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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  Mercedes Benz: Number One - 2003 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
  By steveen - December 2 - 2:00 am

  The Mercedes Benz E320, is by far one of the most fun, and one of the most neatest cars on the market. The exterior is beautiful, but I think tht the interior is what makes this car extra special. So clean and crisp!!!

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  Love it all, but one thing.... - 2011 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
  By dwr1979 - November 29 - 7:43 am

  Been car shopping for 5 months. Tested everything, then saw apr rates for MB and decided to go in and drive one. I was sold. Its the best car I have personally owned- road noise is low, smooth/ solid over bumps, autorain wipers are amazing, the mbtek keeps the car smelling new and no one knows its not leather. the transmission is not even a consideration....i never feel it shift. the baby turns tight and crisp. I am getting about 25 mpgs right now, but just rolled over to 2000 miles so this is still probably not accurate.

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  Six Months Old and Growing on Me - 2006 Mercedes-Benz R-Class
  By MB4ME - November 28 - 8:10 am

  This is my fourth MB, including 1 wagon and 2 sedans previously, all wonderful vehicles. R-Class has surprising ease of handling like a sedan. Interior is roomy for six adults and gorgeous. Reading the manual first is imperative to become familiar with the hi-tech features. Nav system is great once you master the input procedures. Cargo area adequate for my golf clubs and groceries with seats up. Great sound system. I am averaging 21 mpg. Awesome all-wheel drive and brakes gripped the road in downhill driveway in the snow. My teenagers are fascinated with the different and innovative crossover R. The more I drive the R-Class the more I appreciate the engineering and styling vision.

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  The best - 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By LHANN - November 28 - 1:50 am

  I have owned 19 cars, five of which were Benz. My favorites were the 1965 250S and the current CLK 350. Its a dream on the interstate but it is equally a pleasure to cruise the beach. My only complaints are that the trunk is a bit on the cozy side, especially with the top down, and the navigation system is CD driven. However, the navigation system is very good and I would never buy another car without the factory installed system. Gas mileage is outstanding. On the interstate I get 28 regularly (at 80+ mph), although city driving is considerably less. Although the model styling is a few years old I still get many wonderful comments and thumbs up from drivers on the road.

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  My favorite Mercedes - 2005 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
  By Cathy Weil - November 27 - 4:06 pm

  This is my third Mercedes purchase, first was the C230, second the S320, and now this model. While I enjoyed ownership of all previous Mercedes models, this sedan suits me the best. It is a perfect size and style. It is comfortable, yet fun to drive. The sound system provides great listening for my opera or rock CDs.

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  What a great decision - 1999 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
  By mbzc230 - November 26 - 2:00 am

  More than a year ago I was faced with the need to find a replacement car. I chose the Mercedes for its combination of style, comfort, value, and of course prestige. I have never been dissapointed with my decision to purchase this vehicle instead of a new Honda Accord. I now understand why those who buy one Mercedes cant help but keep buying them!!

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  Raving Fans - 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
  By Len Gaby - November 26 - 2:00 am

  We have had SLs before and this is by far the best ever. A joy to drive!

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  Best Luxury Vehicle - 2007 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
  By Tonee - November 25 - 5:53 am

  The Mercedes S550 is by far the best premium luxury car in its class. It handles great, looks great and is overall a really awesome car. I love driving it around town everyday and getting all the looks, my children love driving it too. They say its a chick magnet.

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  Absolutely the BEST - 2002 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By GTL - November 24 - 10:00 am

  If youre reading the negative comments posted here and wondering wether or not to buy an ML, trust me...... BUY ONE. This has got to be one of the best driving vehicles I have ever driven. After over a year of owning my ML 320, I still giggle at how smoothly, quietly, and comfortably this vechicle really is. I have owned other SUVs and believe me, there is no comparison. You have to experience it to understand.

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  "Baby Benz" - 2002 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
  By dnisely - November 24 - 10:00 am

  The "Baby Benz" is a fun car to drive. It hugs the road while giving a sensation of floating over the surface. It is made for high speed driving. Although I wish the hatchback/rear-end design could be modified, I find the car is a very practical yet sporty vehicle. I love my b-benz. For the money its a exceptional vaulue. It is a Benz!