2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class

The SLK-Class feels like a "little brother" to the bigger (and vastly more expensive) Mercedes-Benz SL-Class roadster (*Est. $98,500 to $194,700), says Phil Floraday at Automobile Magazine. Mercedes packs bigger engines and its entire catalog of luxury features into the pricey SL-Class and styles both roadsters with an aggressive face that most reviewers like. However, David Yochum of Automobile Magazine says he doesn't see the appeal of the "gigantic Mercedes-Benz logo" embedded in the grille -- although it certainly does attract attention.

The SLK-Class comes in three trim levels. The Mercedes-Benz SLK300 (*Est. $45,950) uses its throaty-sounding, 228-horsepower, 3.0-liter V-6 to perform the zero-to-60 sprint in 6.1 seconds. Enthusiasts take note: the SLK300 is the only trim that offers a manual transmission. Expect 20 mpg in combined driving with the six-speed manual (17 mpg city and 26 mpg highway) or 21 mpg combined with the optional seven-speed automatic with manual shift control (19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway).

The Mercedes-Benz SLK350 (*Est. $50,950) steps up to a 300-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 with upgraded brakes to match. It shaves half a second off of the SLK300's zero-to-60 time, but gas mileage barely budges with the mandatory automatic transmission (18 mpg city, 26 mpg highway and 21 mpg combined).

The "beastly" engine in the Mercedes-Benz SLK55 AMG (*Est. $65,700) makes it a "world-class performer," Edmunds.com says. The 355-horsepower, 5.4-liter V-8 packs all sorts of muscle, hitting 60 mph in 4.9 seconds. An automatic transmission is the only choice, and fuel economy plunges to 17 mpg combined (14 mpg city and 22 mpg highway).

No government or independent crash tests had been performed on the Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class as of this update. Reliability is about average, both for the SLK-Class and for Mercedes as a whole, according to owner surveys. The SLK-Class convertible carries a four-year, 50,000-mile warranty.

The best review comes from Edmunds.com, which describes all models of the Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class, points out pros and cons and draws some comparisons with competitors. Other sources test only certain trim levels of the SLK-Class, including Automobile Magazine, Car and Driver, Motor Trend and ConsumerGuide.com. The review at ConsumerReports.org focuses on practical matters like safety and reliability more than the others do, but it is based on a 2005 road test. FuelEconomy.gov posts fuel-economy estimates for most cars, including the SLK-Class. J.D. Power and Associates rates the reliability of Mercedes cars in general.