2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK320

The SLK 320 is fitted with the 3.2-liter V-6 good for 215 horsepower and 229 lb.-ft. of torque.

This little runner is about as nice as can be. Once you're in, the solid structure gives a great feeling of security and the driving experience only reinforces that. While some hardcore enthusiasts might pick nits here and there, for almost all the intended audience, the SLK 320 goes, stops, steers and rides just great. Acceleration with the V-6 is snappy, quick and long-legged in that European sort of way, and it's not going to run out of wind in any kind of legal or even semi-legal driving. The brakes bring things to a halt with firm authority. The steering has a machine-like precision to both the feel and the directional control. The whole thing, whistling down the road, has that exquisite Benz sense, that completeness of execution, which can make the driver feel even a little snooty about his or her good fortune to be at the wheel of such a nice car. And that ain't bad. (www.mbusa.com)