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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  Best car I owned so far! - 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
  By MF - March 16 - 3:53 pm

  In 2004 I traded a Lexus RX for a 2005 E320. That E320 was the best car I had so far from a driving experience perspective, but its gadgets were much inferior compared with Lexus. Last month, I traded my E320 for a new E550 (Package 2 plus Parktronic, Panorama roof & Dynamic Seats). What a car!!! I was initially skeptical with the reviews about the improved E550 handling and comfort. But that is true: The V8 is very smooth and responsive. Better handling. Good mileage (for a V8). My wife told me the car feels so quiet it seems it is 40mph at 70mph (great 7 speed auto transmission).

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  Danke M-B! - 2004 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
  By Raylin - March 16 - 10:00 am

  A4, IS300, 325i, G35, TSX, look out and make way! Everything I wanted in performance and near luxury are in my new c230 sport sedan. Engine is responsive even when cruising in 6th! The upgraded vented discs up front are great for braking. The smooth lines and moldings separate this from the non sport version. The 5 spoke 17" wheels and performance tires are really the best exterior statement. Not only will a proud owner get the respect and looks from other drivers, but the car makes an overall "Ive arrived" statement. The best value ever for your hard earned dollar. What are you waiting for?

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  Build to last - 2003 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
  By Kostas - March 13 - 12:00 pm

  A real solid car. Extremely reliable, Ive put 48,000 in 2 years and the only thing I am doing is the scheduled maintenace, and changed tires once. I will keep untill it falls apart.

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  2002 E-320 - 2002 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
  By hmorse - March 13 - 2:00 am

  Well recognized and respected vehicle.

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  Proved excellence ! - 2003 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
  By rmalkov - March 13 - 2:00 am

  I just got my first MB and impressed by how the car feels - very solid and compact at the same time. Now I now myself there is MERCEDES and other cars in the word.

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  I like this car - 2005 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
  By Fray Castulo - March 11 - 11:53 pm

  Love the mileage, 24 in the city, up to 35 on I-95 with performance. Mine is a 6 speed manual. Love to accelerate in 2nd gear. Stability is super and so is breaking. Would change it only for another C class.

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  Unbelievable car! MB E350 Coupe P2 ++ - 2012 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
  By oceandigger33 - March 11 - 10:02 pm

  I have done a little over 1,000 miles and Ive had the car for a little over a month! This car has exceeded all expectations! They have thought of everything and the quality is outstanding! And this, from a current owner of a VW Phaeton and A BMW 740iL, which I love both) and past owner of Audis including a TT. The E350 Coupe is simply outstanding!

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  Love my Mercedes M Class Turbo Diesel - 2008 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By Jim - March 11 - 12:03 pm

  Sold my 03 BMW X5 and purchased my ML 320CDI in Jan 08. I was torn between the Mercedes and the new BMW X5 but chose the ML based on good looks, power and fun to drive. I find I just want to get in the car and drive. The SUV is smooth, quiet, luxurious and most of all great fun to drive. Terrific sound system. Average 22 mpg combined city/highway. No problems since I purchased it. Would highly recommend.

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  Outstanding ML500 - 2003 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By Patrick - March 9 - 6:06 pm

  By far the very best SUV I have ever owned. After over 70,000 miles it still runs like a dream. No mechanical or electrical problems. A definite keeper!

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  MBZ C240 4 matic: Great Snow Car - 2004 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
  By Roger B - March 9 - 10:30 am

  The car with 126K rides like new. Quiet, good sound system, capable performer. 5-speed helps with the modest HP of 170. 27-30 mpg on the highway on mid-grade. Has been a very good car. Only extra maintenance has been replacing a water pump.