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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  "a service nightmare" - 2006 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By dissapointed - July 25 - 10:00 am

  The styling and sturdiness of the ML350 is great. The Harmon Kardon sound is very good. The trouble I have experienced has been the worst of any vehicle I have ever owned. I have it in the shop now for balance shaft replacement ( out of warranty and a few grand to fix) plus I was told that the transmission control module needs to be replaced ( another $1700). I have had the temperature controls reprogrammed ($150) parking lamp wiring harness replaced ( $200+) parking brake release handle repaired ( $200) plus normal maintenance service of $1000.00 plus already just this year. Stay away from 2006 MLs - maybe all MB vehicles! My servicing dealer is not good either which compounds the issue.

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  Never Again - 1999 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By Never_a_MB_AGAIN - July 21 - 2:00 am

  Bought ML320 used at 22K miles. Had it for 20 months, and got rid of it. The final straw was the failure of the third ESP/BAS unit. Wife drives my Volvo wagon with 230,000 miles because it was more reliable! ESP/BAS was replaced twice at $1800 each time, and needs replacing AGAIN! Fuel pump failed ($800); new rear struts ($250);"Check Engine" light on constantly. In 20 months, we spent over $5K in repairs - Plastic pices, trim and other interior parts were coming loose; wind noise; moon roof never would seal properly; window drive motor on its last legs (which I refused to put any more money into the car). NEVER NEVER AGAIN WILL I BUY A MERCEDES BENZ

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  Think Twice Before Buying a BENZ!! - 2002 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By bekri - July 21 - 2:00 am

  The truck was billed as Top of the Line with Mercedes Quality-While the engine performed well it was a PIG on as consumption!! The brakes went out after 11000 miles-unheard of for an American car let all the "top line" Mercedes truck- Also a number of minor problems such as a cracked storage bottle for washer fluid easy to break cup holders. Moreover, the service stinks-Mercedes was unwilling to assume any responsibilty for the brakes and wrote a letter saying in essence I was lucky to be driving a Mercedes. An underwhelming experience - Never again will I buy a Mercedes!!!!

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  Great car - terrible technology - 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class
  By Steve - SE PA - July 15 - 6:27 am

  I have owned a black 2018 GLC300 for three months now, and it is a great car - comfortable, good performance, lots of nice features, looks classy. Gas mileage is very good - much better than I expected. My only niggle with the ride is that the car can judder on bumps - I have the upgraded wheels, and I have read in other reviews that the larger wheels can be detrimental to the ride - I can attest that those reviews are accurate. Not a huge deal, but noticeable. Another niggle on a car at this price point is that the park distance control sensors are not included on anything but the highest package (I got premium package 1, not 2). Again, not the end of the world, but a bit surprising - I made the mistake of assuming that it was there. However, the reason I would not buy this car again is the horrendous technology and interface system for the radio, nav, and media devices - I feel like I have gone back in time 10 years to before the iPhone. Perhaps that seems like a silly reason not to buy a car, but since all of the cars at this level are so similar (BMW, Merc, Jag, Acura, etc), it becomes a bigger deal. Compared to the others, it is terrible. Voice recognition does not work for the phone, and it is so clunky for nav it is not usable. I will get by using my iPhone - with google maps and siri I dont really need the features on the car, but its disappointing. So - depends on what your priorities are - car is great, but if you want some technology from this decade, go with a BMW or some other car (my wife drives a Mini, which has the BMW tech, and its great). Last note for those in SE Pennsylvania - MB West Chester was fine during the purchase process, but I am surprised that there has been no follow up at all - when I compare that to the follow up from Ottos Mini (those guys are great) or other dealers from whom I have bought a car, a bit surprising. I havent needed to speak to them, but do think that a lack of follow up reflects the management of the dealership (perhaps it was me or this is a one off). All the best in your car search.

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  My first MB and most likely the last! - 1996 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
  By Zenboy - July 10 - 7:53 am

  This car was my first MB and due to the problems and quality most likely my last. At 100K the engine (in-line 6) began leaking oil at the head. I have also had electrical problems with the dash and rear tail-lights. I could live with these issues but the other day while driving down the road my front left spring fell out! The spring pearch had rusted off. If I was going faster someone could have been killed as my spring went bouncing down the road!

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  worst vehicle purchase - 2004 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
  By Quincy - July 4 - 10:00 am

  This car needed lots of attention, it liked the shop very much because it stayed in there. This car had more warranty claims then all the cars i have had put together. On top of that the service dept was no better, poor customer service, no communication, voice mail runs the shop, they give you Toyota loaners, huuummmhh. They return your car in worst condition then when you dropped it off, grease, finger prints, smudge.....I could go on and on..

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  Keep it on the road Jack! - 2007 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
  By Scott - June 22 - 10:56 am

  I fell in love with the looks of this car from the start! It has plenty of power at top end..but is terrible when you hit the pedal from a stop. The transmission is a select shift so this is your compensation. My biggest complaint is that it pulls to the right and the dealer has yet to correct. I have a hard time keeping it on the road because of this! Dont care for the light blue window tint.

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  1999 sl 500 - 1999 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
  By dissatisfied - June 11 - 12:56 pm

  Although a fun car to drive, the quality and workmanship leaves a lot to desired. Surprisingly good gas mileage for this car. The chassis bolts had to be retightened after 45K miles. the knobs on the vents broke off. the plastic cover around the sun visors have broken and oil leaks from this area???? Trunk must be opened with key 75% of the time because the button in the car and on the key doesnt work. speed control lever fell off. Driver door arm rest disfigured just by resting arm on it. Part of grille fell off (not caused by accident). Replaced water pump at 55K miles. glove box opening mechanism broke. Didnt have as many problems with my old Ford Pinto.

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  Its a great car when it starts - 1999 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
  By Gael - June 9 - 2:00 am

  We purchased this car used with 59000 miles on it. After 6 days, the right rear window motor went out - ch-ching! And then, about a month later, we noticed the A/C wasnt working very well - ch-ching! And now the stupid car takes 2 or 3 hits to start - and I know this will be the MacDaddy ch- ching - I dread it. Am currently searching for a trade deal so I can unload this POS on some other sucker. If you are thinking about buying Mercedes, think it over carefully and then shoot yourself in the foot if you decide to go through with it. Get it over with.

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  CONSUMER BEWARE! - 2003 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
  By Angel - May 26 - 10:00 am

  Starting about 20 min after buying this car I started to have serious problems. 1)Dead battery, jumped start. 2)Auto- transmission stuck in 2nd, car towed and computer reprogrammed. 3)Rough braking, all discs/pads replaced. 4) Pulling right, car was re-aligned. 5) Small crack in rear plastic window, car needed new window and body panel which needed re-painting. The car have 600 miles, + been for about 2 weeks out for repairs. The dealer refuses to take it back. I am being forced to try the lemon law.