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2001
Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class

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$38,900
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Available trims

See the differences side-by-side to compare trims.
  • 2dr Kompressor Roadster 2.3L
    Starts at
    $38,900
    23 City / 30 Hwy
    MPG
    2
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Rear Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 2dr Roadster 3.2L
    Starts at
    $43,900
    21 City / 27 Hwy
    MPG
    2
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Rear Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

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Expert 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class review

our expert's take
Our expert's take
By Bob Golfen
Full article
our expert's take

Ah, at last. Mercedes-Benz’s SLK roadster has finally arrived. This is my fourth turn in the wedgy little two-seater with the folding steel top. But this is the first one that I can say without reservation has the equipment and performance to qualify as a bona fide sports car. And all it took was an extra-fine V-6 and a slick-shifting, six-speed transmission.

The first three SLK models were not quite right. The first one I had back in ’98 seemed rushed into production to compete with the new flock of latter-day roadsters coming out of Germany and Japan.

That SLK 230 Kompressor contained a four-cylinder engine equipped with a supercharger (a.k.a. kompressor in German) and an automatic transmission. Performance was uninspiring, despite the 185 horses claimed for the engine, which also was harsh and lacking in low-end torque. And the automatic was just all wrong for a reputed sports car. Mercedes brass said that market studies showed Americans were not interested in shifting for themselves.

Wrong. Competing sports cars, from the retro-themed Mazda Miata to the desirable Porsche Boxster, were being sold mainly with manuals.

Mercedes, finding its SLK at the bottom of most drivers’ sports-car shopping lists, began offering SLKs with the option of a five-speed manual. But it was a balky unit that still blunted the experience. That was the second version I drove.

Then came the third, an SLK 320 fitted with Mercedes’ sparkling 3.2-liter V-6, which also powers the fine E320 sedan. But once again, this test car came with automatic. Grrr.

Now, I’ve had the SLK as it should have been in the first place, equipped with the smooth and powerful V-6 and a slick, close-ratio six-speed. SLK has soared in my opinion.

The engine and tranny were new for 2001 and carry over for 2002. So does the fine handling and responsive steering of the diminutive fliptop. The brakes are amazing. The six-speed is superb, with precisely chosen gear ratios that allow the driver to wring out optimum performance or to cruise quietly on the freeway in six-gear overdrive.

The firm suspension, which comes equipped with Mercedes’ Electronic Stability System that helps control skids in case you get too sporty, permits flat cornering and good road feel without being too hard on the occupants.

There is some tire thump over rough surfaces and sharp raps from such things as freeway expansion joints, but it’s never akin to the buckboard rides of vintage sports cars.

Like all Mercedes cars, the body structure feels solid and well built. Standard equipment includes anti-lock brakes and side-impact airbags.

The retractable steel roof remains SLK’s signature element and a feature that strongly boosts its appeal. The folding top eliminates the security and maintenance hassles of cloth while allowing a full-fledged convertible experience. And with the top up, the cabin is as snug and secure as any coupe’s. Plus, it draws admiring crowds whenever it’s retracted or deployed.

SLK is no longer alone with this feature, with Lexus following Mercedes (as it often does) with a retractable roof for its new SC430 sports car. And the newly unveiled SL roadster, SLK’s big brother in the Benz lineup, loses its fabric roof in favor of a retractable hardtop.

Top up, the SLK is indeed cozy. Maybe a little too cozy, even claustrophobic. There’s enough legroom and headroom, but the two passengers will find there’s little room in here for anything else. Ditto for the trunk. Actually, the trunk has a decent amount of space with the top up, but that roof structure has to go somewhere. With the top down, trunk space shrinks from 12 cubic feet to just 5.

Compared with the rest of the sports-car run, SLK is a pricey number. Certainly, Mercedes’ strong reputation for quality is a major selling point. But the $45,790 price tag of th est car, although well equipped, did give me pause. Add the desirable AMG performance package, and the SLK quickly soars past $50,000. The SLK 230 Kompressor is about $5,000 less than the SLK 320.

Still, SLK has a unique personality, and with its performance gear straightened out, it can now run with the big dogs.

2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class review: Our expert's take
By Bob Golfen

Ah, at last. Mercedes-Benz’s SLK roadster has finally arrived. This is my fourth turn in the wedgy little two-seater with the folding steel top. But this is the first one that I can say without reservation has the equipment and performance to qualify as a bona fide sports car. And all it took was an extra-fine V-6 and a slick-shifting, six-speed transmission.

The first three SLK models were not quite right. The first one I had back in ’98 seemed rushed into production to compete with the new flock of latter-day roadsters coming out of Germany and Japan.

That SLK 230 Kompressor contained a four-cylinder engine equipped with a supercharger (a.k.a. kompressor in German) and an automatic transmission. Performance was uninspiring, despite the 185 horses claimed for the engine, which also was harsh and lacking in low-end torque. And the automatic was just all wrong for a reputed sports car. Mercedes brass said that market studies showed Americans were not interested in shifting for themselves.

Wrong. Competing sports cars, from the retro-themed Mazda Miata to the desirable Porsche Boxster, were being sold mainly with manuals.

Mercedes, finding its SLK at the bottom of most drivers’ sports-car shopping lists, began offering SLKs with the option of a five-speed manual. But it was a balky unit that still blunted the experience. That was the second version I drove.

Then came the third, an SLK 320 fitted with Mercedes’ sparkling 3.2-liter V-6, which also powers the fine E320 sedan. But once again, this test car came with automatic. Grrr.

Now, I’ve had the SLK as it should have been in the first place, equipped with the smooth and powerful V-6 and a slick, close-ratio six-speed. SLK has soared in my opinion.

The engine and tranny were new for 2001 and carry over for 2002. So does the fine handling and responsive steering of the diminutive fliptop. The brakes are amazing. The six-speed is superb, with precisely chosen gear ratios that allow the driver to wring out optimum performance or to cruise quietly on the freeway in six-gear overdrive.

The firm suspension, which comes equipped with Mercedes’ Electronic Stability System that helps control skids in case you get too sporty, permits flat cornering and good road feel without being too hard on the occupants.

There is some tire thump over rough surfaces and sharp raps from such things as freeway expansion joints, but it’s never akin to the buckboard rides of vintage sports cars.

Like all Mercedes cars, the body structure feels solid and well built. Standard equipment includes anti-lock brakes and side-impact airbags.

The retractable steel roof remains SLK’s signature element and a feature that strongly boosts its appeal. The folding top eliminates the security and maintenance hassles of cloth while allowing a full-fledged convertible experience. And with the top up, the cabin is as snug and secure as any coupe’s. Plus, it draws admiring crowds whenever it’s retracted or deployed.

SLK is no longer alone with this feature, with Lexus following Mercedes (as it often does) with a retractable roof for its new SC430 sports car. And the newly unveiled SL roadster, SLK’s big brother in the Benz lineup, loses its fabric roof in favor of a retractable hardtop.

Top up, the SLK is indeed cozy. Maybe a little too cozy, even claustrophobic. There’s enough legroom and headroom, but the two passengers will find there’s little room in here for anything else. Ditto for the trunk. Actually, the trunk has a decent amount of space with the top up, but that roof structure has to go somewhere. With the top down, trunk space shrinks from 12 cubic feet to just 5.

Compared with the rest of the sports-car run, SLK is a pricey number. Certainly, Mercedes’ strong reputation for quality is a major selling point. But the $45,790 price tag of th est car, although well equipped, did give me pause. Add the desirable AMG performance package, and the SLK quickly soars past $50,000. The SLK 230 Kompressor is about $5,000 less than the SLK 320.

Still, SLK has a unique personality, and with its performance gear straightened out, it can now run with the big dogs.

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Factory warranties

New car program benefits

Basic
4 years / 50,000 miles
Corrosion
4 years / 50,000 miles
Powertrain
4 years / 50,000 miles

Certified Pre-Owned program benefits

Age / mileage
6 years old or less / less than 75,000 miles
Basic
1 year / unlimited miles
Dealer certification
164-point inspection

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Consumer reviews

4.8 / 5
Based on 25 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 4.4
Interior 4.4
Performance 4.9
Value 4.8
Exterior 4.9
Reliability 4.8

Most recent

  • My 2001 SLK 320 is a great car, it's fast,dependable ,

    My 2001 SLK 320 is a great car, it's fast,dependable , gets good gas mileage, looks and looks great. I get a lot of compliments daily, for being over 20 years old that's saying a lot.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Sharp

    It is so sharp. Everyone comments on it and is shocked that its 20 years old. Great ride. Very dependable and comfortable. I am going to buy the new version of it.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    25 people out of 25 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Fast and Fun

    This is a blast to drive, All mechanicals and electric systems work perfectly. Nice styling. Love the hardtop convertible. Would buy another one and would recommend it,
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    14 people out of 14 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Fun, reliable, supercharged, quick & good mpg!

    The SLK is fun, solid, handles like a razor, yet has that "carved from granite" M-B quality feel. Elegant, though not showy - as a piece of history, the SLK is the first hardtop Mercedes convertible.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    17 people out of 17 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Just fun !

    I’ve owned a few Mercedes vehicles, and this one is very fun and sporty and is a head turner. It’s very quick and responsive. Very pleased
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    4 people out of 4 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Great Summer Car

    I bought my 2001 SLK 320 when it was ten years old with 12,000 miles on it. As of 2019, it has 40,000 problem free miles on it. No problems. Original brakes and rotors. Love the simple, analog gauges and instrumentation layout. Only negative is some of the rubber type coating on the vinyl console wears off over time. Can be touched up, I'm told.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 4.0
    3 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Most desired & had been my lifetime dream car.

    ohhhhh . Superb, fantastic, felt like in heaven while driving on route 1 ,parallel to pacifc ocean. We , me and my wife always loved the drive from san Diego to san Fransisco in California. Very best for two of you either a wife, or a friend or a girl friend for courting. She is a beauty and the beast to steer. Be prepared to loose your caps/hats while sporting the expected speed and not to hesitate loosing head hairs along with hats. You can love her equal to your wife or better than to develop jealousy in the minds of wife. I just sold it 3 months ago after owning for 12 years, being in need of money as a distress sale and now I am always full of tears remembering her. I miss her more than my life. Wish I could by another sometime being my life time dream.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 4.0
    5 people out of 6 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Beautiful classic Car

    Very good high quality build, a real attention drawer and a lot of fun to drive. The car held up well with ownership for 15.5 years.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 4.0
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • 52k miles with zero problems

    The SLK230 Kompressor was among the last true design of Bruno Sacco, at the end of his 30+ year tenure at MB. She has clean lines and unimpeachable proportions, no chrome and the double jump on the hood of 300 SL memory. It is not a sport car, but a (very) fast cruiser you can drive at 85 miles/hour on the highway from dawn to dusk. In the appropriate hands it is also quite manageable on mountain roads and hairpins. The engine has a reputation for 200k+ miles before any major service, provided you use a full synth motor oil (like Mobil 1). Fuel consumption is often in the 28 to 32 miles per gallon, if you dare to use the excellent low end torque rather than push the rpm past 5000/`.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    8 people out of 8 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Fun and Sexy

    Fun little car with excellent gas mileage. Has a tendency to nickel and dime you $100.00 at a time. Still fun to drive. Makin muffins at 85 mph.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 3.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 4.0
    1 person out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Amazing car

    This car is in mint condition....looks like it just drove off the showroom floor....garage kept!....real head turner....looks better than all the 2001s I've seen out there!....only 107k miles!!!!!
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    3 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Funnest and fastest car I owned!

    Car is a beast! I am upgrading to an SUV and I'm in tears! I will miss this ride! Excellent acceleration. Gorgeous body. Incredible convertible. Perfect for fun trips! This car was made in 2001, yet it still turns heads everywhere I go!
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No

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FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class?

The 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class is available in 2 trim levels:

  • (1 style)
  • Kompressor (1 style)

What is the MPG of the 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class?

The 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class offers up to 23 MPG in city driving and 30 MPG on the highway. These figures are based on EPA mileage ratings and are for comparison purposes only. The actual mileage will vary depending on vehicle options, trim level, driving conditions, driving habits, vehicle maintenance, and other factors.

What are some similar vehicles and competitors of the 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class?

The 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class compares to and/or competes against the following vehicles:

Is the 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class reliable?

The 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class has an average reliability rating of 4.8 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class owners.

Is the 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class a good Convertible?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class. 100.0% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

4.8 / 5
Based on 25 reviews
  • Comfort: 4.4
  • Interior: 4.4
  • Performance: 4.9
  • Value: 4.8
  • Exterior: 4.9
  • Reliability: 4.8

Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class history

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