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2006 Porsche Cayenne Overview, Reviews, Ratings & Specs

Rating: 4.53
Based on 54 Owner Reviews ▶
Drew B | March 31, 2025
The 2006 Porsche Cayenne marked Porsche's bold entry into the SUV market. It's a mid-size luxury SUV, available from 2003-2010 for this generation. Key trims included the base Cayenne, Cayenne S, and Cayenne Turbo. New, it ranged roughly from $40,000 to $90,000+. Its blend of Porsche performance with SUV practicality, and distinctive styling made it a hit, defying initial critics.
The Good

The 2006 Cayenne offers strong performance, especially in Turbo guise, providing thrilling acceleration. It boasts a comfortable and luxurious interior. Aesthetically, its distinctive Porsche design appeals emotionally. Practically, it offers reasonable cargo space and towing capacity, though reliability and efficiency can be concerns. Its value depends heavily on condition and maintenance history.

The Bad

Known weaknesses of the 2006 Cayenne include potential coolant pipe failures, driveshaft issues, and air suspension problems. High repair costs are a concern. Watch out for electrical gremlins, particularly with older models. Regular maintenance is crucial, and pre-purchase inspections are highly recommended due to the potential for expensive repairs.

2006 Porsche Cayenne: Quick Overview

  • Engine Options:
    • 3.2L V6 (Cayenne): 247 hp
    • 4.5L V8 (Cayenne S): 340 hp
    • 4.5L Twin-Turbo V8 (Cayenne Turbo): 450 hp
  • Horsepower: Ranging from 247 hp to 450 hp, depending on the trim.
  • Fuel Economy:
    • Cayenne (V6): Around 14-18 mpg city / 18-22 mpg highway
    • Cayenne S (V8): Around 13-17 mpg city / 17-21 mpg highway
    • Cayenne Turbo (Turbo V8): Around 12-16 mpg city / 16-20 mpg highway
  • 0-60 Times:
    • Cayenne (V6): Approximately 8.5 seconds
    • Cayenne S (V8): Approximately 6.9 seconds
    • Cayenne Turbo (Turbo V8): Approximately 5.2 seconds
  • Towing Capacity: All trims have a towing capacity of around 7,700 lbs when properly equipped.
  • Trim-Level Features:
    • Cayenne (Base): Leather seats, dual-zone climate control, power accessories, sunroof, and a premium sound system.
    • Cayenne S: Upgraded V8 engine, larger wheels, adaptive suspension management (PASM), and enhanced interior trim.
    • Cayenne Turbo: Twin-turbo V8 engine, sport-tuned suspension, upgraded brakes, exclusive interior and exterior styling, and more luxurious features.

2006 Porsche Cayenne Specifications

Vehicle Information
Year 2006
Make Porsche
Model Cayenne
Trim -
Style -
Type Wagon
Category Minivan
Manufacturing Details
Made In Germany
Manufacturing City -
Dimensions
Doors -
Curb Weight -
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating -
Overall Height -
Overall Length -
Overall Width -
Wheelbase Length -
Standard Seating -
Engine & Performance
Engine 4.5 L V-8
Engine Size 4.5L
Engine Cylinders 8
Transmission -
Transmission Type -
Transmission Speeds -
Drivetrain Four-Wheel Drive
Additional Features
Anti-Brake System -
Steering Type -
Pricing
Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) -
Invoice Price -
Delivery Charges -

Vehicle History Report

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What Problems Does the 2006 Porsche Cayenne Have?

The 2006 Porsche Cayenne is known for several frequently reported problems. Coolant pipe failures are a significant concern, especially the plastic pipes which can crack and leak, leading to overheating. Driveshaft issues, including failure of the center support bearing, are also common. Air suspension problems, such as compressor failure and leaking air struts, can be expensive to repair. Electrical issues, ranging from faulty sensors to malfunctioning control modules, are also frequently reported. Early Cayennes (including 2006) were subject to recalls related to fuel pump relay failures and potential fuel leaks. Long-term reliability can be a concern due to the complexity of the vehicle and the potential for high repair costs. Neglecting maintenance can exacerbate these issues. Specifically, the valve cover gaskets tend to leak oil as the vehicle ages. Regular maintenance and thorough pre-purchase inspections are crucial to mitigating these risks. Issues with the transfer case can also arise, leading to drivetrain malfunctions. Many of these problems stem from the age of the vehicle and the wear and tear on its components.

How long will the 2006 Porsche Cayenne last?

A well-maintained 2006 Porsche Cayenne can realistically reach 200,000 miles or more. However, this is heavily dependent on consistent and proactive maintenance. Many are still on the road after 15+ years. Poor maintenance habits will drastically reduce lifespan. Long-term durability is impacted by potential coolant leaks, air suspension failures, and drivetrain issues. Over time, rubber components degrade, leading to leaks and failures. Regular oil changes, fluid flushes, and timely replacement of worn parts are essential for maximizing longevity. Neglecting these aspects will lead to costly repairs and premature failure.
Positive Owner Reviews
Titanium
My Porsche Cayenne Titanium is an Amazing SUV. The experience has been a first for me. I was a Chevy person for a long time. But needed a change. The craftsmanship of this vehicle is 1000 times better than any chevy...js. The quality of engineering is phenomenal.
MrJCC
Owned this car for almost 8 yrs; it is BULLETPROOF; great commuter car, Great in nasty weather, snow; but clean it up and it will almost always be parked out front wherever you go; still FEELS great, never tire of that engine sound.
Jspahn
There is only one other review and I imagine it is from an owner that can’t turn a wrench to save their life. This SUV, if cared for and maintained properly is very reliable. The turbo engine is powerful and smooth. It does suffer from some issues all the V8 Cayenne engines did in the early years. Plastic coolant pipes under the intake that will (not can but will ) fail, plastic coolant Tee’s that will fail at the back of the engine. If you consider purchasing one, just fix these and be on your way for many miles. The suspension bushings in the Turbo model are beefed up over the base and S models and appear to be lasting longer than those lower version. Replacement of the control arms is straightforward and easy. Transmissions, as they are aging are showing valve body issues, but this is an easy $600 fix with a RevMax valve body and a few hours of time (either you, your shop or the dealer, each being progressively more expensive). The center driveshaft support bushing will fail around the 100,000 mile mark. Again you can fix this anywhere from $15 to $1500 depending on who does it. Seek out Rennlist forums for help on these and you can own one for less than a used Hyundai and get more smiles per dollar. The AWD system, when coupled with dedicated snow tires, is darn near unstoppable in the snow. The first generation up to the 2009 model has a 2 speed transfer case with locking diffs. it is a capable off road vehicle and if you have the air suspension gets quite a bit of ground clearance allowing you to go many places. The towing capacity is only really limited by the weight of the SUV. With the power available from the Turbo model, you can pull more than the SUV can handle in a stopping situation. Take care of it and you’ll get hundreds of thousands of miles of use from it.
Negative Owner Reviews
Cruncher69
I bought a 2006 Cayenne turbo with 56K miles on it. I had nothing but problems. Transmission leaks,oil leaks, very poorly made vehicle for costing over 100k new do not waste your money.
G37sallday
Well this car is just plain weak.. i own it and i got smoked by a freaking infiniti g37s yesterday! Wow!

What Technology & Safety Features are Included?

The 2006 Porsche Cayenne came with a decent array of built-in tech for its time. Standard features included a multi-speaker audio system, CD player, and automatic climate control. Optional entertainment features included a Bose surround sound system, navigation system, and rear-seat entertainment system. Driver-assistance features were relatively limited compared to modern vehicles, but available options included park assist and cruise control. Standard safety features included anti-lock brakes (ABS), electronic stability control (ESP), traction control, and multiple airbags. Optional safety features included bi-xenon headlights and tire pressure monitoring.

Specific tech features:
  • Porsche Communication Management (PCM) system: Integrated infotainment system
  • Available Navigation: Map-based navigation system
  • Bose Surround Sound System: Optional premium audio experience

Regarding crash-test ratings, the 2006 Cayenne received good scores from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) in frontal offset crash tests. However, it's important to remember that safety technology has significantly advanced since 2006, so while it was considered safe at the time, it may not offer the same level of protection as newer vehicles with advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). Remember to consider the age of the vehicle when evaluating its safety features compared to newer models.

What Colors Options are Available?

Exterior Colors
Black
Arctic Silver Metallic
Basalt Black Metallic
Carrara White
Dark Olive Metallic
Marine Blue Metallic
Ruby Red Metallic
Carmon Red Metallic
Iceland Silver Metallic
Nordic Gold Metallic
Interior Colors
Black
Sand White
Havanna/Sand Beige
Luxor Beige
Slate Grey
Terracotta

2006 Porsche Cayenne Prices and Market Value

When new, the 2006 Porsche Cayenne ranged from approximately $40,000 for the base model to over $90,000 for the Turbo. Current used market prices typically range from $5,000 to $15,000, depending on condition, mileage, and trim. The Cayenne experienced significant depreciation due to its age, potential maintenance costs, and advancements in automotive technology. Factors affecting resale value include service history, overall condition, mileage, and the presence of desirable options. Low mileage and a documented history of meticulous maintenance significantly improve resale value.

2006 Porsche Cayenne Cost of Ownership

The 2006 Porsche Cayenne is generally considered costly to own. Insurance premiums are higher than average due to the vehicle's performance and luxury status. Fuel costs are considerable, especially with the V8 models. Maintenance and repair expenses can be significant, with specialized parts and labor. Potential issues like air suspension and coolant leaks can lead to substantial repair bills. Long-term ownership requires a dedicated budget for upkeep, making it a less economical choice compared to other SUVs. A thorough pre-purchase inspection is crucial.

2006 Porsche Cayenne Fuel Efficiency

Fuel Type Gasoline
Fuel Capacity -
City Mileage -
Highway Mileage -

2006 Porsche Cayenne Safety Rating

NHTSA
Overall Rating Not Tested
Overall Frontal Star Rating Not Tested
Side Overall Star Rating Not Tested
Overall Rollover Star Rating Not Tested
Combined Front Seat Rating Not Tested
Combined Rear Seat Rating Not Tested
Overall Frontal Star Rating Not Tested
Frontal Barrier Star Ratings Not Tested
Side Barrier Star Ratings Not Tested
Rollover Resistance Star Rating Not Tested

2006 Porsche Cayenne Recalls & Defects

Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump
Recall date 2017-09-20
Recall no. 17v576000
Source NHTSA
Summary Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) IS Recalling Certain 2003-2006 Cayenne S and Cayenne Turbo Vehicles, 2004-2006 Cayenne Vehicles, and 2006 Cayenne S "titanium" Edition Vehicles. These Gasoline-powered Vehicles Have A Fuel Pump Flange That MAY Crack, Allowing Fuel TO Leak.
Consequence A Fuel Leak IN THE Presence OF AN Ignition Source Increases THE Risk OF A Fire.
Remedy Porsche Will Notify Owners, and Dealers Will Replace THE Fuel Filter Flanges With NEW Filter Flanges That Have A Protective Film, Free OF Charge. THE Recall Began July 6, 2018. Owners MAY Contact Porsche Customer Service AT 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's Number FOR This Recall IS Ah10.
Notes Owners MAY Also Contact THE National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline AT 1-888-327-4236 (Tty 1-800-424-9153), or GO TO Www.safercar.gov.
Power Train:automatic Transmission:gear Position Indication (Prndl)
Recall date 2019-06-12
Recall no. 19v446000
Source NHTSA
Summary Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) IS Recalling Certain 2003-2006 Cayenne S, Cayenne Turbo, 2004-2010 Cayenne, 2006 Cayenne Turbo S, 2010-2016 Panamera S, Panamera 4 S, Panamera Turbo, 2011-2016 Panamera, Panamera 4, 2012-2013 Panamera Turbo S, 2013-2016 Panamera 4 Gts, 2014-2016 Panamera 4 S Executive, Panamera Turbo Executive, Panamera Turbo S G1 II, Panamera Turbo S Executive, 2013 Panamera 4 Platinum Edition, Panamera Platinum Edition, 2016 Panamera 4 Edition, Panamera Edition, Panamera Turbo S Executive Luxury Sports Vehicles. THE Bushing That Attaches THE Gear Selector Lever TO THE Gearbox MAY Degrade Over Time, Causing THE Bushing TO Detach. This Condition Could Allow THE Driver TO Move THE Shift Lever TO Park and Remove THE Ignition Key, While THE Transmission MAY NOT BE IN Park, With NO Warning Message or Audible Chime.
Consequence IF THE Vehicle IS Exited Without THE Transmission Being IN Park and Without THE Parking Brake Being Applied, THE Vehicle MAY Unexpectedly Move, Increasing THE Risk OF A Crash.
Remedy Porsche Will Notify Owners, and Dealers Will Replace THE Shifter Cable Bushing, Free OF Charge. Owners ARE Instructed TO USE THE Parking Brake Until Their Vehicle IS Repaired. THE Recall Began August 9, 2019. Owners MAY Contact Porsche Customer Service AT 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's Number FOR This Recall IS Akb1.
Notes Owners MAY Also Contact THE National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline AT 1-888-327-4236 (Tty 1-800-424-9153), or GO TO Www.safercar.gov.
Exterior Lighting:headlights
Recall date 2022-08-30
Recall no. 22v656000
Source NHTSA
Summary Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) IS Recalling Certain 2003-2020 Porsche Macan, Cayenne, Panamera, and Cayman S, 2001-2004 Boxster, Boxster S, 2004 Boxster 50 Jahre Spyder 550 Vehicles. Please SEE THE Recall Report FOR A Complete List OF All Affected Models and Model Years. THE Caps That Cover THE Low-beam Headlight Horizontal Adjustment Screws ARE Missing, Which CAN Allow THE Headlights TO BE Improperly Adjusted. AS Such, These Vehicles Fail TO Comply With THE Requirements OF Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard Number 108, "lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Consequence Improperly Adjusted Headlights MAY NOT Illuminate THE Road Properly, or Cause A Glare TO Oncoming Drivers, Which CAN Increase THE Risk OF A Crash.
Remedy Dealers Will Inspect THE Headlights FOR Sealing Caps and Install Missing Caps AS Necessary, Free OF Charge. Owner Notification Letters Were Mailed October 28, 2022. Owners MAY Contact Porsche's Customer Service AT 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's Number FOR This Recall IS Anb4.
Notes Owners MAY Also Contact THE National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline AT 1-888-327-4236 (Tty 1-800-424-9153), or GO TO Www.nhtsa.gov.

2006 Porsche Cayenne Insurance

Insurance for a 2006 Porsche Cayenne is moderately priced, reflecting its status as a Wagon with strong safety ratings and
reasonable repair costs.

How Does the 2006 Porsche Cayenne Compare to Other Wagon?

The 2006 Porsche Cayenne competed against luxury SUVs like the BMW X5, Mercedes-Benz ML-Class, and Land Rover Range Rover Sport. In terms of performance, the Cayenne, especially the Turbo, often surpassed rivals. Feature-wise, it offered comparable luxury and technology, though some rivals had more advanced features. Reliability is where the Cayenne often fell short compared to the BMW X5 and, to some extent, the Mercedes ML-Class. The Range Rover Sport had its own reliability concerns. Price-wise, the Cayenne was competitive when new, but used prices can be misleading due to potentially high repair costs.

Alternatives to consider include a later model BMW X5 (E70 generation) for better reliability and technology, or a Mercedes-Benz ML-Class (W164) for a more comfortable ride and potentially lower maintenance costs. A Lexus RX is a far more reliable, though less sporty, alternative. If performance is paramount and you're prepared for potential repairs, the Cayenne remains a compelling choice, otherwise, alternatives offer a more balanced ownership experience.

Ranks #1724 SUV

1 2023 Toyota 4Runner (5.0★)
2 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid (5.0★)
3 2023 Lexus GX (0.0★)
4 2024 Mazda CX-90 PHEV (0.0★)
5 2024 Subaru Crosstrek (5.0★)
6 2024 BMW iX (0.0★)
7 2023 Ford Bronco Sport (3.0★)
8 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQB (0.0★)
9 2024 Chevrolet Trax (5.0★)
10 2023 Audi A4 allroad (0.0★)
11 2023 Hyundai Kona N (0.0★)
12 2023 Nissan ARIYA (5.0★)
1724 2006 Porsche Cayenne (5.0★)

Final Verdict: Is the 2006 Porsche Cayenne a Good Wagon?

The 2006 Porsche Cayenne is ideal for enthusiasts who appreciate Porsche performance and styling in an SUV. However, it's only worth buying used if you're prepared for potentially high maintenance costs and have it thoroughly inspected before purchase. The Cayenne Turbo offers exhilarating performance, but the base and S models are more practical. Consider the service history carefully, and factor in a repair budget. If reliability and low running costs are priorities, consider alternatives. If you're seeking a fun-to-drive SUV and are prepared for the potential ownership costs, a well-maintained 2006 Cayenne can be a rewarding experience. Don't buy one without a pre-purchase inspection by a qualified Porsche mechanic!

2006 Porsche Cayenne Owner Reviews

4.53
Consumer Rating, Based on 54 Consumer Reviews
Overall rating
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Brendan on October 31, 2024

We bought a 2006 cayenne S in 2015 with 134K kilometres,

We bought a 2006 cayenne S in 2015 with 134K kilometres, paid 18K CAD at the time. my mechanic friend and i have changed serpentine belt, starter, valve cover seals, spark plugs, battery (its a big expensive one under the drivers seat), coil packs, AC motor, hatch struts, power steering and brake flush, complete fuel pump system replacement under back seats. (quote for that was 2600 we did it for about 1100). all outside and interior lights other than HID headlights changed to led, The coolant Reservoir cracked and had to replaced at a shop for about 900$. Replaced cracked engine mount arm. Professionally did tranny flush plus two leaking transmission wiring harnesses, (cost was 2100$ for that we paid at a bmw/porsche/audi shop), put a pioneer infotainment deck in it for 1300$ to get apple CarPlay etc (done ourselves add $1000 for labor on that) , We're about 9 grand in fixes 9 years in and are sitting at 194K KMS. We were at witts end for fixes but the Car has been running great since, obviously super fun to drive, wife loves it. Currently beating any monthly car payment but your always wondering what's going break next, and you got to be handy.

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sulaiman on June 9, 2022

2006 porsche cayenne s v8 experience.

other than power and comfort here are my comments: -Air suspension leaks. -Battery leaks. -front lower arms bushing wear. -front lights wires damage cuz of high temperatuer. -heavey weight. -center propeler shaft bearing wear.

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Titanium on June 15, 2021

I can not say enough about my Porsche Cayenne S.

My Porsche Cayenne Titanium is an Amazing SUV. The experience has been a first for me. I was a Chevy person for a long time. But needed a change. The craftsmanship of this vehicle is 1000 times better than any chevy...js. The quality of engineering is phenomenal.

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MaC on November 10, 2020

Reliable and High Appeal Luxury SUV

All Interiors are above the standard Quality. Easily Maintainable even after 15 Years of Operation. Runs Great, Excellent AC, Leather Seats, Power Seats & Windows, Sunroof, Tinted

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sooomanypuppies on November 3, 2020

Performance meets utility

Fast. And tows anything you'd ever need. Sporty frame. Luxury all around. Best interior I have ever owned or even been in. I'll drive a Cayenne to the moon if I could!

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MrJCC on June 5, 2020

Extremely reliable

Owned this car for almost 8 yrs; it is BULLETPROOF; great commuter car, Great in nasty weather, snow; but clean it up and it will almost always be parked out front wherever you go; still FEELS great, never tire of that engine sound.

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Chris on May 22, 2020

Solidly built, heavy, and fun

The Cayenne is sporty, in a heavy sort of way. I've driven Bentleys and it is a bit the same thing, only with a more German ride. Quality is superb, the vehicle is built like a tank. Fuel economy is so so, but other than that I am pleased with my Cayenne.

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Corey on March 9, 2020

Very sporty

Very comfortable reliable and sporty just cost for repairs if previous owner didn’t take care o vehicle make sure it’s running well and mechanically up to part

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Elpy on February 4, 2020

Best most expensive car i've ever owned

You don't buy this car to be anything other than an expensive work horse . It's beautiful and the 2006 body is classily timeless and stylish. I love the beefier look. The newer ones resemble the Mccaan or look like a Nissan Murano. This is the car you buy and commit to like a marriage if you're really in love with it . It will be expensive to maintain, make sure you live close to the dealership once it's over 120,000 miles, but like the love is your life, it will give you butterflies every time you step in the gas . If you can afford the upkeep, best smoothest, most powerful everyday driver I've ever loved and driven .

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Jspahn on December 25, 2019

Fast, fun and capable

There is only one other review and I imagine it is from an owner that can’t turn a wrench to save their life. This SUV, if cared for and maintained properly is very reliable. The turbo engine is powerful and smooth. It does suffer from some issues all the V8 Cayenne engines did in the early years. Plastic coolant pipes under the intake that will (not can but will ) fail, plastic coolant Tee’s that will fail at the back of the engine. If you consider purchasing one, just fix these and be on your way for many miles. The suspension bushings in the Turbo model are beefed up over the base and S models and appear to be lasting longer than those lower version. Replacement of the control arms is straightforward and easy. Transmissions, as they are aging are showing valve body issues, but this is an easy $600 fix with a RevMax valve body and a few hours of time (either you, your shop or the dealer, each being progressively more expensive). The center driveshaft support bushing will fail around the 100,000 mile mark. Again you can fix this anywhere from $15 to $1500 depending on who does it. Seek out Rennlist forums for help on these and you can own one for less than a used Hyundai and get more smiles per dollar. The AWD system, when coupled with dedicated snow tires, is darn near unstoppable in the snow. The first generation up to the 2009 model has a 2 speed transfer case with locking diffs. it is a capable off road vehicle and if you have the air suspension gets quite a bit of ground clearance allowing you to go many places. The towing capacity is only really limited by the weight of the SUV. With the power available from the Turbo model, you can pull more than the SUV can handle in a stopping situation. Take care of it and you’ll get hundreds of thousands of miles of use from it.

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Author Image
Drew B

Drew is a seasoned automotive expert and contributor to VinCheck.info. With nearly 15 years of experience as a former Porsche technician, he brings a wealth of hands-on knowledge to his writing. Born in North Carolina, a region renowned for its deep-rooted NASCAR culture, Drew developed a passion for cars early in life, often building and working on vehicles from a young age. At VINCheck, Drew leverages his extensive technical background to provide in-depth analyses of various vehicles. His articles often focus on engine performance, reliability, and maintenance insights, offering readers practical information grounded in real-world experience. Some of his notable contributions include reviews on the Mazda CX-5's longevity and detailed examinations of engine options for models like the 2011 Toyota Camry and Tacoma