2008 Mercedes-Benz M-Class ML320 CDI

Pros

This vehicle has it all: agility, economy, power, looks, elegance, value.

Cons

Air suspension is an expensive must-have

It's amazing. For comparison purposes, I had a 2002 C230 Kompressor coupe, a little 3300 pound 2-door gas engine car with a manual (6spd) tranny. I averaged 28MPG with 90% highway driving. Now I drive this beautiful beast - 1500 pounds heavier at 4800 lbs, but at the same time with its 7 speed automatic tranny it's quicker 0-60 than my old coupe by half a second, and gets 1MPG BETTER fuel economy! 700 mile+ range OMG. All the while diesel fuel is cheaper than premium here in FL. AND I can fit 3 buddies in the vehicle comfortably. And with the rear seats folded down anybody 6'3" and shorter can fully stretch out in a sleeping bag...or 2 ;) And I can tow a 7200lb boat if I need to. BTW if you can afford it get the air suspension and radar controlled "distronic" cruise control - expensive though (hence 4 stars in value). Plus a tiny bit of turbo lag (hence 4 stars in performance). Nonetheless, this is one awesome vehicle! Especially masculine in black. :)