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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  2004 C230 Kompressor - 2004 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
  By brad4310 - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this vehicle appox. 3 weeks ago. Its performance if good, a little sluggish when the AC is on but, not bad. There is very little room in the rear seats if you are tall and have the front seats all the way back. I have put 2500 miles on it so far with no concerns. Nicely equipt, the cost is approx. $34,000 + taxes . I would recommend it to other buyers. I had a 22001 BMW 3 series but, didnt like the ride. The Mercedes is much more comfortable while driving then the BMW. I also have a 2001 SLK Convertible which is fun to drive. Overall I am happy with both.

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  Excellect - 2003 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
  By jamie peeler - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I love it! This is the best car for your money.

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  Petite view of a C240 - 2003 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
  By Donna K. - September 26 - 10:00 am

  From a petite females perspective, I thoroughly enjoy driving this vehicle. The easily adjustable cockpit puts everything at my fingertips in addition to the high comfort level provided to the passengers. I have to refrain from using the get-up-and-go that comes with the territory but when needed it comes in handy. My C240 handles very easily and is extremely agile. Moreover, I have gotten numerious compliments on the Magma Red which creates a greater sporty look our sedan.

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  Great car! - 2003 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
  By KeriD333 - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I love it! Wonderful car and it drives great.

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  Great car- Great price - 2003 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
  By NASHVILLEC230 - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Great Car, love to drive it. It looks best in black because the open view window on the roof is well hidden. Go for the upgrade on the cd package - Make it the 6 disc bose, that automaticly increases or decreases at certain noise levels. Cool.

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  Fun to Drive - 2003 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
  By Hafner - September 26 - 10:00 am

  After driving in a HUGE Chevy Tahoe most of the time with my kids, it is so fun to get into the Mercedes C-Class and drive when it is just me. I love the car!! I feel great in it!!

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  BEST CAR I HAVE EVER OWNED - 2003 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
  By FIRST TIMER - September 26 - 10:00 am

  CAR IS REALLY WELL BUILT -- NO SQUEAKS, NO RATTLES. THE SEATS ARE VERY COMFORTABLE. WITH A BAD BACK I CAN DRIVE 300+ MILES WITHOUT STOPPING AND STRETCHING, THE INTERIOR DESIGN IS EXCELLENT -- PARTICULARLY THE GRID PATTERN METAL. THE PATTERN METAL LOOKS MUCH MORE SPORTY THAN FAKE WOOD VENEER. THE SHIFTING IS VERY EASY AND QUICK. BOTTOM LINE -- A VERY WELL BUILT, SAFE, AND AGGRESSIVE CAR TO DRIVE.

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  why buy anything else - 2003 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
  By Ann B. - September 26 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle makes driving a pleasure. It is almost as if the car is driving itself and I am just along for the ride. Only complaint is sluggish engine at times, but Compressor overcomes that problem. I was really surprised by fuel economy which was better than I expected. Everyone who can afford a Benz should have one.

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  Mercedes-Benz E Class - 2003 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
  By rcruzdir - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I received my vehicle as Fathers day gift. I have alway wanted a Mercedes- Benz however I had to wait in line for my wife and two children cars. I drove a Ford Mustang, Nissan Truck and a Volvo before my Mercedes-Benz E Class. The only other car I would buy is a Mercedes-Benz S class

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  Martys MB E320 - 2003 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
  By Marty Woolfson - September 26 - 10:00 am

  This is my fifth MB and the most enjoyable of all models thant I have experienced. This E320provides a solid ride at high speeds in commuter traffic. I drive 160 miles per day in heavy traffic the the comfort of the MB is exceptional.