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 every thing about it - 2003 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
  By e626 - April 25 - 2:15 pm

  I originally wanted the m. B. E350 but my husband said that we would be spending a lot more money on gas. So he got me the c240 and I have to say that I love this car we bought it used with 98,000 miles on it. It has been very reliable drives great, and I look forward to taking long trips in it. I previously owned a 2002 BMW 330i and I thought that that was the best car ever, but I have to say I like this one just as much. It has that luxury and sports car look to it, the interior is excellent and very comfortable. I am definitely going to buy another m. B.

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  Sexy Sedan/Coupe - 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class
  By Factoid Junkie - April 25 - 12:46 pm

  This car blends the proven handling and performance of the highly rated E class (with airmatic) with superior interior appointments. I love the drive and enjoy the styling. Its roomier than it appears and has ample trunk space. The 7 gear transmission is a dream.

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  What a workhorse - 1996 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
  By cabernt13 - April 25 - 10:00 am

  With gas prices going up, its nice to be getting 35 mpg with less expensive fuel. Its safe, nice to look at, and very economical.

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  Its the Little Things That Hurt - 2000 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
  By mlosasso - April 25 - 10:00 am

  I had always wanted an E-Class Mercedes -- until I got one. Dont get me wrong: The car was beautiful and stylish. It is unfortunate that there were so many part defects such that it needed to be in the shop for about a dozen times over the three years that I owned the car. On top of the defects, the parts were continually replaced with the same defective parts, causing the problems to reappear every so often. Problems included the back windows getting stuck in the down position, the A/C breaking, the radio (which was supposed to increase in volume as your speed increases) would change volume wildly, and more. Very disappointing.

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  bad electric - 2000 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
  By momsavant - April 25 - 10:00 am

  Most excellent ride except stereo goes out and deler cant find new radio/ stereo system (Becker system). Scheduling loaners very tedious

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  Great Car - 2000 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
  By PJAW - April 25 - 10:00 am

  Im nearing the end of my 4 year lease, and I have enjoyed every minute of it. You have to own one of these to appreciate all the details that contribute to the driving experience. It manages to be ultra comfortable and quiet without becoming dull or isolating the driver. Ive just road tested the obvious competitors (7 series, A8, XJ), all of which are new designs, looking for my next car and they all have obvious flaws. So Ive configured and ordered a 2004 S-Class and am looking forward to another pleasurable 4 years.

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  Common Thread - Electronics - 2001 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
  By lga1808 - April 25 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my 2001 C240 new and drove less then 5,000/yr. In that time, every electronic system in the car that could fail did so. My dealer was as helpful as they could be and, after 1-1/2 yrs of nearly monthly repairs, suggested I request Mercedes assist me in replacing the car. It took six months but after two letters from me and the support of my dealership, Mercedes helped me financially to replace the car with a new 2003 C240. I am delighted with the new car - absolutely no problems to date - knock wood! Unlike the first car, the new one has controls that work the first time. Time will tell but so far, I am very pleased with the new C240.

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  Amazing Car! - 2001 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
  By upscaleconsumer - April 25 - 10:00 am

  This car is wonderful. Ive driven the M5 and while it is probably more similar than different, I really prefer the E55. It feels much lighter in the handling department and the power, while probably close to the same feels much stronger with the E55.

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  Inspriation 350ML - 2003 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By Mark2000 - April 25 - 10:00 am

  Great car to drive with lots of class. Nice feel and look when you get the Inspriation Edition. Sports seats, chrome grills and instruments, trip computer, etc. Great package. The AMG seats are great with added lumbar support and full bosters. Only problem so far has been a factory recall for power steering hose clamps. $3000 dealer rebates on 2003 models.

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  Should have bought the BMW - 2003 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
  By buck - April 25 - 10:00 am

  Profoundly dissappointed.Worst auotmotive purchase of my life.Wind noise so loud that normal conversation is not possible. No dealership support (in fact they made the car worse) no manufacturer support. 38 days in shop in 120 days of ownership, still not fixed. Unbelievable list of problems. Its not a wonder Lexus is eating MBZ alive!