2007 Porsche 718 Cayman Overview, Reviews, Ratings & Specs

The Good

The 2007 Porsche 718 Cayman (987.1) offers thrilling mid-engine performance, delivering an unparalleled driving experience for emotional buyers. Practically, it boasts surprisingly good everyday usability, a high-quality cabin, and respectable reliability for a sports car. Its timeless design and strong residual value appeal to both aesthetic sensibilities and financial prudence, making it a well-rounded and desirable vehicle.

The Bad

Potential weaknesses for the 2007 Porsche 718 Cayman (987.1) include the infrequent but serious IMS bearing failure (though less common than 986/996), and more notably, bore scoring in the 3.4L S engine. Rear Main Seal (RMS) leaks are also a concern, alongside typical high Porsche maintenance and repair costs, especially for worn suspension components.

2007 Porsche 718 Cayman: Quick Overview

Here is a summary of key specifications for the 2007 Porsche 718 Cayman (referring to the 987.1 generation Cayman):

• Engine Options:
  
  • 2.7L Flat-6 (Base Cayman)
  • 3.4L Flat-6 (Cayman S)
• Horsepower:
  
  • 245 hp (2.7L)
  • 295 hp (3.4L)
• Fuel Economy (EPA Estimates - city/highway):
  
  • 2.7L: ~19 MPG city / 27 MPG highway (manual), ~18 MPG city / 26 MPG highway (Tiptronic S)
  • 3.4L: ~18 MPG city / 26 MPG highway (manual), ~18 MPG city / 25 MPG highway (Tiptronic S)
• 0-60 mph Times:
  
  • 2.7L: ~5.8 seconds (manual), ~6.3 seconds (Tiptronic S)
  • 3.4L: ~5.1 seconds (manual), ~5.4 seconds (Tiptronic S)
• Towing Capacity: Not applicable (sports car).
• Trim-Level Features (2007 Cayman 987.1):
  
  • Cayman (Base):
    
    • 2.7L 245 hp engine
    • 5-speed manual transmission (optional 6-speed manual or 5-speed Tiptronic S automatic)
    • 17-inch alloy wheels
    • Automatic climate control
    • Partial leather seats
    • CDR-24 audio system
    • Power windows, mirrors, and locks
    • Porsche Stability Management (PSM)
    • Front and side airbags
  • Cayman S:
    
    • 3.4L 295 hp engine
    • 6-speed manual transmission (optional 5-speed Tiptronic S automatic)
    • 18-inch alloy wheels
    • Red brake calipers (larger brakes)
    • Sports exhaust system
    • Bi-xenon headlamps
    • Standard partial leather sport seats
  • Common Optional Features (available on both, more prevalent on S):
    
    • Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) with adjustable damping
    • Sport Chrono Package (adds dashboard stopwatch, quicker throttle response, revised PSM settings)
    • Porsche Communication Management (PCM) with navigation
    • Bose surround sound system
    • Full leather interior
    • Heated seats
    • Adaptive sport seats
    • 19-inch wheels
    • Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes (PCCB) – a very rare and expensive option

2007 Porsche 718 Cayman Specifications

Vehicle History Report

What Problems Does the 2007 Porsche 718 Cayman Have?

• IMS Bearing (Intermediate Shaft Bearing): While the 987.1 generation (2006-2008) utilized a larger, more robust, non-serviceable IMS bearing compared to the earlier 986 Boxster and 996 911, it remains a rare but catastrophic potential failure point for some owners. Failures are significantly less common than in earlier generations, but concern persists.
• Bore Scoring: This is a more prominent and serious concern, particularly for the 3.4L M97 engine found in the Cayman S. It involves damage to the cylinder walls, leading to excessive oil consumption, misfires, and ultimately necessitating an expensive engine rebuild or replacement. It's often exacerbated by short trips, cold weather operation, and oiling deficiencies. A thorough pre-purchase inspection is vital for S models.
• Rear Main Seal (RMS) Leaks: Fairly common, these leaks typically manifest as minor oil drips from the crankshaft's rear seal. While not usually catastrophic, they can be messy and require attention, often addressed during clutch replacement when the engine/transmission assembly is separated.
• Coolant Expansion Tank: The plastic coolant expansion tank is prone to cracking and leaking over time due due to heat cycling and material degradation. This is a relatively common and not overly expensive replacement item.
• Water Pump: The water pump is a known wear item, often requiring replacement in the 60,000 to 80,000-mile range. Failure can lead to overheating.
• Air-Oil Separator (AOS): A failing AOS can cause excessive white or blue smoke from the exhaust, high oil consumption, and potentially a vacuum leak, impacting engine performance.
• Ignition Coils: As these vehicles age, ignition coils can degrade and fail, leading to engine misfires and rough idling.
• Suspension Components: Bushings, control arms, and shock absorbers are wear items that will eventually need replacement, especially on cars driven hard or on rough roads.
• Recalls: For the 2007 model year Cayman (987.1), specific recalls have been issued, such as NHTSA Campaign Number 06V386000 concerning the luggage compartment lid potentially opening while driving, and NHTSA Campaign Number 07V078000 for power steering fluid leaks. It's always crucial to check a specific VIN for any open recalls.
• Long-Term Reliability: Overall, the 987.1 Cayman is considered reliable for a high-performance sports car, provided it receives diligent and specialized maintenance. Preventative care and prompt attention to emerging issues are key to its longevity.

How long will the 2007 Porsche 718 Cayman last?

What Technology & Safety Features are Included?

• Built-in Tech & Entertainment (Standard):
  
  • Standard equipment included automatic climate control for cabin comfort.
  • The base audio system was the CDR-24, featuring an AM/FM radio and a CD player.
  • Essential power amenities like power windows, mirrors, and door locks were standard.
  • A multi-function display within the instrument cluster provided critical vehicle data.
• Optional Tech & Entertainment:
  
  • Porsche Communication Management (PCM): This integrated system offered an upgraded radio, a CD changer, and a navigation system displayed on a small color screen. Bluetooth connectivity was a rudimentary and often problematic option.
  • Bose Surround Sound System: A premium audio upgrade for enhanced acoustic experience.
  • Sport Chrono Package: While primarily a performance enhancement, it included a dashboard-mounted stopwatch and integrated with PCM to display performance metrics.
  • Heated seats and adaptive sport seats with increased bolstering and power adjustments were available comfort options.
• Driver-Assistance Features:
  
  • Sophisticated modern driver-assistance systems like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, or blind-spot monitoring were not available in 2007. The car's exceptional handling and direct feedback served as its primary "driver assistance."
  • Rear ParkAssist, a system of parking sensors, was an optional convenience feature.
• Safety Features (Standard):
  
  • Porsche Stability Management (PSM): Porsche's advanced electronic stability control system, which integrated Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), traction control, and electronic brake force distribution. It could be partially or fully deactivated by the driver.
  • Airbags: Dual front airbags were standard, along with Porsche Side Impact Protection System (POSIP), which included thorax airbags in the seatbacks and head airbags in the door panels for comprehensive side-impact protection.
  • High-strength steel safety cell construction provided structural integrity.
• Crash-Test Ratings:
  
  • Due to its niche market and low production volume for a sports car, the 2007 Porsche Cayman (987.1) was not formally crash-tested by major organizations like the NHTSA or IIHS in the United States. However, Porsche vehicles are engineered to stringent internal safety standards that typically exceed regulatory requirements.

What Colors Options are Available?

2007 Porsche 718 Cayman Prices and Market Value

2007 Porsche 718 Cayman Cost of Ownership

2007 Porsche 718 Cayman Fuel Efficiency

2007 Porsche 718 Cayman Insurance

How Does the 2007 Porsche 718 Cayman Compare to Other Vehicle?

• Performance: The Cayman excels with its mid-engine balance, offering unparalleled handling precision and steering feel. It typically outperforms front-engine rivals like the BMW Z4 M Coupe in agility and chassis communication, although the Z4 M's S54 engine often had a slight edge in raw power. The Nissan 350Z provided good, accessible performance but lacked the Cayman's refinement and ultimate dynamic capabilities. Lotus models offered a more raw, lightweight, and track-focused performance, but with significant comfort compromises.
• Features: Inside, the Cayman offered a more premium and driver-centric cabin than the 350Z or Lotus, with higher-quality materials. Its available technology, while dated by today's standards (e.g., PCM navigation), was competitive for its time. The Z4 M Coupe often came with more luxury features as standard, while the Audi TT emphasized design and a softer, less aggressive ride.
• Reliability: The Cayman is generally reliable for a sports car, but specific high-cost issues like bore scoring (especially in the 3.4L S) are known concerns. The BMW Z4 M Coupe's S54 engine is robust but requires specific maintenance (e.g., valve adjustments). The Nissan 350Z is renowned for its robust VQ engine, offering solid long-term dependability. Lotus models, despite their simplicity, demand dedicated specialist care.
• Price: New, the Cayman was a premium offering, typically more expensive than the 350Z and base TT, and competitive with the Z4 M Coupe. On the used market, the Cayman has held its value exceptionally well, often commanding higher prices than comparable Z4 M Coupes, and significantly more than a 350Z, reflecting its strong enthusiast appeal and enduring desirability.
• Alternatives:
  
  • BMW Z4 M Coupe (E86): A formidable rival offering a powerful, high-revving engine and excellent steering. Ideal for those prioritizing a more traditional front-engine, rear-wheel-drive feel with strong straight-line performance.
  • Lotus Elise/Exige (S2): For the absolute purist seeking maximum lightweight agility and track capability, willing to sacrifice comfort and daily practicality.
  • Chevrolet Corvette (C6): Offers substantially more power and straight-line speed for similar or even less money on the used market, though with a different driving character and interior ambiance.
  • Nissan 350Z: A more budget-friendly option that still delivers a fun, engaging sports car experience, albeit without the Porsche's chassis sophistication or prestige.

Final Verdict: Is the 2007 Porsche 718 Cayman a Good Vehicle?

2007 Porsche 718 Cayman Owner Reviews

Eugene S

Eugene is an automotive enthusiast with over 15 years of experience in the used car market. As a writer at VINCheck.info, he brings deep industry insight and a passion for cars, helping readers make smart, informed decisions. Eugene has written hundreds of used car reviews and is known for breaking down complex automotive topics into clear, actionable advice. Over the years, he has driven and worked on a wide range of vehicles—starting with tuning street cars in his early days and eventually focusing on performance upgrades and reliability improvements. Today, he specializes in evaluating used vehicles through the lens of real-world ownership and enthusiast needs. A longtime fan of Porsche, Eugene especially appreciates vehicles that blend durability with driving enjoyment.