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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  This is an excellent choice! - 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By Michael Stuart - September 26 - 10:13 pm

  This car is everything Id hoped it was. Very powerful and responsive V-8 not only delivers but is comfortable to drive. Im 60" 205lbs and my only comfort issue is that it sits so low that its a bit difficult to get in and out of

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  Great SUV for MB Enthusiasts - 2000 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By RL_Terry - September 26 - 3:43 pm

  Ever since I saw Jurassic Park II: The Lost World, I have wanted the Mercedes ML. I think the gas mileage is superior to that of other similar sized SUVs. Out of all the SUVs I have owned (Blazer, Explorer, and Envoy), the ML320 by far has the best gas mileage. I average 19-20mpg in town and 27-58mpg on the interstate. If you own an SUV, do not compare the gas mileage to that of a sedan or coupe- obviously the fuel economy will not be as efficient. The spartan interior is a very simple yet elegant design; however, I do find the CD change in the rear a bit on the inconvenient side. Its stylish, comfortable, and a Mercedes; what more could a 24 year-old want. I would reccommend this SUV.

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  10 Months experience G-55 Gelaendewagen - 2004 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
  By juergenb - September 26 - 10:00 am

  We enjoy the sheer power surge, predictable cornering and handling of the truck. The very hard ride telegraphs every bump in the road, but provides outstanding steering control. Seat comfort and space for front seat occupants is very good. A/C and heating perform well. The steep angle of the windshield makes the car sensitive to stone damage.(2 incidents in 3,600 miles) The car was driven cross country in a wide range of weather conditions and at high speeds without problems The cd based GPS system is a nightmare in fringe areas because Navtech software does not overlap regions.

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  great - 2003 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
  By mattman@aol.com - September 26 - 10:00 am

  very fun to drive nice around corves and off roading

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  99 vs 2003 - 2003 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By OBIE - September 26 - 10:00 am

  We traded in a 1999 ML 320. We did have some problems with it. Fuel pump, Power Steering hose and Transponder. We really like this one much better.

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  DONT TRADE-IN - 2002 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
  By J & B POWELL - September 26 - 10:00 am

  OURS NEEDS CHANGED SO WE WERE TRADING IT IN FOR THE MERCEDES SUV. WE HAD ALL THE UPGRADES (LEATHER) IN, WHEN WE WENT TO TRADE IT IN THEY ONLY WANTED TO GIVE US$18,000 AND ONLY 7000 MILES ON IT. THEY DEPRECIATED IT HALF WHAT IT COSTS. NEEDLESS TO SAY WE STILL HAVE IT, UNFORTUNATELY A CAR WE LOVED, NOW WE FEEL STUCK WITH. ON TOP OF THAT THE MERCEDES DEALERSHIP WE TOOK IT TOO WAS EMABARASSED TO HAVE THESE CARS ON THE LOT. SAID IT WAS A MISTAKE MERCEDES MADE BY PRODUCING THIS MODEL.

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  Great Car for Price - 2004 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
  By rjschnepf - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Feels very substantial for a small car. Very reliable. Fun to drive -- great pick-up in the higher rpm range above 40 mph.

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  just got it, very cool - 2004 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
  By Mercedes in Ohio - September 26 - 10:00 am

  This is my first Mercedes. Had a Lexus RX and got tired of the SUV thing. Forgot how solid German cars are. This thing is heavy and solid. Very powerful with the V6. It rocks and fun to drive. The glass top is the best thing in the world and a very convertible feeling, but security of a solid roof. Car is quiet inside and can hear the throat of the engine just enough. Wish I had a 5 speed and not the automatic. It is very cool to look at and totally Mercedes. Needed the hatch for extra room and practical reasons with kids.

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  Great car - 2004 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
  By RCarroll - September 26 - 10:00 am

  A great car. Although considered a compact car it feels like a full size sedan on the road. Comfortable and fun to drive with many great features. The air conditioner is the best, very smooth ride, excellent braking, and sound system. I love seeing the Mercedes Benz hood ornament while sitting behind the wheel, like I need to be reminded that Im driving a Mercedes

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  loving my benz - 2004 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
  By jamienicole - September 26 - 10:00 am

  this car is soo much fun to drive.... every time i get into the car im excited to drive it. the panoramic sunroof is so cool... and so are the looks of everyone else on the road!