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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  Love it! - 2000 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By joes - May 31 - 10:36 am

  Bought as a certified vehicle with 25K on it. Now has over 100K and is as solid and smooth as ever. Minimal problems were covered by warranty. Gas mileage better than expected (16mpg in town/20mpg on road). Great vehicle. I am looking for another one with the diesel engine.

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  Multiple repairs on my E320 - 1999 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
  By Tim - May 31 - 4:20 am

  Ownership experience has cost thousands more than the purchase price. I would not buy this car or another Mercedes Benz if I could have a do over. AC has been replaced twice. Control modules have been replaced. Sun roof had a terrible leak with multiple repair attempts. The sun roof would open on its own. The windows would go down on their own. The car alarm would even go off in my enclosed garage.

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  Noise uncovers manufacturing problem - 2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class
  By TexasCielo - May 30 - 7:10 am

  I purchased a new 2010 GLK in April. About 1-1/2 months into owning the car, I heard a popping noise coming from the rear of the vehicle. I took the car into servicing on June 30th and technicians quickly found and acknowledged the noise. It turns out - after taking apart the passenger side rear cargo paneling - that some tack welding on the frame did not take place during car assembly in Germany. This is causing two metal pieces to rub and pop while driving the vehicle. An MBUSA chassis technician had to visit the dealerships service department to view the problem. It has taken MBUSA until July 10th to offer a possible repair solution and they still arent confident this will work 100%.

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  Hey, its a Mercedes!!! - 2001 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By mrrx - May 30 - 2:00 am

  Ive had some issues. My power switch panel went out at 4000 miles, the car rattles a bit, and it drinks gas, like its going out of style. But, you know what, I still love the car and besides, its a Mercedes. Is it the best vehicle Ive owned, obviously not, but I know that if any of us had a choice of a vehicle to be in, in an accident, most of us would opt for this vehicle. We all take a chance when we buy a car, Ive had 2 lemons in my life time, including a 2000 Honda Accord and a 2001 Diamante. All Im trying to say is that, overall, the ML320 is not bad at all, especially when you consider the safety, luxury and confidence a Mercedes provides.

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  pleased new owner - 2002 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
  By cme4brain - May 30 - 2:00 am

  Just bought a new 2002 C240 and traded in 1998 Volvo S70. Smaller car, not as fast, but as satisfied (I have 800 miles on Merc). No problems yet, build quality seems excellent, have non-Bose stereo and am pleased with it. Handles like a Mercedes whick is to say very solid- doors shut like a bank vault. I like the trip computer (mpg, miles to empty, outside temp, etc.). Overall I am very satisfied and hope that the build quality evident now allows long term ownership.

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  Diaappointed - 2001 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By MAG - May 29 - 2:50 pm

  This vehicle has been a nightmare. The interior lights dim when the high beams are on so you cant see the screen for the radio and CD player. The seats are very difficult to fold down to carry large items. The battery died with no warning, the check engine light is on all the time,and we have been in for repairs constantly. The inconvenience is extremely aggravating. Plus the cupholders do not hold water bottles or coffeecups and the exterior paint chips every time I drive down the road. I will never buy another Mercedes!

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  Horizon Blue Benz - 2000 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
  By G Caillier - May 29 - 3:26 am

  I bought this car on ebay and I have had it for 2 years. It handles very well and is beautiful. I wish the navagation would auto update( each time you start up) like my husbands Platinum esv Escalade. I know this was pioneering navagation. I am thinking of getting another one if I can find one in the same color.I have the s430. I choose this one after comparing the dimensions of the back seats between 430/500. The 430 excelarated faster. I have had to spend no major $ on repairs I do my A and B services reg. Go For it.

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  Lemon - 2006 Mercedes-Benz R-Class
  By Matt - May 28 - 5:03 am

  We leased the car in Feb. We have had nothing but problems. The lifters in the engine had to be replaced because the engine knocked.They didnt fix it and they wanted to replace the blocks. The transmission wouldnt shift right. They had to replace the fuel lines which took forever becuase they came from Germany. They finally are taking the car back. I dont think all Mercedes vehicles are bad but you get lemons in anything. We bought this one because our last Mercedes S400 was totalled in a flood after we owned it for a month. We must be destined not to own a Mercedes . Still liked the styling of the car, the comfort and versitility.

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  C320 4 matic a Sweetie... - 2005 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
  By Dr. M - May 27 - 6:43 pm

  Traded in my CLK320 for this small sedan with 4matic...Couldnt drive the CLK in inclement weather..Well! I love this little car! Fun to drive, great performance, love the navigation and integrated phone, multicontour seat, all user friendly...

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  3rd review at just almost one year - 2009 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
  By coadster - May 27 - 5:40 pm

  Have had for almost a year now-still unusually ecstatic. Granted only driven it 3000 miles but have had absolutely no issues at all(other than the signal lever/cruise lever are too close together). MB Tex is much better than leather (although others cant tell the difference). Fold down rear seats have proved wonderful. Just loaned it to friends for the past week and they dont want to give it back now-it is a sports, luxury car and love the sporty look and drive.