2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class SLK 280

The SLK-Class is Mercedes' two-seat roadster, the one with a folding hardtop that turns it from coupe to convertible in seconds. It's a genuinely fun car to drive, with sharp steering and a chassis that feels eager through corners. The cabin is snug but comfortable, with heated seats and neck heaters that make top-down driving pleasant in cooler weather. Trunk space is tight with the top down, so plan on packing light for weekend trips. The SLK 280 gets you the same folding hardtop and sporty chassis as the range, with a 3.0L V6 that's smooth and willing rather than the SLK 350's extra punch. Its 3.0L V6 makes 228 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic that shifts cleanly, and it returns 20 mpg combined. Standard 16-inch alloy wheels and a lowered sport-tuned suspension give it a planted feel, though the ride is firm over rough pavement.