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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  2008 E350 AWD - 2008 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
  By SteveS - September 11 - 4:56 am

  Quality and craftmanship are the norms in this new 2008 E Class. Bluetooth should standard, rather than being required to purchase a connection module. Upgrading to P2 package well worth the investment. Handles exceptionally at high speeds, as well as cornering. The sport model is also a plus. Pick up and performance is excellent.

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  One Year Review - Update - 2009 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
  By oldsnwbrdr - September 10 - 8:33 pm

  Had the car for one year and this is my second review. Made only minor adjustments to my ratings to up the rating for exterior styling and reliability. Car has been bulletproof; has been in the dealership only for routine service and one damaged tire. The car isnt particularly exciting but it has a certain intangible quality. Like an expensive suit, I feel like a better person when I drive this car. The ride in the sport model is perfect and I like the steering feel. The car is exceptionally smooth and quiet, and the seats, while firm, are extremely comfortable on long drives. MB-TEX is an asset... not an ounce of wear, which you cant say about leather. I want a new E Class!

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  HappyCamper - 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
  By P S - September 10 - 11:23 am

  This car is a rock star to me, they got everything right, even the little details from the LED running lights to the engine growl. I had a S500 that pampered me, but this one is just flat out fun to get into and drive. I have had it almost 9 months and havent had a thing wrong with it. I dont use the navigation much but when I do I can tell there is a bit of a learning curve. It is fun to have a car that generates second glances and lets you know you have more than enough power on the road. The 550 engine was well worth it.

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  E55 autobahn Power!!!! - 2002 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
  By Loucho - September 9 - 9:20 pm

  Great car Im very happy with whats nice about the AMG E55 is its exclusivity, not many people know what your driving or have any type of understanding of the potency and performance of this car. This car is an excellent cruiser on the highway or in town. I love it

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  A great buy on the used market - 2001 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By Steve - September 9 - 5:10 am

  After reading a lot of reviews ripping the ML55 I had to respond with my experience. I did a lot of research prior to purchasing a used ML55 and decided that this is the vehicle I wanted. After 6 months of searching for the right one I landed a one owner 01 w/ 50K miles for $19K. As the previous owner had the vehicle for 5 years all the usual small bugs everybody complains about have been corrected. To say I am happy is an understatement. I went from an 01 Durango into the Benz and could not be more pleased. The power, handling, and comfort are great. I dont know about $65K but for $20K on the used market they cant be beat.

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  Best car I have ever woned - 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By Mortimer - September 8 - 10:00 am

  This is my fifteenth Mercedes Benz and it surpasses any other. It is the smoothest, quietest, and best handling car I have ever driven. It is alos the most fun. I had a 1999 CLK Cabriolet and this is so much better it is hard to believe.

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  Best car I have ever owned - 2003 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
  By Bill Denby - September 8 - 10:00 am

  Before purchasing this car I looked at and drove the CTS, BMW 3, and the ES330. This is by far the best of the lot. If offers a very comfortable, quiet ride and many features that are standard with the C240 and not even available with the others. Full maintenance is included in the warranty. This vehicle is a joy to drive every day.

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  2005 500E - 2005 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
  By MikeMoore - September 7 - 4:00 am

  Ive owned this vehicle for about 9 months now and the longer I own it and drive it the more Im enjoying it. Ive averaged up to 28 mpg on the highway at speeds to 70 mph. The ride is very comfortable. The suspension is a little firm but thats why I bought the 500 and not the 350. The xenon light are incredible and the handling is as one would expect from such a car, the acceleration is almost as good as my 911. My only complaints are that the glove box is a little small to be very useful, and the seats are a little hard to put in a comfortable position, maybe to many adjustments. Ive had only one small problem with the electrical system which was fixed under warranty. Excellent

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  Enthusiasts best used car value! - 1999 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
  By MercConvert - September 5 - 8:46 pm

  After much research and driving most competing models, including BMW 5 series, Lexus LS 400, Mercedes e320, etc. the e430 proved to be the car for me. 30+ mpg hwy at 75 - 80 mph. Quiet, comfortable, most E320 options are standard. This car feels soft but as soon as you push it a bit in hunkers down and handles! Great stereo and seats! Find a reputable independent shop and maintain it well. Find a well maintained carfax certified model. Itll never be as care free as a Camry, but it will never drive like one either!

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  got their mojo back - 2009 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
  By Ed - September 5 - 3:53 am

  Last Mercedes was a 1986e. Awful. Switched to Saabs and then two Bmw 5s and finally a Bmw 330x. Cabin too small on the Bmw 3 and the run flat tires are awful. The C300 Sport 4 matic,( dont laugh,) performs like the 5 series only more nimble. Plenty of power and stability. Interior is a little austere and the trunk is just too small. Close call over the Audi 4 but on balance a more solid feel without those silly led headlights.