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 21 through 30 of 148.00

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  Dont let the bad reviews throw you... - 2002 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By Hondo - March 13 - 2:00 am

  People who purchase in this range tend to be pickey. Ive had mine for three years now, and while the 99s did have niggling little problems, all in all this is an extremely fine vehicle. It has spirited accelleration, corners with grace at higher than expected speeds, has a cavernous hauling area in the back, and an excpetional ride. And it IS a Mercedes. Im very pleased with mine, and would highly recommend you give it a close look. Mercedes has loaded a tremendous amount of GOOD ENGINEERING into this vehicle. Read their brochure, and this will all become very clear. Well done MB.

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  2 nd year review - 2002 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By no name - October 21 - 10:00 am

  Has been in the shop for mulitple malfunctions all addressed by dealership on SEVERAL visits and Park Places Road Side Repair service. Brake pads stink!! I am at 27,500 and told the brake pads have 10% left? Set number 3. 2nd set at 12,500 miles. Told by dealership it is due to AWD and common with their brake pads? This is my first Mercedes. Never had an issue with Japanese and US autos with AWD. To spend 50K+ on an auto and having to replace ONLY REAR pads for $311.00? That is crap!! Designers, take notice of the issues to keep Mercedes image and return buyer.

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  Mercedes ML500 - 2002 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By jims - October 18 - 2:00 am

  Im thoroughly pleased with this vehicle. The SUV provides a comfortable ride and feels safe in all weather. Great and comfortably priced introduction to a Mercedes.

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  Much Better then my 1999 ML - 2002 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By Bottedi - January 29 - 2:00 am

  I leased a 1999 ML and got this new 2002 version after my lease ended. I liked the 99, but was really upset with the overall poor fit & finish. This car is entirely different! Much better quality and feels like a luzury car! Still a few complaints - not like a German made MB, but its great!

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  Safety and flexibility at a price - 2002 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By califguy - December 1 - 10:00 am

  Purchased as a flexible, sturdy, safe vehicle with a luxury image, we have been satisfied on those criteria. It is strongly-built with many safety features. The V6 seems undersized, but the smooth 5sp automatic works to give the ML adequate grunt. Fuel economy is low (16-17MPG). Ride is choppy, but improves with additional cargo or passengers. Interior is roomy, quiet and refined in Mercedes style, with a great seating position. I find the seats overly firm for long trips. 4 wheel traction and braking systems and high clearances make this a decent off road SUV. Interior pieces have broken, fixed under warranty. Dealer service is as expensive as feared.

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  ML320 - 2002 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By rsa0 - November 6 - 8:23 pm

  Great german engineering. Some minor details had failed during time (navigation unit) but were promptly replaced by the dealer. Overall experience is great, and I am now a returning buyer for ML. MPG is not the greatest, but hey, is an AWD! Excellent ABS and stability control that not many SUVs have. With the exception of the GPS unit, I had nothing to fix or repair on this car since 2001.

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  Design Outdated - 2002 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By Tom S. - August 24 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car somewhat reluctantly. Its far less expensive than my first choice, the BMW X5, about the same as an MDX. Frankly, the Mercedes-Benz badge made it the choice over the MDX. Has a simple, somewhat rugged exterior without being pretentious (Lexus RX300 and Mercury Mountaineer). Got just the minimum: Luxury and Convenience package with the Bose sound system.

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  Just got one - 2002 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By HITERP - July 31 - 2:00 am

  Looked at buying a used 00 or 01. GLAD we went with an 02. FAR nicer vehicle. Smoother, quieter, many nicer features (climate control, vents and controls for the rear seat passengers, etc...). The vehicle is very easy to drive. I would recommend it for someone who likes the additional room an SUV provides in the rear, but doesnt want to drive a huge vehicle.

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  Much better than a minivan. - 2002 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By BCWatty - April 19 - 2:00 am

  Needed all wheel drive and 3rd row of seats. The small turning circle diameter is great. This was the best handling and most nimble suv we drove. The interier hardware is fragile and we have replaced rear cupholders/vents 5 times (all under warranty). The moonroof had broken twice and the power steering feels underboosted when making sharp u-turns. The accelerator pedal is s-l-o-w to inputs. Our dealership does not have enough loaner cars. Our local BMW dealership is much more responsive but X-5 does not have 3rd row of seats. We tow a boat with this and it works much better than our Tundra pickup truck for towing.

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  good build quality - 2002 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By anwar - April 17 - 2:00 am

  very good Luxury car