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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  Still gets looks - 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By catscann2004 - August 5 - 8:50 am

  This is the first Mercedes Ive purchased. I will not settle for less (I since purchased an M-Class then an R-Class for my wife). The handling is great and the top is easy to work (the next year Mercedes make the top fully automatic). I would recommend the CLK to any person that enjoys the being out and about. The trips to Las Vegas make this ride a must! Just wish that bluetooth was readily available in 2002.

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  CA Dreamin - 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By Rob4USC - August 5 - 8:00 am

  Although I was initially concerned about the mpg, thats become a non- issue. The performance, sound system and luxury is outstanding. The seating for four works, allowing the entire family to cruise PCH and enjoy the weather. Highly recommend this car.

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  Wow! - 2005 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
  By terracer - August 5 - 2:43 am

  I came out of a Porsche Boxster wanting something with four doors and performance. I did my homework and decided on the C55 AMG. I couldnt be more happier. Its faster than a Boxster and doesnt draw near the attention of a 2 seater sportscar. The tiptronic style transmission with the paddles on the steering wheel is nice but I usually simply put the car in "D". After 6 tanks of gas Im averaging just over 20 MPG. Not too bad. The climate control works well and the cruise control and other "dont have to take you hands off the wheel" controls are perfect. The enterior as a whole is well done with the center glove box being adjustable up and down- nice touch- Awesome car

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  Mercedes C280 - 2006 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
  By Theresa - August 4 - 4:33 pm

  Drove an Audi previously and it doesnt compare. This car has given me almost no problems in 2 years now. The only problem I ran into was getting 2 bubbles in my front tires. The car functions exceptional and would recommend this car to anyone. Im in my early 20s and chose this car over Audi and BMW.

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  Once you go MB, you never go back - 2007 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
  By Juan Hernandez - August 3 - 6:56 pm

  Car is sexy and sleek - its black on black and get compliments on it weekly (I guess it is true that once you go black, you never go back). Car has a great drive. I like having the option of take-off type; Comfort (smooth) or Sport (better acceleration). Car is so smooth on freeway that I got 2 tickets for going 80 mph within the first few months of owning it. Very quiet in cabin when driving. Radio could be upgraded a bit; the louder you go, the less crisp it is. I like the big trunk space. It allows me ample space to hold several outfit options. My biggest complaint is the backseat; 2 fit fine, but add a 3rd person in the fun and it is much more cramped.

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  future classic! - 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By Matt - August 2 - 9:29 pm

  The 430s are already becoming collectible with classic style and Mercedes Benz quality that is timeless. Love the cars and will keep mine for many years in the future. I do believe they will continue to increase in value as some of the other 4 seat MB convertibles have (280SE). Get yours now before they become unattainable! Car has been and continues to be a super dependable car. A great summer cruiser and comfortable to drive. Wow what can I say, still a beautiful classic that never goes out of style.

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  2005 ML-350 Special Edition - 2005 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By MDR - August 2 - 10:00 am

  I just got a 2005 ML-350 Special Edition in pewter with ash interior. A beautiful car and drives like a dream. I have a 3rd row seat option and can seat my 3 kids in this car pretty comfortably. At the same time it is a mid-size car (I am not a big fan of huge SUVs or minivans). Navig. system is great. Overall I love this car. Everyone who has testdriven it is very impressed.

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  The Rocketship - 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
  By gr82fly - August 2 - 10:00 am

  The AMG package makes this Benz a rocket. It is quiet and handles like a dream. This Benz is the best of the four that I have owned. Some quibble about limited trunk space. Name me a rocketship that does have a spacious trunk.

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  Wunderbar - 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
  By NC Beach - August 2 - 10:00 am

  Traded a 2003 430 CLK. Loved it but 500 SL is tops

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  Best Car Ive ever owned - 2006 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
  By Runningman - July 29 - 8:46 pm

  This car is a pleasure to drive. Plenty of power and the the seven speed is really smooth. My wife and I fight over this car. Just pure driving enjoyment.