Mercedes-Benz CLK

Name: 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK
Brand: Mercedes-Benz

RECALL ALERT: There are 3 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 3 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

RECALL ALERT: There are 3 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 3 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

First Take

The redesigned CLK coupe is based on the current-generation C-Class sedan, which should lend it more exuberance. The new CLK's steering has a more modern and direct design than the previous generation. The engine choice is between a strong 3.2-liter V6 and an even more muscular 5.0-liter V8. The CLK55 AMG has a brawny 362-hp V8. The CLK accelerates quickly. The two-person rear seating is comfortable for a coupe, and access is improved by front seats that have a power-forward feature. In the front, a belt "presenter" moves the seat belt toward you. A redesigned convertible has just been introduced.

Reliability Details

Owner Satisfaction Details

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2003 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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2003

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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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2003 Sports cars 4/5-seat Ratings

2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK

$4,400 - $6,025

CR MPG:

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Audi TT

$4,475 - $6,725

CR MPG:

Road test

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2003 BMW 3 Series

$3,775 - $4,975

CR MPG:

Road test

Reliability

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2003 Cadillac CTS

$3,175

CR MPG:

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2003 Dodge Viper

$ NA

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2003 Ford Mustang

$3,600 - $13,450

CR MPG:

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2003 Hyundai Tiburon

$2,925 - $3,000

CR MPG:

Road test

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2003 Jaguar XK

$4,700 - $8,150

CR MPG:

Road test

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2003 Mercedes-Benz CL

$5,300 - $7,225

CR MPG:

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2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse

$3,050 - $3,525

CR MPG:

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2003 Nissan Z

$ NA

CR MPG:

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2003 Porsche 911

$11,850 - $24,725

CR MPG:

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2003 Subaru Impreza WRX/STi

$ NA

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2003 Volkswagen GTI

$3,775 - $5,175

CR MPG:

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Owner Satisfaction

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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)
5-liter V8 (302 hp)
5.5-liter V8 (362 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.