Overview & Reviews

For 2003, there is more power for the S55 and S600 models, both of which now put out nearly 500 horsepower. Also Pre-Safe, a system that detects an imminent impact and quickly adjusts seating positions as well as seatbelt tension to better safeguard the occupants, debuts. Mercedes' 4Matic all-wheel-drive system becomes available on the S430 and S500 and a minor freshening inside and out are meant to keep these big Benzes near the top of luxury car buyer's shopping lists.

• World-class performance, state-of-the-art safety features, spacious and comfortable cabin.

• Complicated COMAND system, standard V8 models not as much fun to drive as BMW 7 Series.

User Reviews:

Showing 41 through 50 of 69.00

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  Unlike any other - 2003 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
  By Zachmbenzfvr - July 12 - 2:00 am

  Having owned this car for about three weeks I can say that it is one of the best if not the best Mercedes I have ever owned. I have not experienced any problems with my car at this moment. This car is very spirited and I only wish I would have put my name on the list for the s600. This thing is quick as it is, with 100+ more horsepower, this car would be a rocket. But oh well, My baby is just fine the way she is.

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  The Best of the Best - 2003 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
  By Steebie - July 6 - 2:00 am

  This is my second S430 in three years, and the 2003 has really improved, especially the command system. The trunk pop out handle allows you to close the trunk without one fingerprint on the finish. Sound system is the best of the best, and comfortable ride cant be beat. The 2003 is the best yet.

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  2003 S Class - 2003 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
  By Hawk1 - July 1 - 10:00 am

  Magnificent car in every respect except reliability!! The vehicle was delivered to me with no refrigerant in the air conditioning system. It required service to charge the system within the first week of ownership. No leaks were detected by the service technician. Seven weeks later the AC failed again. The system maintained the charge, but another component of the AC system failed. Parts are on order but this means another trip to the service department--three within the first two months of ownership.

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  Good But Not Great - 2003 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
  By Reasonable Man - May 7 - 2:00 am

  S500 Sport. Forearms will grow because it takes real strength to guide car thru turns at low end. Best enjoyed at over 60 mph. Awesome acceleration at high end. Beautiful but uninspiring driver around town. Needs to be quicker. Plush interior, cavernous backseat. Nav system is not intuitive. Average sound system.

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  A truly great automobile - 2003 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
  By Rodney S. Cain - January 13 - 7:40 am

  This is my 4th new Mercedes. I have had diesel and gas models, I have had the SL models, and S models. They are a pleasure to own and to drive. Very reliable, and with their weight and ample power they make all roads,hills,and curves seem like an expressway. Best money I have ever spent on cars. Regardless of age, mileage, or type, I have enjoyed the car. Never got out of one and felt that I was tired of the drive. I oft times take it for a drive, just for the pleasure of driving it.

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  Farewell to all that - 2003 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
  By Jersey guy - January 6 - 12:46 pm

  Owned the car for 3 yrs, bought used at 38,500 mi. Beautifully styled exterior and luxurious, comfy interior -- wonderful to look at and to ride in. However, I have never owned a more problematic Benz (this is my fifth). Most of the issues were electronic defects, most notably gear shift that jammed in "P" because of defective sensor, which took dealer months to figure out; A/C sensor needed replacement after a few yrs; the V-belt broke apart on the highway, causing loss of power; front-end vibration required new engine mount; air suspens. struts replaced; CD remote multi-changer stopped working -- and more. I bid farewell to the car today, more in sorrow than in anger.

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  Maybe the Best Sedan in the World - 2003 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
  By enw - September 22 - 11:10 pm

  This is an amazing automobile. With almost 500HP, a fast shifting transmission (with 3 ways to shift - full auto, tiptronic or steering wheel paddles) and excellent handling, the performance is truly outstanding. Its not as much fun to drive as my Porsche. It is, afterall, a sedan, but its the best sedan Ive ever driven. Despite the build quality problems that Mercedes has experienced in the recent past, none of it seems to pop up in the AMG cars. Perhaps the AMG cars get more TLC. The list of standard features is long and luxurious. One of the best is the drive dynamic seats. The side bolsters inflate/deflate in response to lateral Gs. Great fun! Expensive, but worth it.

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  s430 - 2003 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
  By DoubleT - August 7 - 10:00 am

  I traded in a 2001 LS430 for the S430. The Lexus was a little too pretty, could not corner and terribly boring to drive. The S430 now has 18000 miles on it, no visits to the dealer except for one oil change. It drives like a BMW with the quality of the Lexus.

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  s-class Sport pkg is a piece of machine - 2003 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
  By Thuan - July 12 - 10:00 am

  The S430 with the sport pkg is just did it for me. Love it the minute driving off the lot. I couldnt afford the s500 sport or the s55 but this vehicle enough for my pocket.

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  1st time - 2003 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
  By WE-R-1 - June 27 - 8:03 am

  An outstanding auto on the open road. Eye catching vehicle with a smooth and quiet ride, handles well, plenty of cabin room. Been in shop 4 times for power assist problems with trunk (on last trip, power assist doors went on blink as well). Scheduling another appointment- this time trunk will only open with valet key. Noisy front seats remedied after 3rd try with replacement of plastic seat guides. Cup holder design poor. Navigation system- too many key strokes and street info on CD is paltry. Still love the vehicle, but frustrated by the mutiple vists to repair items that I would not expect on a vehicle with less than 32000 miles- let alone a MB.