2003 Porsche Cayenne Review

Porsche long has been a builder of world-class sports cars and winning race cars. It's never made a four-door vehicle--or one that comfortably holds four adults.

Nor has it ever made a big sport-utility vehicle such as its new Cayenne, which is named for a spicy red pepper.

Why now for a Porsche sport-utility? Because this venerable automaker grew tired of seeing high-line sport-utilities from rivals such as BMW and Lexus parked near its sports cars in family garages, and said, "Why not a Porsche sport-ute?''

Why not, indeed? If everyone from BMW to Cadillac can make a sport-utility truck that satisfies a market need, why not Porsche?

Business is business. Lots of profits are generated by upscale sport-utes, which have become all the rage with many folks, including highly visible celebrities. And profits from a sport-utility give small Porsche more vehicle development money to help it retain its cherished independent status while battling auto giants that have swallowed small outfits such as Jaguar and Aston Martin.

The beautifully crafted all-wheel-drive Cayenne was jointly developed up to a point with giant Volkswagen's new Touareg sport-ute to keep costs down, but both automakers then went separate ways. The Cayenne is faster, sportier and costlier than the above-average Touareg (July 21 AutoTimes).

Although handling is very good for a sport-ute, there's no way even Porsche can make a high-topped vehicle that weighs about 5,000 pounds handle like a low-slung sports car.

The Touareg has slicker styling than the Cayenne. But this new Porsche, which looks better in person than in photos, has aerodynamic contours and a muscular stance.

The quiet, sweet-smelling leather interior is quite luxurious, with high quality materials and lots of comfort and convenience equipment. Front seats are very supportive during quick maneuvers, but the traditional Porsche ignition switch location to the left of the steering wheel--a throwback to that spot in race cars--is annoying for right-handed people.

Outside mirrors are large and fold flat against the front side glass for driving or parking in tight spots. But the front-rear obstacle detection system is a good idea because high front fenders obstruct visibility, as does a narrow rear window. The system is standard on the high-line $88,900 Turbo model, and costs $990 for the base $55,900 S version.

Controls aren't easy to figure out at a glance. But two thick, nicely styled grab handles that flank the shift lever aid in getting in and out of this moderately tall vehicle. Easily grasped oversized outside door handles also are a plus.

Four tall adults fit comfortably, and there's room for a third, slim adult in the rear, but the center of the back seat is too hard for anything but short trips.

A big tailgate with a low opening provides easy access to the large cargo area, which can be made more spacious by flipping the rear seat forward. Slipping objects through the open tailgate window into the cargo area can be awkward.

There's no standard spare tire. Rather, a tire sealant and an inflation pump are standard, and an outside mounted spare is optional for $1,800 to $2,300, depending on tire size. The Cayenne comes with standard 18-inch tires, which are plenty big, but 19- and 20-inch tires are optional for sharper handling. I'd opt for the 20-inchers on the Turbo--along with the outside spare.

Porsche says most Cayenne buyers will select the well-equipped base S model with a 340-horsepower V-8. The Turbo model with a twin turbocharged 450-horsepower version of the Cayenne's 4.5-liter engine is the fastest sport-utility on the planet.

Not that the Cayenne S is a slouch. It hits 60 mph in about seven seconds, compared with about five seconds for the Turbo version. Porsche says the S model tops out at 150 mph and that the Turbo can do 165 mph. But the Turbo needs acceleration that is more linear. For instance, my test vehicle moved a little more quickly than expected during acceleration from a standing start. Once rolling, it occasionally called for more-than-expected throttle application to really make it take off.

Both engines work with a responsive six-speed automatic transmission, which can manually be shifted via steering-wheel buttons or the console shifter. It's designed more for ultimate performance than the smoothness you'll get from a Lexus sport-ute transmission.

Fuel economy with the 340-horsepower engine is an estimated 14 mpg in the city and 18 on the highway, while the turbocharged version delivers 13 and 18. Those numbers are about right for such a heavy, powerful sport-utility.

Porsche rarely has fumbled with high-performance vehicles. The Cayenne thus has tough off-road abilities. The automaker says less than five percent of Cayenne owners will use the off-road prowess, but didn't want to make a sport-ute that was good on the road but outdone by rivals during off-road use.

The Cayenne thus has such things as low-range gearing, locking center differential and a self-leveling air suspension with six driver-adjustable heights, with nearly 11 inches of ground clearance for tackling rough terrain. That suspension is standard on the Turbo, and a $3,200 option for the S.

Helping make the Cayenne sure-footed on roads are such things as anti-skid and traction-control systems. The Cayenne easily handled a long Chicago area tollway drive despite a downpour and hailstorm that forced other vehicles to pull off the road.

Steering is quick, with good road feel, and the Cayenne has a tight turning circle. A supple suspension provides a ride that is firm, but not punishing. The brake pedal is soft, but has a linear action. It controls large anti-lock brakes that provide short stops.

Safety features include front side air bags and curtain air bags for front and rear occupants.

While it's no sports car, the Cayenne sets new standards for high-performance sport-utility vehicles.

PORSCHE CAYENNE
Prices:
$55,900-$88,900

Likes:
Fast. Roomy. Posh. Sharp handling. Good off-road abilities.

Dislikes:
Low fuel economy. Turbo model needs better linear power delivery. No standard spare tire.