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2003 Porsche Cayenne
Date Published: 7/31/08

2003 Porsche Cayenne
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MSRP:
$55,900 - 88,900

Invoice:
$48,765 - 77,657

Class:
Premium Midsize Sport-utility Vehicle
2003 Porsche Cayenne
Expert Rating Summary
Category S w/18-inch wheels Rating (See All
Ratings)
Premium Midsize Sport-utility Vehicle Average Rating
Acceleration 7 5.8
Fuel Economy 3 3.1
Ride Quality 6 4.6
Steering/Handling/Braking 7 5.1
Quietness 7 5.4
Controls 5 5.7
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front) 7 7.3
Room/Comfort (rear) 5 5.9
Cargo Room 7 7.5
Value within Class 4 5.2
Total Score: 58 55.6
Ratings: Maximum 10 points per category
2003 PORSCHE CAYENNE BUYING RESOURCES
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2003 Porsche Cayenne Review
Cayenne is Porsche's first SUV. Named for the spicy pepper, this 5-passenger, all-wheel-drive unibody wagon shares its basic design with Volkswagen's new Touareg SUV. However, Cayenne is more expensive than Touareg and has its own engines and styling. It uses a 4.5-liter V8 and a 6-speed automatic transmission with manual-shift capability via steering-wheel buttons or console lever. The S model has 340 hp, the Turbo model has 450. Cayenne's AWD system is designed for severe off-road use and has low-range gearing and a locking center differential. ABS and antiskid/traction control are standard. Optional on S and standard on the Turbo is a self-leveling air suspension with six driver-adjustable heights, including 10.7 inches of off-road clearance. Towing capacity is 7716 lb. Leather upholstery and 18-inch wheels are standard; 19s and 20s are optional. The liftgate has separate-opening glass. Included on the Turbo and optional on S are heated steering wheel and seats, steering-linked bi-xenon headlamps, navigation system, and obstacle warning.
Competition
Luxury SUVs vary in size and type, including former members of both the Full-size and Midsize SUV classes, along with a few all-new models. All offer higher standards of workmanship, comfort, refinement, and pricing than other SUVs.

Our Best Buys are Acura MDX and Toyota Land Cruiser. Both are extremely capable on-road and offer roomy interiors that feature quality workmanship and materials. MDX gets slightly better fuel economy and is more reasonably priced. Land Cruiser offers a V8 engine, rugged body-on-frame chassis, and true off-road ability.

Though rugged and trucky, the Recommended Mercedes-Benz M-Class is spacious, offers a variety of model and engine choices, and numerous safety features. If you don't venture too far off-road, take a look at the car-based Lexus RX 300. Recommended based on price, refinement, and luxury appointments.
News
Cayenne is just muscling its way onto the scene, but there's already talk of an ultra-buffed Clubsport model with a twin-turbo 5.5-liter V8 and--no kidding--around 600 hp. Said to be due for 2005 or '06, it's one of several high-power Clubsport Porsches being planned for the next few years. Rumored price: a cool $100,000-plus.
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