2003 Mercedes-Benz E500 Sport

With the odometer rolling over the 5700-mile mark, our E500 Sport is turning out to be a mixed bag: The powertrain is smooth as silk around town and ferociously powerful when we're aggressive with the throttle. The posh interior has all the latest gadgets and gizmos, while exuding a century of honed craftsmanship in the details--and the sweeping exterior design appeals to all who see it. On the flip side, the E500's electronically controlled brakes drive us batty, operating more like an erratic on/off switch that makes it difficult to slow smoothly. Those brakes, as well as the steering, feel wooden and unnatural. Most drivers have to ask for tutoring to learn all the secondary controls. Our staff, however, is in unanimous agreement about the Panorama Sunroof. It's an engineering masterpiece and worth every penny of the $1500 option price. To date, our E500 has been utterly reliable, but we'll have the dealer check the brakes when the onboard Flexible Service System informs us of a needed oil change.