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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  Life is boring without a Mercedes benz! - 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
  By LIBWAMB3 - February 28 - 4:20 am

  Just picked the car up last week. My second MB. First was a 2000 CLK 320 Cab. Loved that one. This one is an absolute monster! Perfect blend of sport and luxury! The car has unbelievable road manners. Will give you more than enough power to pass just about anything on the road while still giving me that classic MB experience. Much better suited to my driving habits compared to my CLK. I hope this thing lasts a very long time...Im expecting it to.

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  Great car - 2015 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
  By Frank - February 27 - 10:47 am

  Sensitive to tire puncture issues. Its a big heavy car but it has racy low wall tires on it. Update: since bought a 2017 Cabriolet S63 AMG (same car, just a convertible). Has been perfect now for 6 months.

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  Really good car - 2002 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
  By ildd - February 26 - 10:13 pm

  Well, 1st let me say that I am 17 and this was my 1st car. Weve had it since 2004, it has 56k miles on it, and we have never had a SINGLE problem(knocks on the beautiful wood inside the car). I like alot of the things about the car, but if your 61 it can be a little challenging getting in and out comfortably. It rides nice, it looks great with a couple minor upgrades(tinted windows, non-stock M-B rims) and it handles very well. The only thing I dont like about it is, of course, the engine and how it works. Ive driven 6 other cars and this is the slowest in 1st/2nd gear, but it flies once you hit 3rd. It also doesnt help taking premium gas, while getting 16 MPG. Gotta love it. Its a MB.

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  Classy Performer - 2006 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
  By Thomas - February 26 - 12:43 pm

  Having looked at all competing models, the 2006 C230 is easly my favorite. Ive had it for about 7 weeks and still have to pinch myself ever morning before driving to work. Its easly the most timless design inside and out with superb detailing, fit and finish. I constantly receive looks of admiration and positive feedback. The perfomance is excellent in every way. The only notable exception is the occassional lack of transmission responsivness at lower rpm range. This is somewhat unacceptable for a sports sedan. Freeway perfomance is excellent, with amazing acceleration and incredible braking power. I often find myself driving too fast because of how smooth, quiet and solid the car is.

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  Very Disappointing - 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
  By Franklin - February 25 - 12:36 pm

  Although I love the looks of the car both inside and out, it lacks many things. The handling and horsepower to weight ratio are disappointing. My Corvette Z06 will run circles around this car. Many of the controls are hard to use and antiquated. A true sport car should have full instrumentation, not idiot lights. It also has very high maintenance costs and small petty things that make it a regular at the service department. You would think Mercedes could afford to include maintenance costs for what you pay. They also lose half their value in just a few years, so that is another thing for some to consider. It is a pleasant enough Sunday cruiser but for the money it is very disappointing.

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  2nd C300 better and better - 2010 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
  By c300driver - February 24 - 10:33 pm

  I originally owned a 2008 C300 4matic luxury sedan. I loved the car and had not problems with it but circumstances made if possible to get a 2010 C300 4matic luxury. MB did a great job on the 2008 and the 2010 is even better. This is the best vehicle I have owned and I have had BMWs, Audis and Volvos.

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  smooooth - 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By tlfrench - February 24 - 10:00 am

  having traded up from the audi A4, I have been absolutely thrilled with my CLK 320. I love the style, love the way it feels when i get into it and hear the solid thud of the door closing, and the performance has been a pleasure. Ive also loved the extras: the way the seats push up to let someone climb easily into the back, the trip computer, the rear mirrors automatically dimming, the automatic sensor in the windshield wipers... to name a few! Drawbacks so far? (just under 10,000 miles)The analog clock loses time, and the rear windows stopped working. My first check-up at 10,000 miles will keep them busy, but I wouldnt trade this car for anything.

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  Surprisingly Excellent - 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By cubanaudi - February 24 - 10:00 am

  This car was a huge surprise for me. I went with a friend to get another model, and I came out with an MB and my friend didnt. Awesome power, comfortable ride, amazing looks, and just a sweet ride all around.

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  Drives nice but... - 2003 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
  By LISA - February 23 - 8:56 am

  Purchased this car in 2005 with only 9000 miles, luckily under warranty. Car is nice to drive but has had a lot of electrical issues. Tranny leaked but had a recall on that and so far so good on that issue. The problematic electrical seems to be ongoing though, now at 40K miles the moonroof switch does not work all the time. Probs with electrical have been: Cig lighter failed (dealer said from plugging in cell phone?) told me to use the one in the back..convenient!; front headbeam would work sometimes when it wanted to, now taillight is out; drivers headrest failed. Non-elec quality- back seat cover seam tear fixed 3X (still torn); carpet on floor came apart; both front struts blown at 20K

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  Sweet Cede!!! - 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By Stacy Anglen - February 22 - 10:47 pm

  Awesome car!!!!! Smooth, comfortable ride!!!!! I would buy one again.