Porsche Boxster / Cayman 986 S
Porsche's mid-engine two-seater — from the 986 that saved the company to the last flat-six GTS.
13 reviewers · 27 videos · 3 hours watched · 13 press articles
Reviewers strongly agree on its performance and handling, but split on value.
across 13 reviewers
"these things have hit rock bottom in terms of depreciation you can get them for under 15 K and they're just so much value for the money"
Simply Car Things · ▶ 8:19"I break down 5 things I absolutely love about the car... and 5 things that genuinely frustrate me, including some issues you might not expect in a car at this price point."
Performance Road Trips · ▶ 0:00Performance
4.0/513 of 13 reviewersstrong consensus“thesee faster down the straights one quicker through the aplex down the straights I think it's got the edge on the Porsche but through the corners it has not”
positive · Autocar · ▶ 4:04“it'll get you to sexy in a whopping 5.9 seconds to have to say quite impressive”
positive · Men and Motors · ▶ 5:45“the 2.5 seems to really... really is a smoother engine than the 2-liter... it just seems to pull a lot better with the 2.5 litre”
positive · MyRightCar · ▶ 2:26Handling
5.0/513 of 13 reviewersstrong consensus“It's about precision about incredibly balanced handling... The mid-engine design of the Boxster turns any back road into a playground.”
positive · Hello Road · ▶ 2:00“The stability while I'm driving it hard is really good. And it's very easy to drive fast.”
positive · Performance Road Trips · ▶ 0:17“the steering feels so precise it's just heavy enough... it just turns in beautifully doesn't it puts the power down so well”
positive · inCARnation Australia · ▶ 5:55Fun to drive
4.5/513 of 13 reviewersconsensus“it's nearly impossible to drive this vehicle without a huge smile on your face.”
positive · Hello Road · ▶ 2:07“this is basically an understated road legal race car that delivers one of the best driving experiences you can get”
positive · MyRightCar · ▶ 3:53“this is a really fun car to drive it's so responsive”
positive · inCARnation Australia · ▶ 5:11Daily drivability
4.0/512 of 13 reviewersconsensus“it's more practical than the other two cars it's actually got more equipment”
positive · Men and Motors · ▶ 12:08“it is a more habitable interior and all of that adds up to the fact that the porush weighs... it is a more rounded you might argue more complete car”
positive · Autocar · ▶ 7:05“when you just want to relax and cruise the suspension is soft enough that you can have a real comfortable driving it”
positive · Revive My Ride · ▶ 5:17Value
4.5/512 of 13 reviewerssplit“these things have hit rock bottom in terms of depreciation you can get them for under 15 K and they're just so much value for the money”
positive · Simply Car Things · ▶ 8:19“I think it is one of the best values out there if you're looking for a sports car it is a lot of car for the money.”
positive · Hello Road · ▶ 20:17“38,000 pounds for a Porsche is quite the bargain”
positive · Men and Motors · ▶ 12:04Hear 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