2000 Mercedes-Benz SL Your neighbor's property values just went up. 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. But those people have 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.

Two models of the Mercedes-Benz SL are available: the V8-powered SL500 and the V12-powered SL600. The SL500 retails for $82,600, while the SL600 goes for $128,950. A one-touch convertible top and removable aluminum hardtop are standard.