1999 Mercedes-Benz SL 500 Still classy after all these years. By John Matras, New Car Test Drive .com

The Mercedes-Benz SL500 has presence. No matter the neighborhood, an SL is a sign of good taste. It is an expression of conspicuous consumption.

The SL500 is something of a paradox, however. It is big and heavy and offers a luxurious ambiance, but its stance is one of sportiness. A new Sport Package adds to this. So some may accuse this car of having a confusing role. Those who do have probably not spent much time in an SL500. It is, in fact, an incredible car for a top-down summer drive on a winding country road. And there's nothing confusing about that.