2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class Review
2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class Review
View more photos
View more photos
View more photos
View more photos
View more photos
+74
Used CLK-Class for sale
Appraise This CarMercedes-Benz CLK-Class model years
See Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Sleek styling, solid chassis, composed ride, comfortable front seats.
Cons
- Heavy recirculating ball steering, tiny backseat, large blind spots in convertibles, some low-grade interior switches, intrusive traction control system.
What’s new
No changes this year.
Edmunds says
With performance ranging from very good to stunning, the CLK coupes and ragtops offer all the sensible Mercedes virtues of safety, comfort and intelligent engineering along with an engaging personality.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class CLK320 2dr Coupe (3.2L 6cyl 5A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.45 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$263/mo for CLK-Class CLK320
CLK-Class CLK320
vs
$179/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Vehicle overview
Luxury is synonymous with Mercedes, and the CLK lives up to that name. Standard equipment is generous, and the interior is swathed in wood and leather. Based on previous-generation C-Class sedan running gear and available with either a V6 or a pair of V8s in coupe or convertible format, the CLK appeals to people who place sports car performance and the availability of manual transmissions secondary to comfort and convenience. But make no mistake, this Benz is no slouch in the driving-satisfaction department.
A 3.2-liter V6 engine making 215 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque powers CLK320 models. Mercedes asserts that the 320 Coupe runs from 0 to 60 mph in 6.9 seconds. CLK430 models receive a 275-horsepower 4.3-liter V8 engine, which cranks out 295 pound-feet of twist. This shaves nearly a second off the 320's 0-to-60 time. The quickest CLK is the CLK55. This road rocket uses an AMG-massaged 342-horsepower 5.5-liter V8 to catapult the CLK55 from 0 to 60 in around 5 seconds.
Regardless of engine, power is transmitted to the rear wheels through an adaptive-logic five-speed automanual transmission that features TouchShift manual control for drivers wanting to partake of gearchanges. All CLKs feel well balanced in turns, but a little heavy even though curb weight is relatively light compared to the competition. The 320 drives more like a sedan than a sports car -- surefooted and steady rather than agile and quick. The speedy 430 and neck-snapping CLK55, on the other hand, are tuned for a firm ride and taut handling. In any trim, the CLK is an attractive car that turns heads.
With the introduction of the CLK55 Cabriolet, any CLK can now be had in convertible form. The soft-top versions offer open-air thrills when the top is down, but create inordinately large blind spots when it's up. Rear-seat accommodations are tight in both hard- and soft-top versions, and some switchgear feels subpar considering the hood badge.
Of course, safety is addressed in the CLK. Antilock brakes with Brake Assist and full-range Automatic Slip Regulation (ASR) traction control come standard. Other standard features include front, side and side-curtain airbags and BabySmart child-detection protection for the front passenger seat. Electronic Stability Program (ESP), which keeps the CLK on track by selectively applying the brakes, is also standard. TeleAid service comes with every new CLK and will notify emergency personnel if your airbags deploy or will put you in touch with a live operator to summon medical or police assistance. TeleAid also features a roadside assistance function that will allow a Mercedes technician to check on the vehicle's electronic and computer systems via the remote uplink. Finally, TeleAid incorporates a vehicle tracking system that can be used to locate the car if it has been stolen.
Another high-tech option is the Cockpit Management and Data (COMAND) system that debuted on the S-Class a few years ago. Integrating radio, navigation, telephone and trip-computer functions into one unit that displays data on a small dash-mounted screen, COMAND is fussy and distracting to operate. Unless you absolutely must have a navigation system on board, skip this option and buy a road atlas.
The CLK impresses, from the classic and elegant styling to the smooth and powerful engines to the comfortable and well-appointed cabin. If you're in the market for a satisfying luxury coupe, it's hard to go wrong with this beautiful Benz.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class.
5 star(74%)
4 star(19%)
3 star(7%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(0%)
62 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
Shocked (in a good way)
Mike Egan, 01/01/2020
2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class CLK430 2dr Coupe (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
I bought this car on the basis of it's looks and apparent condition from a dealer who had mixed reviews. I was shocked at the performance and condition of the car. The dealer did not misrepresent the car at all...the suspension needed some attention, the front bumper cover was cracked, but otherwise it drove really well. This car, which I bought in Florida, cost me a total of $6500 to … purchase, ship, replace (the perfectly good) Florida performance tires, with all new season MSR Continentals, new shocks (std. Mercedes recommended shocks),upper and lower ball joints (my choice.). They were not "shot" but i prefer to know what I am driving on, and a trans flush. Car now runs like new. Engine purrs (had 146,700 miles when purchased), and has true sports car performance.
I have owned eleven different Mercedes including (3) somewhat modified 16V Cossies, a 1990 500 SL,1 1982 450 SL, 1986 560 SL, 1989 300SE, 1977 230 SL, a 1993 500E (Mercedes claimed super-car from the 1990's, and often touted as one of if not the finest Mercedes ever built) and have driven many others of more recent vintage. I can honestly say this is the best driving handling factory stock Mercedes I have ever driven. Having had both a 500E (1993) and a 400E 1992, as well as the various SL's, this C class car blows them all away from the point of view of handling and power/performance. Any suggestion that the C series cars are inferior in handling to the E series suspended cars...is from the misinformed (at least based on the performance of this CLK Coupe). Based on the various reviews, I have seen on this model, it would seem the reliability of this car is well above the previous Mercedes standards I have enjoyed previously. (spoken from significant experience). In my opinion, this car is one of the greatest "sleepers" ever built.
4 out of 5 stars
Great til something breaks!
Brigittetolson, 03/08/2010
2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class CLK430 2dr Cabriolet (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
When I first got Heidi (yes, I named my clk430 Heidi), I was in love. The way this car takes turns, accelerates, and performs overall is amazing. Then, at a mere 77,000 miles- stuff started to break...the convertible top computer went out all the time, and eventually died (1400$ part), the cats needed to be replaced (1000$)...then after all that, the trans started slipping...after … getting multiple quotes to fix all the problems and replace the trans, I was looking at about 5000$ worth of repairs. I made the choice to trade her in for the Lamborghini inspired Toyota mr2 spyder. The opinion of many mechanics was that the clks trans tends to die at 80k miles. Way too soon in my opinion.
4.25 out of 5 stars
CLK55
mbenza, 10/15/2005
2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class CLK55 AMG 2dr Cabriolet (5.4L 8cyl 5A)
Initial electrical problems with the interior operating components. The local dealer was more then helpful, always providing a loaner even though I did not buy it from them. After several visits, the dealer seems to have exorcised the electrical gremlins and the car is an absolute joy to drive. I can average 23 MPG if I drive at regular speeds. However, it is difficult to do that as this … car constantly asks for more spirited driving and rewards you with a well balanced and stunning performance and , even with my driving style, still returns an average of 18MPG! I LOVE THIS CAR! I have a 2003 Corvette Z06 and did not drive it all summer because I would always turn to the Mercedes for driving.
5 out of 5 stars
AMG Rocket!
John Campen, 11/07/2006
2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class CLK55 AMG 2dr Coupe (5.4L 8cyl 5A)
Purchased this 2002 CLK55 AMG in April 2006 with 30,000 miles only on it! Paid $42,500. Can't beat the power nor the handling its incredible! Why go out and buy an new M3 or CLS when you cant get one of these for a fraction of the price. 0-60 in 4.7! The looks are stunning and it catch's everyone's attention when you step on it!
2002 CLK-Class Highlights
Convertible
CLK320
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $49,600 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 20 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $276/month |
Seating | 4 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 9.4 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the CLK-Class include:
- Alarm
- Stability Control
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintMarginal
Related Used 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class info
Vehicle reviews of used models
- Used BMW X5 2014
- Used Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross 2020 For Sale
- Used INFINITI Q60 Coupe 2013
- Used Volkswagen Jetta 2010
- Used Aston Martin DB11 2017
Popular new car reviews and ratings
- SQ8
- 2025 BMW X7 News
- BMW I5 Car
- 2023 Wagoneer
- 08 Lexus Is 250
- 2024 Cayenne
- 2023 Toyota 86
- 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
- Cooper Clubman Car
- 2023 BMW 3 Series
Research other models of Mercedes Benz
- Gla S
- Mercedes-Benz G-Class 2024
- Mercedes E Type
- Mercedes Benz Metris
- Benz GLS
- Mercedes Benz CLS Class
- Mercedes Benz C Class
- G Wagon G Class
- Mercedes GLC 300
- Mercedes Maybach
Research similar vehicles
- LC500 Convertible
- 2024 Porsche 911
- 2023 Lamborghini Huracan
- 2023 Chevrolet Camaro
- 2024 S5
- Jaguar F-TYPE 2023
- BMW M4 2023
- 2023 DB12
- 2023 C-Class
- Porsche Boxster
Other models
- New Subaru Legacy for Sale in Buckeye, AZ
- Used Kia Seltos in Brookline, MA
- New Toyota Grand-Highlander for Sale in Cleveland, TN
- Used Mazda Mazdaspeed-6 in Little Falls, NJ
- Used BMW X4-M in Van Buren, AR
- Used Subaru Ascent in Santa Clarita, CA
- Used Volkswagen Eurovan in Bowling Green, OH
- Used Audi A4 in Oneonta, NY
- Used Jeep Grand-Cherokee-Wk in Montgomery, AL
- Used Infiniti G20 in Houma, LA