Mercedes-Benz CLK

Name: 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK
Brand: Mercedes-Benz

First Take

Based on the previous-generation C-Class sedan, the rear-drive CLK handles well but feel less exuberant than BMW's 330i coupe. It's also less agile than the current C-class, mainly because of its different steering system. The CLK rides comfortably and accelerates quickly. Two-person rear seating is comfortable for a coupe, and access is improved by front seats with a power-forward feature. The convertible has a pop-up roll bar that deploys if sensors indicate that the car is about to roll over. With its superior handling, four-door practicality, and lower price, the C320 weakens the case for the CLK.

Reliability Details

Owner Satisfaction Details

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2002 Sports cars & Convertibles Reliability

No Data Available

Crash and Rollover Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Crash and Rollover Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Mercedes-Benz vs. Other New Car Brands

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Owner Reports

Worse Better

Owner Satisfaction Owner Satisfaction

2000

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Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

Mercedes-Benz vs. Other New Car Brands

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Mercedes-Benz vs. Other New Car Brands

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Crash and Rollover Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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2002 Sports cars 4/5-seat Ratings

2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK

$4,175 - $6,975

CR MPG:

Road test

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2002 Audi TT

$4,325 - $6,500

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Road test

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2002 BMW 3 Series

$3,475 - $4,650

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2002 Chevrolet Camaro

$3,625 - $8,050

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2002 Ford Mustang

$3,475 - $5,225

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2002 Hyundai Tiburon

$ NA

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2002 Jaguar XK

$4,250 - $6,550

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2002 Mercedes-Benz CL

$4,625 - $5,750

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2002 Mercury Cougar

$3,300 - $3,525

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2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse

$3,050

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2002 Subaru Impreza WRX/STi

$ NA

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2002 Volkswagen GTI

$3,575 - $4,350

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Seating

2 front, 2 rear

Drive Wheels

Rear

Warranty

Coverage varies among versions of this vehicle

In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

Read more about extended warranties

convertible

coupe

5-speed Automatic

3.2-liter V6 (215 hp)
4.3-liter V8 (275 hp)
5.5-liter V8 (349 hp)
5.5-liter V8 (342 hp)

Model History

2003-

Current Generation

The CLK was available as both a coupe and convertible. It delivered responsive handling and decent steering feedback. While the CLK was fast and comfortable, it was never as rewarding to drive as a BMW 3 Series coupe. The 3.5-liter V6 engine is strong, but the muscular 5.5-liter V8, with its seven-speed automatic, provided abundant performance. Opting for the powerful CLK63 AMG brought a brawny 475-hp V8. The rear seats two in relative comfort for a coupe. In the front, a motorized arm moves the safety belt forward when the door is closed. The CLK was discontinued after 2009.

1998-2002

1998 Redesign Year

New for 1998, the Mercedes CLK was styled like the larger E-Class, but used C-Class underpinnings. The smooth-revving 3.2-liter V6 was good for 215 horsepower. An optional 4.3-liter V8 was added in mid '98. Both engines are matched to a five-speed automatic. Informal testing indicates that the CLK handles well and is fast, frugal, and comfortable, though not as rewarding to drive as a BMW 3 Series coupe. The two rear seats are reasonably hospitable. A convertible model, new for 1999, features pop-up safety bars that deploy when a rollover is detected. The high-performance CLK55 AMG debuted in 2001.