Multi-Car

'99 Mercedes-Benz CLK430We continue to have problems finding the keys to Mercedes' muscular performance coupe-staffers tend to pocket them, then the car disappears. It's really popular! The CLK has been the transport of choice for fast, medium-distance trips lately; 250-mile stints yielded such comments as "At first, the seats seemed overly firm, but after a long stretch on the highway, my back appreciated their support."

The CLK draws looks, and prime parking spots from appreciative valets: "Got a million compliments on styling, no doubt due to this car's color combo." People also guess the price as a lot higher than it is. Rear-seat passengers enjoy decent headroom-especially for a car with such an aggressively sloped rear window. And the motorized tracks that move the front seats forward certainly aid entry to the rear of the cabin.

Mechanically, the 430 has continued its flawless tour of duty-with the exception of the fuel gauge that we thought we had repaired during the last service: It will still drop to empty once in a while, even on a full tank. We've not heard of this being a problem on other CLKs, so we'll write it off as a condition endemic only to this particular vehicle.

Logbook Quote"Still wish engine and auto trans communicated a bit better, but added V-8 torque compensates."

'99 Acura 3.2 TLWe're still impressed by how much content the TL delivers for the money. Car buyers must be impressed, as well, since TLs sell like the proverbial hotcake. Our 3.2 recently completed a 3000-mile cross-country haul: "Now this is a long-distance car. Interior's a bit tight for me. If Acura offered the TL without a moonroof and thinned out the headliner area at the top of the windshield, it would be a lot less claustrophobic." Another comment: "The brakes are impressive; the Acura has exceptional sensitivity through the pedal. Even if it didn't have ABS, you'd feel confident that you know what was happening down at the contact patches."

It recently went in for its 15,000-mile service, which encompassed an engine oil and filter change, an air filter, a transmission service, plus miscellaneous lubrications and adjustments. The tab for same was $294.38. The powertrain continues to draw praise: "Honda knows how to do engines. This one is eager to rev, and smooth in the process. Better-than-average low-end torque for a four-valve V-6."