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 31 through 40 of 148.00

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  3 Years and Still Running Well - 2002 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By lshelmir - April 8 - 1:33 am

  I purchased the ML as a replacement to a 99 Range Rover, to get me through college, and after driving for 3 Years, I feel that it can go for at least 10 more, the car is doing well. I feel safe driving it anywhere, and like the styling. I havent had any major mechanical problems, only minor things such as the battery, and brakes. The radio is better than some, but worse than others. The storage is great, I love having the 10 airbags, heater rest mode is a life saver in the winter. Drive quality is good, and reliability is unparalleled. Parts can be costly, but it is a Mercedes. However to tell the truth, I do miss the Rover, it felt more solid, both on dry road, as well as in the snow.

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  great truck - 2002 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By richard - March 31 - 6:03 am

  This is a great truck/SUV. Mercedes finally got it right. It has power and the styling is unique. I really like this vehicle.

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  Many improvements - 2002 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By rueym - February 20 - 11:26 pm

  If you get the 500 its worth the money compared to any other in its class. Its durable, so far no problems. Although many are complaining its because they have a lower model, the 500 is solid and performs well!

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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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  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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  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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  7th mercedes owned - 2002 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By gunlawyer - August 12 - 1:10 am

  Owned Mercedes since 1976. From 190E thru stationwagons. By far the best appearance since 1979 Wagon, great ride, show stopping appearance. Hard dealing to get acceptable purchase price with trade (Mercedes). Would do it again in a heartbeat.

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  Love the SUV - 2002 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By tiger2doll - June 5 - 10:00 am

  Very elegent and powerful SUV. A definite Headturner. Afterall - a Mercedes is a Mercedes. Nothing compares to it. Someone has rightly said - Life is too short and the roads too long to drive anything else except a Mercedes-Benz. Lots of Safety features - comfortable interior seating surfaces. Very nice and thoughtful small features. Love the SUV.

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  Pretty Good - I Guess - 2002 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By MG - January 13 - 4:06 pm

  Has been in the shop a number of times for things breaking (and I have less than 20K on it). Thank goodness its still under warranty. First Mercedes so I thought the quality of the interior was good, but now on comparison I feel it is fair. Service has been excellent but it really shouldnt have needed so much service already.

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  Much improved over 2000 year - 2002 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By Rob Schlein - July 24 - 2:36 am

  Had an ML in 1999 and 2000. 1999 was noisy, and 2000 had many electrical problems. However, I needed the space so I tried the 2002 after I heard it was much more reliable. It has been! Great car.