2003 Mercedes-Benz E500 Sport

In its 12-month tenure, our E-Class has garnered friends and foes alike. Performance, handling, and interior amenities are what we've come to expect from a Benz. But nearly anything that requires driver input--the electronic throttle, brakes, and steering--feels unnatural. "Wooden" is one logbook comment used to describe the modulation of these controls. Other gadgetry, like Distronic cruise, TouchShift, and adjustable shocks, however, are a dream to use. We especially appreciate the E500's superb heated and cooled seats and the church-quiet cabin over any kind of pavement. With nearly 20,000 miles on the clock, we're still waiting for the service tattletale to illuminate, letting us know it's time for our Sport's second visit to the dealer.