Multi-car

'99 Mercedes-Benz CLK 430Our stunning midnight-blue-over-gray coupe continues to be a favorite among our staff, with its torquey 4.3-liter DOHC V-8 power, four-place adult seating, dashing aero-enhanced looks, and classic Mercedes luxury. "This car is just the right size," comments one staffer. "It's very easy to maneuver and park in city driving, yet still delivers a roomy back seat and trunk for a coupe." Although only marginally quicker 0-60 mph than a CLK320 (6.5 versus 6.8 seconds), the CLK430 feels way stronger and faster. Some have criticized the ultra-firm front seats, but they've proven easy on the back during long drives. The steering has come under fire for limited on-center feel and low-speed feedback, though response at speed is good. We also would've preferred a dash-mounted CD changer or a single-slot head unit for on-the-road disc swaps, as opposed to the trunk-mounted unit. Only one problem so far: An erratic fuel gauge was corrected at the dealership by replacing the fuel level sensors.