Porsche Cayenne

Name: 2003 Porsche Cayenne
Brand: Porsche

EPA MPG: NA

RECALL ALERT: There are 9 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 9 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

RECALL ALERT: There are 9 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 9 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

CR's Take

The Cayenne is Porsche's first non-sportscar, a mid-sized, luxury car-based SUV about the size of the BMW X5. Built in Germany and developed together with the Volkswagen Touareg, it comes with a choice of two Porsche V8 engines. It's made predominantly for on-road use rather than trailblazing, although low-range gearing and advanced electronics promise some off-road capability. A starting price of about $56,000 for the 340-hp S model grows to almost $90,000 with the powerful, 450-hp V8 of the Turbo. Like the Land Rover Range Rover, the Turbo has an automatically adjustable ride height, which is optional on the S model.

Reliability Details

Owner Satisfaction Details

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2003 SUVs Reliability

No Data Available

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Owner Reports

Owner Satisfaction

2000

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2025

Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

Porsche vs. Other New Car Brands

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Porsche vs. Other New Car Brands

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Porsche vs. Other New Car Brands

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2003 Luxury midsized SUVs Ratings

2003 Porsche Cayenne

$5,175 - $6,225

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Infiniti FX

$4,250 - $4,800

EPA MPG 18 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Infiniti QX4

$3,675 - $4,325

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Land Rover Range Rover

$4,275

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Lexus RX

$ NA

EPA MPG 20 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Mercedes-Benz M-Class

$3,875 - $4,575

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Volvo V70/XC70

$ NA

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

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Features & Specs

4-door SUV

2 front, 3 rear

AWD

4.5-liter V8 (340 hp)
4.5-liter V8 turbo (450 hp)

6-speed automatic

In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

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Model History

2019-Present

Current Generation

The redesigned Cayenne shares basic components with most of new Audi models and brings new infotainment and driving assistant systems with new connected technology based on cloud computing. The Cayenne is a substantial luxury SUV that drives almost like a sports car. Few SUVs can match it when it comes to handling agility. It can be driven with gusto on winding roads. But the ride has an underlying firmness and some jolts come through. With the base 3.0-liter V6 turbo, acceleration is robust once on the fly but the Cayenne exhibits some initial hesitation off the line and the rough engine stop/start feature undermines smoothness. The infotainment system and other controls are tricky to use. The system was updated in 2024 with a new UI and larger displays. Interior fit and finish is impeccable, however. The seats are very comfortable and supportive. While forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking are standard, blind spot warning is optional. Higher performance versions and a plug-in hybrid are also available.

2011-2018

2011 Redesign Year

A comprehensive 2011 redesign made the Cayenne one of the sportiest, most agile SUVs on the market. Available in V6, V8, turbo V8, and hybrid versions, all have a slick eight-speed automatic transmission. A turbodiesel V6 arrived for 2013. Be apprised though, the diesel came under scrutiny in 2016 for alleged cheating on emissions testing, make sure it passes smog before you buy. The ride is a bit stiff at low speeds, but steady and controlled as you pick up the pace. The cabin is well finished, but many controls are over-complicated. Blind spot monitoring and a rear-view camera are optional.

2008-2010

2008 Redesign Year

Modest styling changes arrived for 2008. Over the road dynamics continue to be among the best in the category, with outstanding steering, handling and braking. The ride is controlled, but very stiff. The complicated nature of the controls might be off-putting for some, but the Cayenne comes across just as luxurious as it is capable. Off road capability is enhanced by low range, center- and rear-differential locks. The body can also be raised to improve ground clearance.

2003-2007

2003 Redesign Year

Porsche's luxury, midsized SUV offers V6 and V8 engines. Low-range gearing and advanced electronics support strong off-road capability. The S and Turbo models are very fast; the Turbo S has even more power. Some controls are overly complicated.