Mercedes-Benz CLK

Name: 2001 Mercedes-Benz CLK
Brand: Mercedes-Benz

EPA MPG: NA

First Take

The CLK line consists of the V6-powered CLK 320, the V8-equipped CLK 430, and the AMG-prepared, 342-hp CLK55. This rear-drive car handles well, though it feels less exuberant than a BMW 330i coupe, and less agile than the redesigned C-class. It also rides comfortably and accelerates quickly. The rear seating for two is hospitable 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 the car is about to roll over. With its better handling, four-door practicality and lower price, the new C320 weakens the case for the CLK.

Reliability Details

Owner Satisfaction Details

See All Ratings & Specs

2001 Sports cars & Convertibles Reliability

No Data Available

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

See All Ratings & Specs

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

See All Ratings & Specs

Mercedes-Benz vs. Other New Car Brands

See How All Brands Stack up

Owner Reports

Owner Satisfaction Owner Satisfaction

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

2024

Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

Mercedes-Benz vs. Other New Car Brands

See How All Brands Stack up

Mercedes-Benz vs. Other New Car Brands

See How All Brands Stack up

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

See All Ratings & Specs

2001 Sports cars 4/5-seat Ratings

2001 Mercedes-Benz CLK

$3,925 - $5,850

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2001 Acura Integra

$3,425 - $13,325

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2001 Audi TT

$3,825 - $5,475

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2001 BMW 3 Series

$3,375 - $4,525

EPA MPG 22 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2001 Chevrolet Camaro

$3,625 - $8,050

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2001 Ford Mustang

$3,325 - $7,475

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2001 Hyundai Tiburon

$2,925

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2001 Jaguar XK

$4,175 - $6,275

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2001 Mercury Cougar

$3,225 - $3,725

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse

$3,050

EPA MPG 23 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2001 Toyota Camry Solara

$3,000 - $4,200

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2001 Volkswagen GTI

$3,300 - $3,800

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2001 Volvo C70

$3,125 - $3,150

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

See All Sports cars 4/5-seat Ratings

Features & Specs

convertible

coupe

2 front, 2 rear

Rear

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

5-speed automatic

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

See All Ratings & Specs

Model History

2003-2009

2003 Redesign Year

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.