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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  Perfection with four doors - 2003 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
  By jshoes - May 20 - 10:00 am

  The first time you dip your toe into the accelerator on this E55, you know you made the right choice. The engine howls and, if there is sufficient traction available, the car rockets forward. Leather quality is supreme. This is my third E55 and exceeds my expectations. I also drive an SL55 and the E55 feels tighter and a better handler.

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  Perfection in 2 doors - 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
  By jshoes - May 20 - 10:00 am

  This is it as far as high performance convertibles go. I visited the AMG factory in September, 2001, when they were first testing these cars. After I heard it drive past me, I knew I wanted one. The sounds is amazing. I love the look on peoples faces when I drive down the street and floor the car. Call me juvenile? Sure but I have a really big smile on my face everytime. On top of all this, it is gorgeous, comfortable, luxurious, exclusive and did I mention fast?

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  sl500 - 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
  By reppal - May 20 - 10:00 am

  The nicest sportscar ive owned. The ride is unbeliveable, the reserved power is just centimeters away, and its built by what i call oneof the best car makers in the world.

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  A sturdy German Car, but overcomplicated controls - 2016 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
  By Royal Barnard - May 19 - 2:19 pm

  Everything you always wanted in a great driving machine, but riddled with confusing controls. Navigation system overly complicated and difficult to use. Sound system has not on/off button. You can silence it, but its not easy. MBrace is supposed to work for in car WiFi. Had the car for 6 months and still doesnt work. Trial period now run out. I live far from a dealer and they say I have to go there to fix it. Meanwhile no more trial period. So thats out. But, of course, MBrace keeps calling and sending emails trying to sell me subscription services. NOT.... until they show me it can actually work. Passenger seats sit low in the chassis and make it a bit clumsy to get in and out.... and Im not a weakling. Final negative is the "eco" fuel saving mode. It turns the motor off every time you stop and keep your foot on the brake. Then it automatically starts the car again when you hit the accelerator. Supposed to save fuel and put the car in a better "mileage" category. The system can not be permanently shut off, and it comes on automatically every time you start the car. Giant pain. Having said all this its a nice driving and handling touring vehicle with all the blood and guts of a tough German luxury vehicle.... and its quite comfortable. Dont think I would buy another one of this exact year and model.

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  C230 Kompressor Sport Coupe - 2005 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
  By Debbie - May 18 - 11:13 pm

  This is the most fun car to drive that I have ever owned. All the bells and whistles anyone could ask for. It hugs the road in turns and acceleration in this 4cyl. engine is excellent

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  E320 wagon - 2005 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
  By slo356 - May 18 - 7:43 pm

  One of the better cars I have owned. Not as good as the 82 or 93 M/B sedans I purchased new way back when, but very good compared with what ever else is out there. Audi maybe the only other better car. I had an S4 Avant before this M/B Wagon and it was actually finished better, also much faster. The MB e320 wagon can acheive 28-29 mpg if you stick to 65-70 mph. Electric rear tailgate is a must!

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  Best car Ive ever owned - 2005 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
  By beachbumm - May 18 - 1:36 pm

  This is my second E-320. Both are fine cars, but the 2005 is clearly the superior machine. I think the best one-word description for this car is "precision". It is fun to drive and does exactly what I expect. In the first six months of ownership there have been no problems at all. Having suffered quality issues in recent years, Mercedes has returned to the high standards of old with a car which seems nearly bulletproof.

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  Beautiful car - 2003 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
  By zaitoun - May 18 - 3:20 am

  Very beautiful car to drive. very reliable. I only send it to the shop every 12000 miles for check up. No mechanical or electrical problem.

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  Faulty Electrical - 2004 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
  By Beau - May 18 - 3:03 am

  The car has been in the service department to replace control unit for radio. Problem continued and another electrical part was the problem. Cost to repair is excessive. Also the remote door locks failed and a sensor for hood latch failed. Fun car to drive when it it not in repair shop.

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  This car is terrible - 2007 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By Disappointed - May 16 - 8:53 pm

  Having spent 5 trips to the dealership to fix a litany of oil leaks that originated after the cam sensors caused a total stoppage of the car I can confidently say this car is terrible. Back gate does not work now. Mercedes took 2 months to investigate my persistent oil leak only to send me a letter saying "good thing you have a warranty." Switched from BMW good thing I have some warranty left so I can swallow the loss and chalk it up as a costly experiment. I wont be fooled by MBs glamorous advertising again. Think twice before getting this car. Interestingly it is rumored the new dodge durango will be a GL in disguise.