Porsche Boxster / Cayman 986
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
Reviewers strongly agree on its performance and handling, but split on daily drivability.
across 7 reviewers
"you'll never be in a German car where you're like lacking for headro"
TFLnow · ▶ 3:54"how would you put your friends in the Porsche"
The Fast Lane Car · ▶ 10:37Performance
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 · ▶ 4:56Handling
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 · ▶ 12:56Fun 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 · ▶ 14:16Daily 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 · ▶ 11:40Value
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 · ▶ 23:16Hear it in the reviewer’s words
- Top Gear
Porsche 718 GTS 4.0 review: the 6cyl Cayman is back! Reviews 2026 | Top Gear
◆BuyThe 718 GTS 4.0 is a triumphant return to form for the Cayman, offering a class-leading chassis paired with a naturally aspirated flat-six that enthusiasts have been craving.
- Best for
- Enthusiasts who prioritize engine character, linear power delivery, and manual transmission engagement.
- Watch out
- Frustratingly long gear ratios · Particulate filter slightly muffles exhaust sound
1,406 wordsOpen articleQuotes worth your time - Top Gear
Porsche 718 Cayman GTS Driving, Engines & Performance | Top Gear
◆Worth itThe 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 is a beautifully balanced, naturally aspirated sports car that prioritizes engagement and character over raw numbers.
- Best for
- Enthusiasts who value mechanical purity, steering feel, and daily usability in a sports car.
- Watch out
- Long gearing · High-RPM torque peak · Motorway road noise
1,084 wordsOpen articleQuotes worth your time - Top Gear
Porsche 718 Cayman GTS review: the world's best sports car? Reviews 2026 | Top Gear
◆Worth it, with caveatsA fabulous, balanced sports car that offers more intensity than the base model, though the 718's four-cylinder transition has slightly dulled the perfection of the previous generation.
- Best for
- Enthusiasts who want more power and are willing to trade some ride comfort for intensity.
- Watch out
- Abrupt ride quality · Four-cylinder engine lacks the character of the old six · Expensive options list
1,444 wordsOpen articleQuotes worth your time - Top Gear
Porsche 718 Cayman GTS Review 2026 | Top Gear
◆BuyThe 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 is arguably the best car Porsche builds right now, offering a perfect balance of performance, sound, and daily usability.
- Best for
- Enthusiasts who want a daily-drivable sports car with a naturally aspirated flat-six engine.
- Watch out
- Gearing is too long
1,222 wordsOpen articleQuotes worth your time - Top Gear
Porsche 718 Cayman Review 2026 | Top Gear
◆Worth itThe 718 Cayman remains a benchmark sports car, though the base four-cylinder engines lack the character of the older flat-sixes; the GTS and GT4 models are the true standouts.
- Best for
- Drivers seeking a complete, daily-usable sports car who don't require rear seats.
- Watch out
- gruff sound of 4-cylinder engines · high price of upper trims
763 wordsOpen articleQuotes worth your time - MotorTrend
2021 Porsche 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 First Drive
◆BuyThe 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 is a masterclass in sports car engineering, offering a perfect blend of naturally aspirated performance and daily usability.
- Best for
- Enthusiasts seeking a modern Porsche with the soul and sound of a traditional naturally aspirated flat-six.
- Watch out
- Long second gear ratio · Slight weight penalty over the S model
1,622 wordsOpen articleQuotes worth your time - MotorTrend
2021 Porsche 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 First Test Review: GT4 Goodness at a Deep Discount
◆BuyThe 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 is a masterclass in balance, offering nearly identical performance to the GT4 while being significantly more comfortable for daily use.
- Best for
- Enthusiasts who want a high-performance Porsche that can handle both track days and daily commuting.
- Watch out
- Less aggressive tire compound than the GT4 · Cast iron rotors instead of carbon-ceramics
501 wordsOpen articleQuotes worth your time - Road & Track
Porsche Cayman GTS 4.0 Review: Brilliant No Matter Which Transmission
◆Worth itThe Cayman GTS 4.0 remains a brilliant driver's car regardless of transmission, with the PDK offering a mature, highly capable alternative to the manual without sacrificing engagement.
- Best for
- Enthusiasts who want a daily-drivable sports car that excels on both track and road.
- Watch out
- Cramped pedal box · Small side mirrors · Stiff ride on long trips · Stop/start system stutter
1,138 wordsOpen articleQuotes worth your time











