2003 Mercedes Sl600 2003 Mercedes Sl600 Blue Widebody

2003 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class

SL500
SL55 AMG
$113,250
SL500 Roadster
$85,990

Wondering which trim is right for you?

Our 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class trim comparison will help you decide.

2003 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class review: Our expert's take

Of all the cars, trucks and minivans I have test driven this past year, few vehicles evoked as many envious comments from co-workers as the new Mercedes-Benz SL500.

Of course, this is an $86,000 car savored by few – mostly CEOs and entertainers. So its glamorous image is enough to attract a lot of attention.

But it's not just image that will turn heads. This couple has stunning good looks. Voluptuous curves and crisp accent lines help hide the car's wide stance and the more than 4,000 pound curb weight. Its size isn't intimidating, like the Chevrolet Corvette, yet it is large enough to avoid looking like a toy. It has a modern appearance that matches the BMW Z8 for sheer eye appeal.

That feeling is backed up by the 5-liter V-8, which moves this coupe with a graceful air and throaty roar. Power is better approaching highway speeds than off-the-line. This coupe will not snap your head back upon initial acceleration, and with a 0-60 mph time of just 6.1 seconds, you won't notice the car's heft.

Where you will notice it is in the handling.

The car has a heavy, hunkered down feel that takes driving to a divine level. While you will get some road feel through the suspension, there's little in the car's steering or brakes.

Part of this is due to the car's electronic brake system. The system features anti-lock and disc brakes on all four wheels. A computer is used to sense your intentions by monitoring each wheel and the driver's application of the brakes. Emergency braking is free of the shudder usually associated with anti-lock brakes. Stopping was exceptional.

In addition, Mercedes' Active Body Control helps provide compromise between a smooth ride and sporty handling. The result works most of the time, but it's easy to confuse the computer. This lends an unsettled feel to the car's body lean as the computers try to decide what to do.

The stylish interior matches the SL500's exterior.

Twin bucket seats had the usual Mercedes hardness, yet they were supportive. Some passengers complained about their rather narrow width, so if you're broad in the beam, this car may be uncomfortable.

Still, this car does its best to coddle passengers.

Leather and wood trim abound. The automatic climate control uses seatbelt sensors to judge how many passengers are in the car and adjusts the system accordingly. Other niceties include a Bose 10-speaker audio system, navigation system, and heated and cooled seats.

Of course, the biggest thrill is the retractable hardtop, which brings on smiles in a brisk 16 seconds. Mercedes has even figured out a way to retain a decent amount of trunk space.

While the Mercedes-Benz SL500 is a welcome addition to any CEO's garage, and its engineering is quite remarkable, too many people buy the car for one reason only: the star on the front of the hood.

Which explains the catty comments, as well as the envious stares.

Consumer reviews

81% of drivers recommend this car

Rating breakdown (out of 5):

Comfort 4.6
Interior design 4.5
Performance 4.6
Value for the money 4.0
Exterior styling 4.8
Reliability 3.8

Most recent consumer reviews

The SL55 AMG remains one of their best!

February 27, 2022

By Dino from Phoenix, AZ

Owns this car

I've had my '03 SL55 since new. It was one of the 1st US delivery cars. 19 years later it still is a gem. Looks amazing, performance from the 500hp V8 is brilliant. I really haven't had very many problems during my ownership. The worst part is depreciation. Mine was $130K out the door. Since I am not planning to sell, I haven't lost a penny. The problem with depreciation is as they get cheaper to buy, the bottom feeders swoop in, but they can't afford to maintain the $130K car they just bought for $30K. This will leave fewer and fewer good cars. If the SL55 is on your radar, buy the best car you can afford, have it inspected by someone who knows these cars and be prepared to maintain it like the $130K car that it is and it will reward you like very few cars can.

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A few Recall Items, Dealer Fixed them, all good

March 28, 2021

By Consultant with a Capitol C from AUBURN

Used to own this car

This Mercedes was above other Sports Cars I've owned. All of the Power Functions were reliable, good acceleration when needed. Could sustain speed with little, if any effort. Comfortable, no matter how long the trip. Expensive to repair, should something go wrong, is the only drawback..

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Worst car I EVER owned.

December 30, 2020

By HelpingHand from Lahaina HI

Used to own this car

This car will suck you dry. Every time anything had to be repaired, which was all the time, the repair costs usually started at $2000. When I bought the car it only had 30,000 miles and looked like new. Within a few weeks the roof leaked fluid ruining the seals to the window and was not operable...$6000. After that numerous smaller things broke, would not go out of park mode, brakes, electronic suspension failed, and too many other things to even mention. The car cost me $15000 in repairs in 18 months. I was so happy to sell the car for $3500 and take my losses. I will NEVER buy Mercedes ever again. If you look at the common problems consumers have with this car and the repair costs you will steer far away friends. BEWARE

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See all 43 consumer reviews

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