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 Lover - 2007 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
  By MARK - May 20 - 1:30 am

  I just purchased a brand new 2007 Mercedes Benz E350 Black on Black with the sport package. The handling and performance is so great. When Im driving I feel like Im floating, because it is so quiet and powerful.

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  Wha-hawpen? - 2001 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
  By Paul Jacob - May 19 - 2:08 am

  I currently own a 1983 380SL and a 2001 S430. I have owned a 280SE and a 380SEL. My S430 radio will not receive AM anymore; a $1200 estimate by Mercedes to fix. The fob does not unlock, nor will it lock the doors; a $2400 estimate from Mercedes dealer to fix. The trunk will not open, only by the key in the fob; $1200 estimate to fix. This S430 is fragile in many places, like the seat frames and center console ash trays (doors) plastic grill, and over 100 switches between the front door buttons. The AC controls are fickle, and the "check engine" light comes on for no good reason. This S430 will be my last Mercedes Benz. I feel as though I have been snookered. Quality is fleeting.

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  Worth It? - 1995 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
  By MB? - May 19 - 2:00 am

  I liked our old 1985 300D better. It feels solid but the tranny is bizarre. The second gear kick is somewhat like my old diesel MB.

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  My present ride - 2005 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
  By standingfire - May 18 - 5:43 pm

  This car is most enjoyable. While there are some detractors, the flat four with supercharger is a nice plant. I have pushed 35 mpg on the highway at somewhere above 70 mph. The car shifts very smoothly and cleanly. A very nice car.

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  My experience w/ E320 - 1997 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
  By Stewmeistr - May 18 - 12:06 am

  I find that finding someone who wont take advantage of you while fixing these cars is a very rare find. My suggestion is to get a code reader and diagnose problems yourself. Goto an online store like Az autohaus to buy parts or ebay and get parts to put on yourself. Most arent tough, but will save you alot of money. Known problems are air mass sensors($), the ac fan relay. Ours has been relatively inexpensive to own, but I can see how you could get taken with one of these cars. The dealerships will charge big $ for simple problems. Good luck, these cars still drive better than new cars. Made with quality, but some bad parts spoil the bunch. Great mileage though and smooth power.

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  Better than expected - 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
  By dvand17 - May 17 - 8:36 pm

  Was very hesitant to leave my ’06 330i for a Merc, but am happy about the results. Also tested the A5, ISc, and G37 – the Merc seemed to be a great blend of all of the cars. Not too cushy, yet not to firm – just right. Driving tends to be a bit softer then the 3 series, but it still provides good feedback. Love the look of the front, will get used to the back. Looks more "E" than "C".

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  Lemon - 2006 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
  By crossan - May 17 - 7:46 pm

  Great looking car, but one of the worst I have owned as far as reliability and quality. In six months, this car has been in the shop 6 times, burning oil, engine replaced, air bag malfuncation, etc. This car makes we wish I had bought the ACURA RL.....no wonder the Mercedes CEO was fired...go elsewhere for quality.

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  Much improvement is needed - 2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
  By marvinlee2 - May 15 - 12:41 am

  The front standard seats are miserably hard and un-conforming, plus being too low at any setting. Road noise isolation is also poor and worse than the Toyota cars I rent on flying trip destinations. The engine emits rude noises on initial cold start up, a problem which is euphemistically referred to in the owners manual as "a different sound." Pluses include a smooth and effective engine stop-start system at stoplights, ample power, excellent initial reliability, and good body finish and fit. Overall, I would rather have the new Kia K900 as it offers me more luxury and features for the same or less amount of money.

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  CLS Is Too Much Fun! - 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class
  By Happy car buyer - May 14 - 4:40 pm

  Had it for 3 weeks, Love the car. Awsome handing and fast! Yes, rear seat is a little tight for adults, but who cares. Im not riding in the back. It has 4 doors to keep your wife happy.

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  MB SUV - 2003 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By Izzo - May 14 - 10:00 am

  Got the 350 with Inspiration package and worth the extra buck. Much more luxurious than previous 320 model. Excellent leather, wood panel, fatter tires and silver grille. Handling and performance very predictable.