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Porsche Boxster / Cayman 986

Boxster (986)1997–2004

Porsche's mid-engine two-seater — from the 986 that saved the company to the last flat-six GTS.

7 reviewers · 14 videos · 4 hours watched · 13 press articles

Generations
9861997–2004986 S2000–20049872005–2012987 S2005–20129812013–2016981 S2013–2016981 GTS2015–20169822017–2025982 S2017–2025982 GTS2018–2025
// 00 the verdict

Reviewers strongly agree on its performance and handling, but split on daily drivability.

across 7 reviewers

// where reviewers split
Daily drivability
6 say · liveable

"you'll never be in a German car where you're like lacking for headro"

TFLnow · ▶ 3:54
1 say · critical

"how would you put your friends in the Porsche"

The Fast Lane Car · ▶ 10:37
// the categories
// 01

Performance

3.5/57 of 7 reviewersconsensus

“It's also got the most horsepower of the three at 250 horsepower. ... It just builds power so linearly.”

positive · Gaijin Touge · ▶ 13:50

“2.5 liters flat 6 about 200 horsepower 180 pound-feet of torque it's not fast nor was it really intended to be”

EverydayDriver · ▶ 12:10

“this had 250 horsepower when it was new”

The Fast Lane Car · ▶ 4:56
// 02

Handling

4.5/57 of 7 reviewersstrong consensus

“It's the dynamics it's the weight transfer it's the mid-engine beautiful handling that it has the balance how neutral it is it just speaks to me.”

positive · EverydayDriver · ▶ 14:35

“once into pocono's curves however the Porsche quickly pushed its way to the front offering better balance than any rear engined Porsche ever did”

positive · MotorWeek · ▶ 5:45

“it still drives like a go-cart even now and this is just a pure driving fun”

positive · Autogefuhl · ▶ 12:56
// 03

Fun to drive

4.5/57 of 7 reviewersstrong consensus

“This is my car this is the one that i want.”

positive · EverydayDriver · ▶ 16:20

“it's remarkable handling competition grade powertrain and striking styling all in a package that's forgiving yet offers a true Porsche feel makes it our Undisputed number one”

positive · MotorWeek · ▶ 7:58

“you really get this old-school vibe here when driving the vehicle”

positive · Autogefuhl · ▶ 14:16
// 04

Daily drivability

4.0/57 of 7 reviewerssplit

“you'll never be in a German car where you're like lacking for headro”

positive · TFLnow · ▶ 3:54

“this cabin is so much more spacious than the Miatas. And of course, you're taking a 300lb weight penalty, but for a bigger guy, I think you'd probably want to get this car.”

positive · Gaijin Touge · ▶ 7:24

“I'm always surprised by how roomy these cars are I've got plenty of room for my body my legs my shoulders.”

positive · EverydayDriver · ▶ 11:40
// 05

Value

4.0/57 of 7 reviewersconsensus

“this is a lot of car for the money”

positive · EverydayDriver · ▶ 53:24

“I think for 6K that boxer is that's a good deal it's pretty awesome”

positive · TFLnow · ▶ 5:04

“It's somehow the cheapest of this bunch all while being the most composed and refined.”

positive · Gaijin Touge · ▶ 23:16

Hear it in the reviewer’s words

The T Junction
Posted Mar 13, 2025Open on YouTube
Carfection
Posted Dec 24, 2021Open on YouTube
Hagerty
Posted Aug 13, 2021Open on YouTube
Head to head
From the press · 13 articles
EngineM96
Power225 hp
TX5-speed manual or 5-speed Tiptronic
Curb2,750 lb
Manual✓ available