Porsche Boxster / Cayman 981
Porsche's mid-engine two-seater — from the 986 that saved the company to the last flat-six GTS.
20 reviewers · 38 videos · 6 hours watched · 13 press articles
Reviewers strongly agree on its performance and handling, but split on value.
across 20 reviewers
"probably the best handling $30,000 car that's still new"
Cars & Bids · ▶ 17:57"the GTS isn't really worth it. I'd be better off getting a normal Cayman or Boxster S"
Auto Express · ▶ 11:46Performance
4.0/520 of 20 reviewersconsensus“this boxer s will go around the norch life at the same time as the old 996 911 GT3 model I mean that that is just incredible”
positive · Auto Express · ▶ 2:25“3.4 l Flat 6 engine in the GTS has a touch more power and torque than before”
positive · Autocar · ▶ 0:38“it isn't fast fast it just doesn't have the power to be fast fast and that's a little bit disappointing”
mixed · Cars & Bids · ▶ 12:41Handling
5.0/520 of 20 reviewersstrong consensus“it's such a a well balanced thing there's so much grip and on these twisty Wells roads it's a superb car to drive”
positive · Auto Express · ▶ 0:48“In my opinion, it's easily one of the best handling mid-enine sports cars money can buy.”
positive · Carite LTD · ▶ 15:06“the exemplary handling balance of the brand's entry-level model enhanced by a body almost twice as stiff”
positive · Car and Driving - Car Reviews · ▶ 1:54Fun to drive
4.5/520 of 20 reviewersconsensus“it's terribly involving I mean it just begs for roads like this”
positive · Auto Express · ▶ 6:36“It's a very purist drive. It is to be honest. And you don't lose too much feel from a PDK.”
positive · Carite LTD · ▶ 15:38“I just love cars where you can get in and feel really comfortable uh driving quickly like this car”
positive · Porsche Club America · ▶ 13:49Daily drivability
4.5/520 of 20 reviewersstrong consensus“really nice car to drive as I said friendly and approachable which is what you want for the daily drive”
positive · Porsche Club America · ▶ 11:43“you could do this every day you could do this with no complaints”
positive · Cars & Bids · ▶ 17:00“this is unbelievably refined and if you looking for a sports car or road to drive every day this is really comfortable”
positive · Tedward · ▶ 5:02Value
4.0/519 of 20 reviewerssplit“probably the best handling $30,000 car that's still new”
positive · Cars & Bids · ▶ 17:57“Just to give you an idea, there's not a drip or drop of depreciation on this car.”
positive · Carite LTD · ▶ 20:21“when you're talking about cars that might be in the value range of $30,000 to $40,000 right now, I mean, that's just from an aesthetic standpoint, something you can't really touch for the money.”
positive · ElevenAfterNine · ▶ 7:00Hear 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



































