires more-than-expected throttle application to really zip. Turbo responds with less-than-expected power in some situations, more-than needed in others.
FUEL ECONOMY
| S w/18-inch wheels | S w/20-inch wheels | Turbo w/20-inch wheels | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 3.1 |
Test Turbo averaged 14.8 mpg. No opportunity to measure with S model. Both engines require premium-grade fuel.
RIDE QUALITY
| S w/18-inch wheels | S w/20-inch wheels | Turbo w/20-inch wheels | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 4 | 4 | 4.6 |
Taut always, but best with standard 18-inch tires. Short sidewalls on 19s and 20s mean poor bump-absorption. Even so, only sharp potholes jar. Suspension firms progressively through Comfort, Normal, Sport modes. Some unwanted rebounding in Comfort. Sport jiggles on even gentle ripples.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| S w/18-inch wheels | S w/20-inch wheels | Turbo w/20-inch wheels | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 5.1 |
Constant power feed of 38-percent front, 62-percent rear delivers high-performance-sedan feel. Communicative steering. Unerring grip even in bumpy turns. Excellent directional stability. Arresting brakes, though test Turbo's squeaked upon application. Summer tires standard, so winter traction a question mark. In snow regions, we recommend use of all-season tires available through Porsche dealers. Cayenne impressive off-road on available all-terrain tires.
QUIETNESS
| S w/18-inch wheels | S w/20-inch wheels | Turbo w/20-inch wheels | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 6 | 6 | 5.4 |
Little wind rush below 80 mph. Appropriate exhaust growl; hint of whistle on Turbo. Twenty-inch tires broadcast all but smooth surfaces.
CONTROLS
| S w/18-inch wheels | S w/20-inch wheels | Turbo w/20-inch wheels | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5.7 |
Dashboard has lots of buttons, conveys lots of information. Predrive familiarization required. Gauge cluster busy with 6 analog dials, various digital readouts. Small audio buttons contrast with simple toggles for climate, suspension, transfer-case adjustments. Navigation system not activated on test vehicles. Cabin's mix of leather, wood, aluminum classy but not opulent.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| S w/18-inch wheels | S w/20-inch wheels | Turbo w/20-inch wheels | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7.3 |
Adequate head room. Generous seat travel. Excellent lateral support, though seat bottoms may pinch some physiques. Standard tilt/telescope wheel. Great forward visibility. Large outside mirrors, but headrest obstruction and narrow rear window make rear-obstacle detection a good idea. Slight step-up into cabin, but no-fuss entry/exit. Optional Proximity keyless entry needlessly complicates locking and unlocking.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| S w/18-inch wheels | S w/20-inch wheels | Turbo w/20-inch wheels | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5.9 |
Adequate head room. Good leg, toe space. Cushion supportive, but too firm for some testers. Elevated "theater" seating would give airier feel. Doors open wide, but passengers need to twist ankles to clear door frames on exit.
CARGO ROOM
| S w/18-inch wheels | S w/20-inch wheels | Turbo w/20-inch wheels | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7.5 |
With rear seat up, good but not expansive for an SUV. Seat splits 60/40 and folds flat for plenty of space, but you must first flip cushions, then remove and stow headrests. Awkward reach through open tailgate window into cargo bay. Adequate cabin storage. Two front, two rear cupholders. No spare tire included; must specify space-saver spare or buy outside tire mount.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| S w/18-inch wheels | S w/20-inch wheels | Turbo w/20-inch wheels | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 3 | 2 | 5.2 |
Seeking a stable source of revenue against the ups and downs of the fickle sports-car market, Porsche chose the healthy luxury-SUV segment, a category familiar to its clientele. Cayenne impresses with engineering and solidity, and does many things well. But it's pricey even among premium SUVs, and the sometimes unpredictable delivery of power is at odds with the uncompromised behavior expected of a V8 Porsche.
Total Score
| S w/18-inch wheels | S w/20-inch wheels | Turbo w/20-inch wheels | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 58 | 54 | 54 | 55.6 |
Total Score: 55
Scores for all Premium Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles
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