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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  Great car ..But..... - 2009 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
  By mhtartaro - July 16 - 2:07 pm

  Ive owned the 2009 C300 4matic since august of 2011. My certified warranty ran out at the end of August 2013. I took my car in for routine maintenance for a transmission flush. Just 3 months later my transmission is making a weird grinding noise, at first I thought it was coming from my front wheel bearings but after inspection from the dealership it turns out its the bearings in my transmission! I was shocked to hear that I needed to replace my transmission at 83K! I purchased a Mercedes hoping I would get many thousand miles from it! I take very good care of my cars . Not sure I will buy another benz! Otherwise I loved the car ...beautiful car

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  better than 03 - 2004 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
  By neg - July 15 - 10:00 am

  I had an 03 and it had many problems. I decided to get the 04 so I could get gps and this car is solid. Everything works well, and the car has a good amount of power.

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  Dream Car - 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
  By ab star - July 13 - 5:33 am

  The best combination of any car ever built. Its a sports car (use only the manual transmission and the steering wheel metal gear changers); its a luxury car with a sports car or luxury car suspension; it can cruise mildly or attack corners; its beautiful (silver ties whole car together); its a hardtop for foul weather and winter and a convertible - incredible. There may be better cars for any one item but none with this combination at such a high level.

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  Unlike any other - 2003 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
  By Zachmbenzfvr - July 12 - 2:00 am

  Having owned this car for about three weeks I can say that it is one of the best if not the best Mercedes I have ever owned. I have not experienced any problems with my car at this moment. This car is very spirited and I only wish I would have put my name on the list for the s600. This thing is quick as it is, with 100+ more horsepower, this car would be a rocket. But oh well, My baby is just fine the way she is.

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  my c240 - 2003 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
  By Amir - July 12 - 2:00 am

  It was like love at first sight when I purchased my 2002 Mercedes Benz c240. It is such a beautiful car!! I have compared many cars before buying this and after driving it I just knew this was the one

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  Perfection - 2003 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
  By P7 - July 12 - 2:00 am

  Just got my 2003 C32. Handling is unbelievable - sticks like a magnet. Perfect balance of ride and comfort, not as harsh as M3. Understated elegance - looks intimidating but not obnoxiously so. Seats are great. Engine is awesome - sub 5 second 0-60 (havent pushed it yet, still breaking it in). Problem is, Im definitely spoiled.

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  S500 2004 - 2004 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
  By Will - July 10 - 2:06 pm

  Ive had this car almost 2 years. No issues. S500 engine with 7 speed transmission is like silk with rocket take-offs when passing on highways. 20-24mpg on hwy / 18-20 avg combined. Mercedes has addressed quality issues which were apparent during the 1990s. Ive had a 2000 E320 and the 2004 S500. Both cars have been issue - free and low maintenance while a pleasure to drive. Nice curb appeal was well for business.

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  Saks 350 - Love it! - 2008 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
  By AZBenz - July 8 - 3:13 am

  This is our first MB and wont be the last! The car is very functional, the NAV and HK audio upgrade really adds to the already engaging driving experience. The car rides solid and quiet..no rattles or squeaks. The interior color combo on the Saks edition is beautiful. After evaluating the IS 350 and BMW 3 series, it was clear that this car provided the best blend of performance, interior comfort, value and styling.

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  The Best of the Best - 2003 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
  By Steebie - July 6 - 2:00 am

  This is my second S430 in three years, and the 2003 has really improved, especially the command system. The trunk pop out handle allows you to close the trunk without one fingerprint on the finish. Sound system is the best of the best, and comfortable ride cant be beat. The 2003 is the best yet.

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  S550 a Winner - 2007 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
  By BobObO - July 4 - 4:43 am

  Initially, I wasnt too excited about the exterior look from the pictures, but it grew on me once I saw the actual car. After sitting in it on the date of the delivery, I was convinced that it is a definite success. I have a 745Li, but the fit and finish on the S550 is definitely warmer and more sophisticated then the BMW. Driving it was heavenly, with the 7 speed transmission and the 382hp, the car was silk smooth. I also got the ABC suspension a $3900 option, and I was worth every penny. ABC on S550 is almost the same as the Maybach suspension. Although many criticized Mercedes for its COMAND center being too much like the BMW iDrive, the COMAND is soo much easier and faster. S550 a winner