2004 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Review
Fuel Economy
14 - 17 mpg
Summary
What Edmunds.com says
Between its elegant styling, impressive performance and cutting-edge technology, the SL roadster still reigns as the quintessential luxury drop top.
Pros
Seductive style, quick folding retractable hardtop, commendable performance, ride and handling.
Cons
Heavy for a "sports car," limited cargo capacity.
What's New for 2004
The V12 SL600 is added to the lineup, while the SL500 gets an industry-first seven-speed automatic transmission and an integrated "Keyless Go" keyfob.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
Premium Price -Poor Quality?
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 1 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 5 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL500 2dr Convertible (5.0L 8cyl 7A)
Review
Beautiful car that gets a lot of looks. Fit and finish are right on par with what you would expect from a Mercedes. We have had many problems with the quality of this car: Broken interior panels, faulty anti-lock relay, faulty anti-lock brake pump, broken baffles inside gas tank (had to replace gas tank!). Now the ignition system has just failed. 53,250 miles, and many rented loaners. We are glad to have bought the extended warranty.
Favorite Features
Styling, performance.
Suggested Improvements
Navigation system! The cup holders need to be moved, they block the navigation-radio controls when they are used.
Dream Car
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 6 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL55 AMG 2dr Convertible (5.4L 8cyl S/C 5A)
Review
The best combination of any car ever built. It's a sports car (use only the manual transmission and the steering wheel metal gear changers); it's a luxury car with a sports car or luxury car suspension; it can cruise mildly or attack corners; it's beautiful (silver ties whole car together); it's a hardtop for foul weather and winter and a convertible - incredible. There may be better cars for any one item but none with this combination at such a high level.
Favorite Features
Engine, transmisssion, hardtop/convertible, style, luxury
Suggested Improvements
Dash - more wood or carbon fiber
The Ultimate Car
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL55 AMG 2dr Convertible (5.4L 8cyl S/C 5A)
Review
This car has it all; performance of a supercar, beautiful in and out, luxury, hardtop and convertible. Drive it only in Manual Mode and the suspension and transmission rivals race cars yet it is so full of luxury and a convertible of hard top for winter or foul weather.
Favorite Features
Manual mode transmission, torque, style and convertible to hardtop in 28 seconds - incredible.
Suggested Improvements
Fuel economy if possible. Interior should have some wood or the relavant material on the dash - well integrated.
Extremely Happy
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL500 2dr Convertible (5.0L 8cyl 7A)
Review
I purchased the SL500 from the original with 35k miles. I had a 1998 911 Porsche which I regret selling until I purchased this 2004 SL500. Reasons why: the hard top, the comfort, the sound system, and the look! I would not buy a new one, because of the minor changes, plus the money that I save. It's A great car to buy used because they are very reliable and lots of fun to drive. If you do buy an SL500 get an extended warranty because they become costly as they grow old!
Favorite Features
The powerful engine, the handling, the look, and the reliability.
Suggested Improvements
Trunk space is too small.
Poser
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 5 | Fun-to-Drive: | 5 | Build Quality: | 2 |
| Comfort: | 5 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 2 |
| Fuel Economy: | 2 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL55 AMG 2dr Convertible (5.4L 8cyl S/C 5A)
Review
Least reliable vehicle I have ever experienced. Needs frequent, unscheduled visits to repair shop. A car's first priority should be quality and reliability. This car fails in that regard. 500 hp is irrelevant if the car is sitting once again in the dealer's repair shop.
Favorite Features
Suggested Improvements
Build it better.
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