Overview & Reviews

The ML430 is replaced by the ML500, which has a 5.0-liter V8 packing 288 horsepower. Over 1,100 parts of the truck have been modified, but the ML's exterior remains largely the same. New bumpers, clear-lens headlights and revised side mirrors are the most noticeable exterior changes. Inside, the center console sports a new look, and wood grain trim becomes standard on all models. A new automatic climate control system is now standard, and rear-seat passengers get dual cupholders and separate ventilation controls.

• Safe, comfortable, car-like ride and handling, surefooted in bad weather.

• Reputation for poor build quality, looks like a minivan from some angles, confounding COMAND navigation system.

User Reviews:

Showing 101 through 110 of 148.00

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  Tiger Tank - 2002 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By Shovelhead - November 19 - 12:40 pm

  We purchased our 02 as a CPO ML. It was just turned in on a lease with 23k on it. Wanted safety. The engine is performs very well. Smooth, fast and reliable. Performs from 0-60 with no flat spot. The ride is good for an SUV. We had ae minor axle and trans seal leak repaired. The MLs traction and stability control work excellent. Drive in icy conditions cant even tell the road surface is slick until we get out to walk. It corners well and stops well. Solid, safe, built like Tiger tank. Neighbor works in ER level 3. Lexus LX470 (large SUV) crossed center line on interstate. Hit ML on front and side. ML occupants good shape, Lexus driver died. Worth every penny in safety and broken bones

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  Love my ML500 - 2002 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By jrayer - October 26 - 11:53 am

  This is my second V8 ML; I had a 1999 ML430 and this one is considerably improved. The 430 had many quality issues but this one has been solid as a rock. I opted for the Sport package and this V8 haulsthe mail! The handling is quite amazing for a vehicle of this size. The driving position is great; you sit just high enough to get a good view of the traffic ahead. The only negatives are the goofy controls on the radio/navigation system, although you get used to it, and the fact of when these things are out of warranty, they are expensive to fix.

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  mercedes 2002 m class - 2002 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By TOOTSIE - September 5 - 10:00 am

  HANDLED GREAT WAS SMOOTH WITH HARDLEY ANY EXTERIOR NOISE. CAR FELT TIGHT BUT SMOOTH AT THE SAME TIME. THE SEATS ARE VERY COMFORTABLE TO RIDE IN. THE INTERIOR DESIGN IS CLASSIC BUT MODERN. THIS CAR FEELS MORE LIKE A SEDAN NOT AN SUV. THIS CAR HANDLED GREAT AT HIGHER SPEED TURNS WITH OUT THE FEELING OF SWAYING OR TIPPING OVER. WAS A FUN CAR TO DRIVE DROVE AND FELT MORE LIKE AN EXPENSIVE SEDAN. RECOMMEND BUYING THIS CAR.

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  Is this a German or American built car - 2002 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By Cssml500 - July 24 - 10:00 am

  When i took it for a test drive before buying was very impressed with the power and handeling. But after about a month since i bought it, started hearing squeaky sounds from the back. Cant even pinpoint where they are coming. It sounds like the hatch is going to fall of every time i hit a bump. I am embarrsed to let others drive with me and when i do, i try and put the music up to drown out the squeaks and rattles. It has just about 1800 miles. Cant imagine what it would be after few more thousand miles... If i could do it agian would have waited for the X5

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  ML500 Review - 2002 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By ericd - June 17 - 2:00 am

  As a tall person, the front and rear leg room is a plus and the short turning radius and good acceleration is ideal for city driving though the braking ability of this vehicle is slightly less than what I expected. On trips to PA in especially hilly areas this vehicle maintains its speed rather well. The navigation system would be great if you could use it with other cds in the changer-somewhat bothersome.

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  So far so good! - 2002 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By sabroson - June 11 - 10:00 am

  Since I bought the ML500 in Sept/02 I have put on it about 18000 miles. So far I have had only minor initial problems that were corrected during the first couple of months. The truck is FAST. Road and Track tested it to be 6.7 sec 0-60 and I believe it. The only minor thing that I miss is the fact that there are no controls on the steering wheel for the radio. The other little thing is that the navigation system is CD based instead of DVD based, and therefore there are about 10 CDs for the US maps (instead of 1 DVD).

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  WHY CANT THEY FIX THE SMALL STUFF - 2002 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By VeryVeryDisappointed - May 4 - 2:00 am

  Squeaks abound and other noises appear from no where. There is not even 1,500 miles on the vehicle yet! Several electerical problems and MB Doesnt even respond! ITS A LEMON!

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  I Love It More... - 2002 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By JJC San Diego - January 24 - 10:00 am

  My 89LC was mint & incredible off- road, but was severely underpowered, handled like a ship, fatiguing, had no safety features, and got 10mpg, but I still loved it for what it was when I sold it after 9yrs. The ML55AMGs engine has an exceptional powerband, a fantastic interior, handles like a sports sedan, is extremely comfortable, has all the gadgets, can consistently get 15MPG (combined) if I dont "floor it" constantly, 18MPG on long trips, and is incredible fun. The cup holders are too flimsy, its has limited cargo space, and it has too much wind noise, but short of the Kawa ZX11 and 69 BMW 2002 I once owned, Ive never loved a vehicle nearly as much

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  THE SUV - 2002 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By Darkmann - December 30 - 10:00 am

  The ML has a lot of minor annoying build quality problems and this distracts from the capability of the truck. A good dealership makes the difference between frustration and having an excellent ownership experience. Now, the ML is a great deal in the market. The drive is great and its offroad prowess is really second to none, not even the Cayenne can keep up!! The ML500 is the choice and the best SUV deal anywhere, period.

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  excellent - 2002 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By dennis holliday - October 17 - 10:00 am

  Great car,Great to drive, Great in snow,Great gas mi.Good power,Fun to drive