2005-2008 Porsche Boxster and Cayman: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
2007 Porsche Boxster
View the Photo Gallery
View the Photo Gallery
2005-2008 Porsche Boxster and Cayman ▼
- Price Range: $26,500 - $51,700
Reviews & Ratings
Pricing
Explore
Specifications & Safety
Related to Porsche Boxster
Related Reviews
View Another Vehicle
Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 2005-2008 Porsche Boxster and Cayman and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Brake performance
- Acceleration
- Steering/handling
Cons
- Ride (w/ 19-inch tires)
- Cargo room
- Entry/exit
Vehicle Highlights
Porsche redesigned its least-expensive car for 2005, giving it more power, a new interior, and revised styling. Size and weight changed only fractionally from the 1997-2004 version, and Boxster remained a 2-seat convertible with a mid-mounted, horizontally opposed 6-cyl engine. It returned in base and S models, both with a power soft top and heated glass rear window. The base retained a 2.7-liter engine, but with 240 hp vs. 228. The S reprised a 3.2-liter, but with 280 hp vs. 258. A 5-speed manual transmission was standard on the base model. A 6-speed manual was standard on the S, optional on the base. A 5-speed automatic with manual-shift capability via steering-wheel buttons was optional on both. ABS was standard, as was the previously optional traction/antiskid control. Base models traded standard 16-inch wheels for 17s and are available with the 18s standard on the S; 19s were optional on both. Front torso side airbags were included, as were side airbags that deployed from the doors. Options included leather upholstery and a navigation system. An available Sport Chrono Package included a dashboard stopwatch and controls that modified throttle, traction, and suspension systems to suit racetrack-type driving. Also optional was Porsche's Active Suspension Management with normal and sport settings. The S was available with ceramic composite brakes.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Porsche Boxster w/18-in. wheels, manual Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 8 | |
| Fuel Economy | 6 | |
| Ride Quality | 3 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 10 | |
| Quietness | 3 | |
| Controls/Materials | 7 | |
| Interior Room | 4 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 0 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 2 | |
| Value within Class | 7 | |
| Total Score: | 50 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 2005-2008 Porsche Boxster and Cayman. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 2005-2008 Porsche Boxster and Cayman.
Year to Year Changes
2006 Porsche Boxster:
Porsche expanded its line of two-seat midengine sports cars for 2006, adding a hatchback coupe version to the carryover convertibles. The coupe was called Cayman, and it shared its basic design and powertrains with the Boxster.
2007 Porsche Boxster:
A slight horsepower bump for the Boxster marked 2007 for Porsche's line of two-seat midengine sports cars. For '07, the base Boxster gained 5 hp, matching the base Cayman at 245. Boxster S gained 15 hp, matching Cayman S at 295.
2008 Porsche Boxster:
The 2008 Porsche Boxster and Cayman are largely unchanged.
Our road test for the 2005-2008 Porsche Boxster and Cayman includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 2005-2008 Porsche Boxster and Cayman and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 2005-2008 Porsche Boxster and Cayman is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
Boxster and Cayman, particularly the S versions, have smooth, ready power. Though not sports-car ideal, the available automatic transmission is a good substitute for the standard manual. Porsche's 0-60 mph acceleration claims seem credible and are as follows: 5.9 sec for base with manual transmission, 5.2 for S with manual, 6.8 for base automatic, and 6.2 for S with automatic. While we have not had an opportunity to measure with the Boxster, test Cayman S models with manual transmission averaged 20.5-22.8 mpg. Premium-grade fuel is required. With most sporty/performance cars, there is a tradeoff between ride comfort and handling prowess. Boxter and Cayman are no exception. Ride quality in these vehicles largely depends on tire selection. There's little undue harshness on models with 18-inch tires. A test Boxster S with 19s was uncomfortably choppy on all but the smoothest surfaces. The convertibles also display more structural jitter than in BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Honda rivals. The tradeoff is handling that can be described as invigorating. Steering is responsive with tenacious grip in turns. The standard traction/antiskid control aids in driver confidence. Braking is strong. Boxter's and Cayman's engine is mounted behind the seats, which means more mechanical ruckus than in other models with front engines. But most drivers shouldn't mind the precision noises that emanate from these Porsches. Road and wind noise aren't objectionable, though Boxsters are slightly louder than Caymans. Top down noise is prominent in Boxster, but again, it doesn't annoy. Inside, both cars have an orderly control layout, but small, look-alike buttons govern the audio and climate systems. Those are further complicated by the available navigation system. Boxster and Cayman have seats that are exceptionally supportive, and there's enough leg and head room for six-footers. Rear visibility is severely limited in Boxster, and only marginally better in Cayman. Both cars have front and rear cargo bays, and they require careful packing in order to maximize the space available.
Value for the Money
Some less-expensive sports cars challenge Boxster on a fun-per-dollar basis, and some like-priced competitors deliver more outright power. But few match its range of strengths: road manners, mechanical sophistication to satisfy the most discriminating driver, a good dose of everyday usability, and the cachet of the Porsche name.
Some less-expensive sports cars challenge Boxster on a fun-per-dollar basis, and some like-priced competitors deliver more outright power. But few match its range of strengths: road manners, mechanical sophistication to satisfy the most discriminating driver, a good dose of everyday usability, and the cachet of the Porsche name.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Porsche Boxster w/18-in. wheels, manual Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 8 | |
| Fuel Economy | 6 | |
| Ride Quality | 3 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 10 | |
| Quietness | 3 | |
| Controls/Materials | 7 | |
| Interior Room | 4 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 0 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 2 | |
| Value within Class | 7 | |
| Total Score: | 50 |
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer
Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering
and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room,
Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle
rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the
ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Porsche Boxster includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Porsche Boxster .
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search
for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested
solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer,
however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Electrical problem:
Various convenience functions initiated by pressing the buttons on the key may activate unintentionally and dealers have been instructed to deactivate some and/or change the time the button is pressed for activation. (2005-06)
Exhaust system:
A campaign was conducted to replace a clamp on an exhaust system hanger that may allow the pipe to move and point downward. (2005-06)
Headlights:
The nozzles for the headlight washers may pop out during freezing weather. (2005)
Vehicle noise:
Rattling noises from the front are caused by nuts on the stabilizer bar links working loose. (2005)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The
dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the
typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement
costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership
to be slightly higher.
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $1,450 |
| Alternator | $650 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $4,500 |
| Brakes | $1,540 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $1,870 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $1,530 |
| Exhaust System | $780 |
| Radiator | $650 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $1,600 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $1,025 |
Our price chart for this generation Porsche Boxster details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 2008 | |||
| Boxster | $42,500-45,500 | $40,000-42,800 | $31,000-33,200 |
| Boxster S | $49,000-52,000 | $46,100-48,900 | $36,300-38,500 |
| Cayman | $45,500-48,500 | $42,800-45,600 | $33,700-35,900 |
| Cayman S | $52,500-55,000 | $49,400-51,700 | $39,400-41,300 |
| 2007 | |||
| Boxster | $37,500-39,500 | $34,900-36,700 | $26,600-28,000 |
| Boxster S | $43,000-45,000 | $40,400-42,300 | $31,400-32,900 |
| Cayman | $40,000-42,500 | $37,200-39,500 | $28,800-30,600 |
| Cayman S | $46,000-48,500 | $43,200-45,600 | $34,000-35,900 |
| 2006 | |||
| Boxster | $32,500-34,000 | $30,200-31,600 | $22,800-23,800 |
| Boxster S | $37,500-39,500 | $34,900-36,700 | $26,600-28,000 |
| Cayman S | $41,500-44,000 | $39,000-41,400 | $30,300-32,100 |
| 2005 | |||
| Boxster | $28,500-30,000 | $26,500-27,900 | $19,400-20,400 |
| Boxster S | $33,000-35,000 | $30,700-32,600 | $23,400-24,900 |
|
|
|||
This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings;
engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or
abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations
reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car
lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical
amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo,
etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep
in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from
region to region.
Specs for this generation Porsche Boxster include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 2-door convertible | 2-door hatchback |
| Wheelbase, in. | 95.1 | 95.1 |
| Overall Length, in. | 17.6 | 172.1 |
| Overall Width, in. | 70.9 | 70.9 |
| Overall Height, in. | 51.0 | 51.4 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 2855 | 2954 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 9.5 | 14.1 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 16.9 | 19.6 |
| Seating Capacity | 2 | 2 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 38.4 | -- |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 41.6 | -- |
| Rear Head Room, in. | -- | -- |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | -- | -- |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
For 2005, Boxster remains a 2-seat convertible with a mid-mounted, horizontally-opposed 6-cyl engine. The base retains a 2.7-liter engine, but has 240 hp vs. 228. The S reprises a 3.2-liter, but with 280 hp vs. 258. A 5-speed manual transmission is standard on the base model. A 6-speed manual is standard on the S, optional on the base. A 5-speed automatic with manual-shift capability via steering-wheel buttons is optional on both. Model-year 2006's Cayman has the same 6-cyl engine with 245 hp for 2006, the Cayman S 295. All variants offer a choice of 6-speed manual transmission or 5-speed automatic; base models are also available with a 5-speed manual. For '07, the base Boxster gains 5 hp, matching the base Cayman at 245. Boxster S gains 15 hp, matching Cayman S at 295.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| dohc H6 | 3.2 / 194 | 280-295 | 236 | 6-speed manual: 19/27 5-speed automatic: 18/27 |
6-speed manual: -- 5-speed automatic: -- |
| dohc H6 | 3.4 / 207 | 295 | 251 | 6-speed manual: 20/28 5-speed automatic: 20/27 |
6-speed manual: 21.7 5-speed automatic: -- |
| dohc H6 | 2.7 / 164 | 240-245 | 199 | 5-speed manual: 20/29 6-speed manual: 20/28 5-speed automatic: 18/26 |
5-speed manual: -- 6-speed manual: -- 5-speed automatic: -- |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||||
Built In: Germany, Finland
Drive Wheels: longitudinal mid-engine/rear-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Porsche Boxster include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
Vehicle crash test information not available at this time.The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Car Buying Resources
Search
Local Listings
Vehicle
History Report
FREE CARFAX Record Check
Looking at a used car, check for costly hidden problems before
you buy.
