Overview & Reviews

"Oh Lord, won't you buy me a Mercedes-Benz?" That's the opening line of "Mercedes-Benz," a song most famously recorded by singer Janis Joplin in the early 1970s. The tune gently poked fun at materialism and our desire for the finer things in life. It's fitting that the renowned German marque figures prominently in the lyric. Mercedes-Benz has long been known for crafting vehicles that emphasize luxury and refinement. For many, its vehicles are sleek symbols of status, success and good taste.

In January of 1886, Karl Benz unveiled the world's first automobile, a three-wheeled vehicle dubbed the Benz Patent Motor Car. A few months later, Gottlieb Daimler and his chief engineer Wilhelm Maybach rolled out a four-wheeled vehicle powered by his Daimler engine. The first Mercedes was crafted in 1901, shortly after Daimler's death. Built by Maybach, the car was commissioned by Emil Jellinek, one of Daimler's primary distributors, and was ultimately named after Jellinek's daughter, Mercedes.

In 1926, the companies founded by Daimler and Benz merged to form Daimler-Benz AG, and the Mercedes-Benz brand was born. The company's insignia was a three-pointed star wreathed in a laurel; the star was dreamed up by Daimler years earlier, and its three points signified the fact that his engines were used in vehicles that traveled land, air and sea.

Right from the start, the Mercedes-Benz name was synonymous with automotive excellence. One of the automaker's earliest vehicles, the 1931 Mercedes-Benz 170, distinguished itself as the world's first production car to offer a technology that was nothing short of extraordinary for the day: four-wheel independent suspension. The '30s and '40s saw Mercedes establishing itself as the brand of choice for car buyers seeking the ultimate in luxury, thanks to coveted cruisers like the 380 and 540K.

The 1950s witnessed the introduction of the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL "Gullwing," a sports car that has been described as being the world's first supercar. With its dramatic styling and race-bred technology, the 300 SL reigns today as a classic coveted by collectors worldwide. The decade also saw Daimler-Benz making strides in the area of safety technology. The company's Mercedes-Benz 220 sedans were the first vehicles to incorporate its patented "crumple zone" body design, created to absorb impact in the event of a crash.

In 1963, the company cemented its reputation as the home of automotive luxury with the launch of the Mercedes-Benz 600. The elegant, luxurious sedan was also available as a limousine and featured an ahead-of-its-time air suspension system and a V8 engine that boasted 300 horsepower. The decade also saw the launch of the Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL 6.3. This full-size sedan went from zero to 60 in under seven seconds, distinguishing itself as the quickest luxury car is its day.

The 1970s saw the birth of the brand's storied S-Class line of vehicles, opulent sedans and coupes that coddled passengers with powerful engines and a long list of luxury features. The decade also saw Mercedes continuing on the cutting edge of safety technology, by being the first to offer antilock brakes in its vehicles.

Daimler-Benz's safety advancements continued in the 1980s. Its cars were the first to offer airbags and traction control. The manufacturer also raised the bar in terms of ride comfort and handling when it introduced multilink rear suspension. The technology debuted on the compact Mercedes-Benz 190 E, and it remains a vital component of the company's chassis engineering to this day.

Mercedes-Benz vehicles got an extra dose of power and performance in the 1990s, thanks to the manufacturer's partnership with AMG, a performance and tuning shop that was eventually purchased by the company to help produce ultra-high-performance versions of some of its vehicles. The first AMG model offered in the U.S. was the sporty C36 AMG in 1995; since then, Mercedes has gone on to offer an AMG-tuned version of almost all of its vehicles.

The company's current lineup is the most comprehensive in its history. With a variety of sedans, coupes, SUVs and roadsters filling Mercedes showrooms, it seems like the only thing missing is a pickup truck. Surely, the fact that Janis Joplin's song holds as much relevance today as it did four decades ago is a strong indicator that the brand's premier status is still very much intact.

User Reviews:

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  Love It - 2008 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
  By Dwaine - August 19 - 4:10 am

  First car Ive owned that didnt need to go back to the dealership for things going wrong. A very solid, well planted, highway car. We had a 06 Lexus GS300 before the MB and even though the Lexus had a better ride and fuel economy than the C300, theres no comparison to the handling and feel on the road. The Lexus was like driving your fathers Buick. We love this car and enjoy every minute we have in it. Cant wait to try it in the snow.

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  Not a bad car - 2006 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By zekester1 - August 18 - 11:49 pm

  Bought this car new, and have no problems other than replacing brake lights and the fuel filter ($3000+). Ive 118000+ miles and have no serious complaints other than shoddy switchgear (sunroof switch is broken). Roomy, decent gas milage (23mpg+) and fully-featured, this I believe is my perfect car. However, the 8-quart oil requirement makes for expensive oil changes when using synthetic ($100+).

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  Exactly what I expected - 2008 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By Roscoe18 - August 18 - 7:46 pm

  Its no RR Sport. Not as fun- but 27.4mpg hwy and between 20-22 overall. The gas mileage is great and less carbon emissions. Diesel engine noise is annoying. Porsche will win if they can combine sport and "green" in the new Cayenne!

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  Dont forget about the oil !! - 2009 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
  By Terry - August 18 - 4:10 pm

  When youre talking about fuel economy dont forget about the oil usage. I have 3000 miles on my new 2009 S63 and Ive put 2 qts. of oil in it already. Went to the Mercedes service counter and was advised--"Thats pretty good, Mercedes specs are 800 miles a quart." I thought he was kidding, but Mercedes customer service confirmed. But, a little piece of mind---"it doesnt BURN oil --it just USES a quart every 800 miles. Why dont they put this in their commercials !

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  This cant be a diesel - 2005 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
  By canfield - August 17 - 2:36 pm

  Remarkably quiet, incredibly powerful and fun to drive. This is my first new Mercedes, bought with the idea it will have to last several years. I dont think Ill be disappointed. Im 66 tall and look forward to long trips in this car. Its that comfortable and a joy to drive.

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  Nav system is an antique - 2006 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
  By Bill - August 17 - 2:06 pm

  The E320 CDI is very fuel efficient and fun to drive, but the transmission has occassional problems. Slipping during takeoff which my dealer says is normal. Styling is rather bland. Seats could stand to be a little more comfortable. The lumbar support should be power and easier to reach. My biggest complaint is the antique nav system. Somebody must have bought these on a $59 closeout. Charging $2900 for this system should be a felony. Its an unbelievably antiquated system with few features, no touch screen, and no voice command. Also theres no bluetooth unless you buy their phone. I own a 2007 Toyota Camry that blows this car away with superior luxury features. Sorry MB, you need to catch up

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  luv my benz - 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By mauman - August 16 - 6:56 pm

  a great car to drive and be seen driving. mercedes is a lot more affordable than one would think.this is mb number three i have bought this year. they are addictive. my lease payment is the same as a 40k american depreciating junker.

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  Great for 2 types of people - 2006 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
  By nwb2 - August 15 - 8:47 pm

  Mercedes particularly the c280 4matic is great for two types of people: the first of which being the people who can afford the the maintenance fees and shop labor charges, but your buying a Mercedes not a Kia its somewhat an investment. The second type of person to purchase this vehicle is someone who ive very mechanically inclined and able to handle some of the basics themselves, i.e. brakes, belts, transfer case fluid, Diff fluid, spark plugs, etc. If your not one of the two listed above and your budget can not allow for a dollar oil change this may not be for you.

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  Mamas Car - 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By Don_Q - August 15 - 10:00 am

  The purchase of the MB 320 SLK was the result of my wifes refusal of the offer of a Porsche Boxter, a decision we have not regretted. Although a six cylinder model we have been impressed with the acceleration and handling and its appearance draws attention.

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  Antiseptic - 2001 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
  By Mr. Lee - August 15 - 10:00 am

  Wonderful car for hauling clients and family. Stability control intervenes on any fun. Acceleration which once was blazing is now considered merely above average with new offerings from MB, Audi, and Porsche, and of course rumors of the new BMW M5 and M3. Still one of the best values in luxury automobiles. Now if we can just put the supercharger from the 04 model on this one, it would have a power to weight ratio of a 911 turbo.