Mercedes-Benz CLK

Name: 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK
Brand: Mercedes-Benz

EPA MPG: NA

RECALL ALERT: There are 5 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 5 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

RECALL ALERT: There are 5 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 5 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

CR's Take

Redesigned for 2003, the CLK is based on the current-generation C-Class sedan, which lends it more exuberance and more-agile handling. The 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 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 convertible is also available.

Reliability Details

Owner Satisfaction Details

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2004 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

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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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2004 Sports cars 4/5-seat Ratings

2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK

$4,400 - $7,300

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2004 Audi TT

$4,675 - $8,100

EPA MPG 23 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2004 BMW 3 Series

$4,050 - $5,400

EPA MPG 22 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2004 Cadillac CTS

$3,075 - $9,175

EPA MPG 19 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2004 Chrysler Crossfire

$4,975

EPA MPG 20 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2004 Dodge Viper

$ NA

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2004 Ford Mustang

$3,975 - $15,750

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2004 Hyundai Tiburon

$3,100 - $3,300

EPA MPG 21 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2004 Jaguar XK

$5,425 - $9,200

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2004 Lexus SC

$ NA

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2004 Mazda RX-8

$3,100 - $3,150

EPA MPG 20 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2004 Mercedes-Benz CL

$5,400 - $7,400

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse

$3,050 - $3,950

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2004 Nissan Z

$ NA

EPA MPG 22 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2004 Pontiac GTO

$8,500

EPA MPG 21 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2004 Porsche 911

$13,000 - $28,975

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2004 Subaru Impreza WRX/STi

$ NA

EPA MPG 23 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2004 Toyota Camry Solara

$3,200 - $4,750

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2004 Volkswagen GTI

$3,725 - $4,975

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2004 Volvo C70

$3,325 - $3,525

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