Best Reviewed
Sports Cars
- Best bargain sports car 2009 Nissan 370Z *Est. $29930
- Most refined sports car 2009 Porsche Cayman *Est. $50300
- Best supercar 2010 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 *Est. $108880
- Tech-lover's sports car 2010 Nissan GT-R *Est. $80790
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- Outstanding performance/handling
- Everyday comfort
- Fuel economy
- Quick power soft top operation
- Good cargo space
- Road and wind noise
- Cluttered/small interior controls
- Plain cabin looks inexpensive
The Porsche Boxster roadster (*est. $45,800 to $59,900) and Cayman coupe (*est. $49,400 to $59,100) are both based on the same mid-engine chassis and are powered by a flat six-cylinder engine. Regardless of body style or engine, reviewers are unanimous in praising the remarkable handling, quick throttle response and high fun-to-drive factor.
For the price, these two-seat Porsche models hold their own against more-expensive cars, reviewers say. Direct competitors include the Lotus Elise (*est. $46,270 to $54,500) or Exige (*est. $61,000 to $67,995), the BMW Z4 (*est. $36,400 to $42,400) and the Mercedes SLK-Class (*est. $44,150 to $63,200). But most reviewers declare that the better choice is the Porsche. Some critics take note of the austere cabin's fussy controls and high noise level.
We've grouped the Porsche Boxster and Cayman together, but most reviews treat them as separate models. Edmunds.com has the best comprehensive reviews of both models. Good reviews can also be found at TheCarConnection.com, Cars.com and Consumer Reports magazine. Automobile magazine names the Boxster/Cayman one of its "All-Stars" for 2008.
Our Sources
1. Edmunds.com
Edmunds.com says the Porsche Boxster "is a pure sports car and embodies all that we love about Porsche." They note that the "ample options list makes it highly customizable," but add that all those options can quickly run up the price.
Review: 2008 Porsche Boxster Review, Editors of Edmunds.com
2. Motor TrendDetails/Subscribe
Reynolds compares three two-seat German roadsters with similar prices and six-cylinder power. The winner is the Porsche Boxster, the test's best all-round performer with a "full-strength dose of sports-car charisma."
Review: Comparison: 2007 Audi TT 3.2 Quattro vs. 2007 BMW Z4 3.0si vs. 2007 Porsche Boxster, Kim Reynolds
3. ConsumerReports.orgDetails/Subscribe
Editors have separate reports for both the Porsche Boxster and Cayman, based on previous-year models that are not significantly different. One unique aspect of Consumer Reports is its data on historical reliability, as compiled in large owner surveys.
Review: 2008 Porsche Boxster and Cayman Reviews, Editors of Consumer Reports
Thanks to "brilliant road manners," the Porsche Boxster is "an ideal companion for any twisty road," Padgett says. Dislikes include the audio system for "iffy sound quality and too many buttons."
Review: 2008 Porsche Boxster Review, Marty Padgett
5. Automobile.comDetails/Subscribe
Cammisa names a Car of the Year along with "All-Star" picks that just miss that coveted title. Among the 10 All-Stars are the Porsche Boxster and Cayman, called "exquisite to drive." Everyday practicality is praised as well.
Review: All-Star: 2008 Porsche Boxster/Cayman, Jason Cammisa
6. AskMen.com
Alexis compares the Porsche Boxster with the Mercedes SLK280. The SLK wins because of its strong performance and "edgier" looks. The "stellar" Boxster is still called "highly desirable, practical and fun to drive."
Review: Porsche Boxster vs. Mercedes SLK280, Kristian Alexis
7. Cars.com
Cars.com names the Porsche Boxster and Cayman "Best Bets." The Boxster review is a good description with a summary of pros and cons but doesn't offer driving impressions. A separate review of the Cayman is similar.
Review: 2008 Porsche Boxster Review, Editors of Cars.com
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