The SLK's big selling point is its exclusive retractable steel roof that, when raised, makes the car seem as tight and insulated as a Benz sedan. In less than 30 seconds, you can convert the SLK from a closed coupe to a cool convertible without leaving the driver's seat.

The original was available only with an automatic transmission and a 185-horsepower, 2.3-liter four cylinder that had an anemic exhaust note. In 1999, Mercedes equipped the car with a five-speed manual transmission as standard equipment, making the slushbox optional. While not appreciably quicker, the manual offered buyers the option of selecting their own gears. When combined with the SLK's precise steering, rev-happy supercharged powerplant, and wonderfully damped suspension, the car was entertaining, though not particularly exhilarating.

This year the company has again raised the SLK's sporting potential by offering a V6-powered model, the SLK320. This version uses a 3.2-liter engine and a new standard six-speed manual transmission to send 215 horsepower to the rear wheels. The four-cylinder engine is also enhanced for 2001 and now makes 190 horsepower. While the six-speed manual is standard on both models, a five-speed automatic is still offered.

An optional sport package for the SLK230 doesn't cure the lame exhaust blat, but does include a muscular-looking body kit and thick 17-inch treads mounted to AMG Monoblock wheels. All SLK320s come standard with new 17-inch, five-spoke wheels, a unique air dam, metal plate door sills, power seats, a telescoping steering column and a wood and leather trimmed interior. Designo editions with special paint and trim are also available and, thankfully, the previous SLK230's carbon fiber inserts are gone. All models get front and side airbags as standard equipment, along with ABS, the ESP Stability Program, and the Tele Aid emergency call system.

The SLK also has a super-reinforced A-pillar, integrated roll bars behind each seat and emergency tensioning seatbelt retractors for enhanced rollover protection. Brake Assist applies full braking force before you can. A BabySmart system allows owners to use a special car seat sold by Benz dealers that keeps the passenger airbag from deploying in an accident. Here's our question: Why no cutoff switch like Mazda and other manufacturers offer? Inside, the 2001 SLK features a new shift lever, a new overhead console, SL-style door panels and a chrome handbrake button. Options like a CD changer, headlight washers, heated seats and, for the first time in SLK history, Xenon headlights can further spruce up this "poor man's" SL.

2001 Highlights

A new V6-powered SLK320 joins the lineup while the SLK230 gets more power and a $2,100 price reduction. Both versions get a new six-speed manual tranny in addition to the five-speed automatic that's been available since the car's introduction, and all models benefit from a revised interior and exterior.

Top consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class.

57 reviews

27 MPG in town

Dr. Drewry,11/02/2010

This car actually gets 27 mpg in town rather than Edmunds 19 mpg statistic. It's a joy to drive and has required no major maintenance other than preventative along with tires, brakes and battery. They just don't build them like this any more! The most satisfying car I've ever owned.

my red convertible

worker,02/23/2002

This is my second benz. I traded my 98 C230(was my favorite car). I love the ride and quality of my SLK. Gives that bank vault like ride that my C class gave. Definitely a collector car of the future. I plan on keeping this car for a very long time.

2001 SLK230

hugalar,04/26/2014

I have owned this SLK230 for 5 years. I got it used with 42000, and now have 98000 miles on it. The only issue I have had is replacing brake lights a couple of times, the dome light goes out about once a year and thats about it. This car GREAT! People always ask me how much the car cost (annoying) because the way it looks. It looks like an expensive car, but I picked it up for a good

Good car but small nagging issues.

johnwinston,11/13/2014

Just bought car which has 130k miles. Saw issues when bought and am fixing but suprised as after car in production over five years mercedes never fixed since I have read all slk cars have following issues: 1). Interior paint flaking off 2) Exhaust rattle 3). Trunk and hood hydraulic hinges not holding trunk or hood up failing Love car and enjoy driving. If going on a weekend

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Features & Specs

MPG

18 city / 27 hwy

Seats 2

6-speed manual

Gas

190 hp @ 5300 rpm

MPG

16 city / 25 hwy

Seats 2

6-speed manual

Gas

215 hp @ 5700 rpm

See all Used 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class features & specs

Safety

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Side Impact Test
Not Tested
Roof Strength Test
Not Tested
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Marginal
IIHS Small Overlap Front Test
Not Tested
Moderate Overlap Front Test
Not Tested

More about the 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class

Used 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class Overview

The Used 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class is offered in the following submodels: . Available styles include SLK 230 Kompressor 2dr Convertible (2.3L 4cyl S/C 6M), and SLK 320 2dr Convertible (3.2L 6cyl 6M).

What's a good price on a Used 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class?

Save up to $206 on one of 2 Used 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class for sale at dealerships within 25 miles of Ashburn, VA with prices as low as $7,466 as of09/21/2018, based on data from dealers and consumer-driven dealer ratings ranging from4 to 4 out of 5 stars.

Price comparisons for Used 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class trim styles:

The Used 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class SLK320 is priced between $7,466 and$7,490 with odometer readings between 69450 and72138 miles.

Shop with Edmunds for perks and special offers on used cars, trucks, and SUVs near Ashburn, VA. Doing so could save you hundreds or thousands of dollars. Edmunds also provides consumer-driven dealership sales and service reviews to help you make informed decisions about what cars to buy and where to buy them.

Which used 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Classes are available in my area?

Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class for sale near. There are currently 2 used and CPO 2001 SLK-Classes listed for sale in your area, with list prices as low as $7,466 and mileage as low as 69450 miles. Simply research the type of car you're interested in and then select a used car from our massive database to find cheap prew-owned vehicles for sale near you. Once you have identified a used vehicle you're interested in, check the Carfax and Autocheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the Used 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class. Then select Edmunds special offers, perks, deals, and incentives to contact the dealer of your choice and save up to $206 on a used or CPO 2001 SLK-Class available from a dealership near you.

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Should I lease or buy a 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class?

Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.

Check out Mercedes-Benz lease specials
Check out Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class lease specials

Used 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class

Used