2004 Porsche Cayenne Review

The Porsche Cayenne sport-utility vehicle helped generate record profits last year and has dramatically increased sales for this small-but-prestigious German outfit -- the world's last independent automaker of note.

Porsche sales in this country through May this year totaled 7,145 Cayennes and 5,756 sports cars.

Porsche watched in dismay before the Cayenne arrived in March 2003 as people bought its 911 and Boxster sports cars --then also bought upscale sport-utility vehicles from automakers such as BMW or Lexus because Porsche had no sport-ute.

If Cadillac and Lexus could make a sport-ute, why not Porsche -- although the Cayenne is controversial because it is Porsche's first non-sports car.

Developing any new vehicle is costly, so Porsche worked with Volkswagen to split costs when developing the Cayenne. The two automakers worked together in the 1970s on a fairly low-priced mid-engine sports car with the Porsche badge, but it never was accepted by Porsche buffs.

The Porsche version of the sport-ute shares its basic design with the new Volkswagen Touareg sport-utility, but is faster and sportier.

Added for 2004 is an entry level Cayenne with a modified 3.2-liter Volkswagen Touareg V-6 engine, which develops 247 horsepower.

The new model drops the Cayenne's list price to $42,900. Continued are the $55,900 Cayenne S version with a 4.5-liter V-8 that kicks out 340 horsepower and a ferocious $88,900 Turbo model with twin turbochargers and 450 horsepower.

I recently tested the S version and found it would sometimes hesitate before accelerating, then rush ahead with a jerk -- and had the same problem with the Turbo I tested last year. Porsche said I had "early production models'' and that the acceleration problem has been fixed for both versions of the Cayenne.

The S isn't as fast as you might suspect because it weighs 4,950-5,650 pounds, depending on options. The 0-60 mph run takes 7.2 seconds, which makes it considerably slower than a Porsche sports car. The 247-horsepower version is only moderately fast, with a 0-60 time of about 9 seconds. But the Turbo version scoots to 60 in 5.5 seconds.

All engines work with a six-speed automatic transmission with manual shift capability via steering wheel buttons or the console shifter. A purely manual gearbox for the entry Cayenne arrives this fall and probably will lower its price.

Estimated fuel economy is 15 in the city and 19 on the highway with the V-6. It's 14 city and 18 highway with the S and just 13 and just 18 with the turbocharged engine.

The Cayenne has an all-wheel-drive system with low-range gearing and a locking center differential that enables it to tackle rugged terrain. Even NASA called on Porsche's all-wheel-drive expertise to help develop the lunar rover vehicle. But how many Cayenne owners risk paint scratches on such a costly, upscale SUV by taking it off road?

The Cayenne has smooth styling, with a front end reminiscent of the classic 911 sports car, but it won't win beauty contests. However, it's among the best-handling, fastest-stopping sport-utes. The steering is heavy at low speeds, though. And, while braking is amazingly good, the pedal has a slightly springy feel. The ride is decent, but some bumps jar occupants.

Even the Cayenne entry model has a long list of standard comfort and convenience equipment, including leather upholstery, along with plenty of safety features such as anti-lock brakes, anti-skid system and curtain side air bags.

The S adds items such as rear side air bags and dual-zone automatic climate control, while the Turbo has items including a front-rear obstacle detection system, heated front and rear seats and even a heated power tilt-telescoping steering wheel.

There are plenty of options, and most are costly. A worthwhile option is the self-leveling air suspension; it's optional for $3,200 on the base and S models and standard on the Turbo.

No spare tire is standard. A space-saver spare is $170, while an outside-mounted spare tire costs $1,450-$1,800, depending on the model.

It's fairly easy to get in and out of the quiet, upscale interior, which has Porsche's traditional awkward ignition switch location to the left of the steering wheel -- a throwback to old Porsche race cars. Doors have big outside handles and open wide, but rear doorways are rather narrow.

Occupants sit high, although the interior almost makes you feel as if you're in a sports car, with supportive front seats and easily read gauges. Climate controls are large, but have an odd design, and audio system controls are small. Large windshield posts occasionally block the view, and a narrow rear window hinders visibility.

The large cargo area has a wide, moderately high opening, but putting objects through the open tailgate window is awkward. More cargo room can be gotten by flipping the rear seatbacks forward, although the headrests must be removed and stowed.

The solidly built Cayenne is no 911 or Boxster but is among the sportiest sport-utility vehicles. Those who want a Porsche sports car but need a sport-utility vehicle should be satisfied with it.

2004 PORSCHE CAYENNE

Prices
$42,900-$88,900

Likes
Fast. Excellent handling. Roomy.

Dislikes
Nondescript styling. Low fuel economy. No spare tire.