Mercedes-Benz CLK

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

EPA MPG: NA

CR's 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 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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Owner Reports

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

2025

Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

Mercedes-Benz vs. Other New Car Brands

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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

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Mercedes-Benz vs. Other New Car Brands

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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

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Mercedes-Benz vs. Other New Car Brands

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2002 Sports cars 4/5-seat Ratings

2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK

$4,175 - $6,975

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2002 Audi TT

$4,325 - $6,500

EPA MPG 23 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2002 BMW 3 Series

$3,475 - $4,650

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2002 Chevrolet Camaro

$3,625 - $8,050

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2002 Ford Mustang

$3,475 - $5,225

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2002 Hyundai Tiburon

$ NA

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2002 Jaguar XK

$4,250 - $6,550

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2002 Lexus SC

$ NA

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2002 Mercedes-Benz CL

$4,625 - $5,750

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2002 Mercury Cougar

$3,300 - $3,525

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse

$3,050

EPA MPG 23 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2002 Subaru Impreza WRX/STi

$ NA

EPA MPG 23 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2002 Toyota Camry Solara

$3,000 - $4,325

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2002 Volkswagen GTI

$3,450 - $4,350

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2002 Volvo C70

$3,150 - $3,200

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

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Features & Specs

convertible

coupe

2 front, 2 rear

Rear

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

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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.