2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class Review
Summary
What Edmunds.com says
A stylish, if expensive, melding of comfort and performance suitable for all but the most serious driving enthusiasts.
Pros
Sleek styling, solid chassis, composed ride, comfortable front seats, fast power top operation in Cabriolet.
Cons
High price, some subpar plastic trim, CD player isn't standard, a few hard-to-use controls.
What's New for 2004
After last year's revamping of the CLK coupe, the convertible (Cabriolet) follows suit this year, sporting the same sleeker body style, along with a soft top that boasts greater outward visibility than before as well as key fob-operated usability.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
A Styling Classic
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class CLK500 2dr Cabriolet (5.0L 8cyl 5A)
Review
Among the earliest CLK 500 Cabrios shipped. Superb styling and remarkable acceleration with pedal to floor. Also drive a '67 427 stick Vette so I speak with some authority. Minor problems with driver's seat belt "presentor". Early navigation system difficult to use, improved later in year but dash/wood/knob styling looks much better than improved GPS version. What's more important? I'm a style geek. Gas mileage seems poor to some because take is small! Get 23-25 on highway, 17-18 city driving. Top operation slick. Hard to understand why anyone could not love this car. Still get many great comments into 5th year. Wish it ran on regular gas! More power not essential with this car.
Favorite Features
Superb styling and extra space back seat, more than BMW, but still not enough for golf clubs without removing driver and fairway metals.
Suggested Improvements
Better functionality GPS. Newer models likely much better, because couldn't be much worse.
Perfect design
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class CLK500 2dr Coupe (5.0L 8cyl 5A)
Review
This is a wonderful car. It manages to perform like a sports car without the punishing ride found in so many high performance cars. Everything it does is effortless.
Favorite Features
Fold down back seat allows me to throw my bicycle in the trunk when needed.
Suggested Improvements
The radiator fan is too loud!
2 out 2 people found this review helpful
Fun in the Sun
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 7 | Build Quality: | 8 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 8 |
| Fuel Economy: | 6 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class CLK320 2dr Cabriolet (3.2L 6cyl 5A)
Review
I've owned my 2004 CLK cabriolet since new and use it for trips and top down driving. It's not my daily driver. I like the pickup in sport mode, the ride free of cowl shake and the looks with the top down. Luggage space is sparse unless the top is up. The optional AMG seating with more thigh and back support, heating and cooling and more controls is a must for tall drivers. Overall, I am very satisfied and have had zero defects or recalls.
Favorite Features
Suggested Improvements
Very Disappointed With This Car
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 4 |
| Comfort: | 5 | Interior Design: | 7 | Reliability: | 4 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class CLK320 2dr Cabriolet (3.2L 6cyl 5A)
Review
Waited 5 months for car to be delivered. Within 3 months of delivery we had a leak in the transmission that left the car inoperable. After two visits, they replaced the trans. Next the Zenon headlight started shorting out; it had to be replaced. Next was alignment issues, this car will wear out top quality tires in less than 12k miles of normal driving! My car has had to be aligned 3 times in 2 years. Next was the seatbelt, the mechanism that hands you the belt had to be replaced. And finally, today my wife is at the dealership having a gear replaced in the tilt steering mechanism. I am so disappointed in this car! I thought I was buying the best, but, I got a lemon! Buyer beware.
Favorite Features
Suggested Improvements
Softer seats. Lumbar support. Another drink holder. It only has one.
1 out 1 people found this review helpful
Too many malfunctions
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 7 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 8 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 6 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class CLK320 2dr Coupe (3.2L 6cyl 5A)
Review
A beautiful car inside and out, but too many malfunctions. The tires only get 10- 12,000 miles. Automatic transmission failed after 30,000. The front upper console light panel blew after 1500 miles. Passenger window motor and headrest motor have needed to be replaced. Moonroof cables needed to be replaced after 25,000. Good mpg (24-26), and very comfortable and quiet.
Favorite Features
Exterior and interior styling. Fun to drive
Suggested Improvements
More standard features. Make it more reliable. Less maintance work!
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