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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  I love my mercedes benz - 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
  By Kerry - September 4 - 10:00 am

  My first car was a 1998 Mercedes SL450. I didnt like it too much so i decided to get something smaller. My AMG is the greatest car ive ever owned. The milage is a +. I would definetly recommend this vehicle to anybody.

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  Excellent to own - 2003 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
  By Phil - September 1 - 3:03 am

  This car has everything anyone could want: safety, reliability, styling, comfort, standard upgrades such as an audio system that uses fiber-optic wiring to the speakers (you hear every sound), and great gas mileage. What more could you want?

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  Perfect for the aspiring VP - 1997 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
  By Alex - August 31 - 6:13 pm

  I bought this car with 222,000 miles on it from a family friend. In 7 days, the radiator blew, but for 3 years after, now with 244,000 miles, the car drives beautifully. Comfort, handling, horsepower, and after tinting the windows, style. I plan to drive this car until it breaks down completely, overall it is a true gentlemans ride.

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  Is there anything bad? - 1999 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
  By MBRob - August 29 - 8:36 am

  I received my first Mercedes upon turning 16. It was a hand-me-down 190E with 197k,but I was hooked on Benz from then on.Before starting college, my parents surprised me with a 99 C280.It had just over 70k so it was just getting started. After having for almost 2 years,and 50k miles I still love it. Mercedes has outdone themselves. The horsepower seemed a little small until you drive the car. It is fast! It really seems to have everything a car could need! Besides a couple small quirks, broken cupholder(surprise) and failed wiper motor, I have had no problems.Services are a little pricey, but people who complain about that had to have known that beforehand. Good gas mileage too. Way to go MB!

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  pleasure - 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By hines - August 29 - 2:00 am

  For the first time I have found a convertible that has no wind noise and plenty of leg room.a man 6 foot plus can drive this car in comfort. This car is responsive and fun to drive and I recommend this vehicle to anyone.

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  Gliding in comfort - 2002 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
  By fredkimka - August 29 - 2:00 am

  Consumer Reports says this is the best riding car they have ever tested and they are absolutely correct. It is a pleasure to drive and shines on long trips. Despite a few reports of quality or reliability concerns, my vehicle has been 100% trouble free. Ive had it nearly a year and it has never needed service.

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  C240 4 Matic - 2004 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
  By hobbie1 - August 29 - 2:00 am

  Dealer was excellent, easy to deal with. Salesman David was great. Car is fun to drive, very quiet. having trouble getting away from my wife and daughter. No issues at delivery.

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  4Matic in Alaska - 2004 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
  By Engineerat DOT - August 29 - 2:00 am

  Excellent cold weather auto. Great reliability and handling in the worst conditions. However, the cupholders in the front are useless. Too close together and awkwardly placed...surprising for a Benz.

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  KEEP REACHING TILL YOU GET THIS FAR. - 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
  By BOBBY RISHTY - August 29 - 2:00 am

  I AM A CAR NUT. I ALWAYS HAVE BEEN. I STARTED DRIVING CELICAS,SUPRAS.JEEPS,CORVETTES,PORSCHE S,AND THEN A CONVERTIBLE CLK430,.I STILL WASNT SATISFIED. NOW I HAVE THE 2003 SL500. I AM VERY HAPPY. IT HAS LUXURY AND SPORTS CAR ALL IN ONE,.EVEN BETTER NOW WITH THE RETRACTABLE MOON ROOF. DONT BUY THIS CAR WITHOUT IT.THE ONLY THING THIS CAR IS LACKING FOR ME,.IS THE THRUST OF POWER I HAD WITH THE CORVETTE,.BUT IT IS A HEAVIER CAR AND WILL LAST LONGER.

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  C-Class - 2005 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
  By alc - August 28 - 7:46 pm

  Very smooth ride for a smallish car. Quick acceleration and excellent handling. I love the styling