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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  Great car - 2007 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
  By Star - August 13 - 6:16 pm

  This is the best car Ive ever owned. The car handles so well with the sport package. Its nearly impossible for this car to lose its composure. The brakes on this car are outstanding. The brake pedal is very firm and always inspires confidence. My last car was an 02 Camry and one of my major gripes was how mushy the brake pedal felt along with its very poor braking performance. The engine and 7 speed automatic perform so well together. This car has a very smooth and refined powertrain. The way this car drives is so amazing. It is very taught over bumps, and is always a pleasure to drive. Its an expensive car, but it is worth every penny spent. A true example of quality.

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  2010 with 64k has been a Great Car - 2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class
  By dkar3@hotmail.com - August 11 - 7:50 am

  We bought a 2010 with 28k and 2-years on it. Everything has been great. The only issue weve had existed when we bought it -- a worn "arm" in the front-end steering. The cost was relatively low to repair -- I think $150. No other repairs or problems to report. I have used MB to performed the 50k and 60k service, which was pricey and probably not worth the cost, but work keeps me busy and dont have time or the interest to mess with it. My wife loves the car and I have to admit that I really enjoy zipping around in it, too. It has great acceleration and turns on a dime. Getting in/out of our side-enterence garage is a piece of cake!! Well probably buy a low-miles 2015 in another few years.

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  You Gotta Have One Of These!!! - 1998 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
  By coyoteaz - August 11 - 2:00 am

  The last 9 months have been great thanks to my C230. Everyone needs to own this affordable, stylish car. Because I am a teacher,everyone takes a double look at me when I cruise into the parking lot. If they only knew, that their vehicle cost more than mine! The quality of the German car is incredible. Its a Mercedes; need I say more?

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  Solid Value - 2004 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
  By bunnfer - August 11 - 2:00 am

  Smooth highway ride, quiet, confident brakes, all modern safety features standard. A solid value in this crowded field and a great alternative to the omnipresent 3 series.

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  What other good looking AWD sedan? - 2003 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
  By ilaks - August 11 - 2:00 am

  I spent a long time thumbing my nose at the snobs who put down good money at these luxury cars. With Canadian winters the way they are, I was looking for a decent small AWD sedan, and to cut to the chase, I ended buying this car. Lets face it, as far as good looking AWD that handles well, this has no real competition today. Sure, it puts a hole in your finances, but think about it, would you be happier driving a Suzuki Aerio or a Toyota Matrix when you see someone drive by with a C240 4MATIC? Never mind.

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  My Review - 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
  By Brandonw1566 - August 11 - 2:00 am

  I love it!!! Its the best car ever!

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  Best car ever! - 2009 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
  By best car ever! - August 9 - 7:20 pm

  I purchased a 2009 E350 4matic. went from a ML350 SUV. Wow what a change. This is the best automobile I have ever owned.This car handles great and built very solid.

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  07 BENZ E350 - 2007 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
  By Jake - August 9 - 7:56 am

  Great car, this is my third German Car, first was a new 06 BMW 325, then a 98 MB C230. I loved that old Benz so much I had to have a newer one. This car is wonderful on fuel, getting me almost 31 MPG on the HWY, and the driver side is nice and spacious. Im giving this car to my wife so she can experience how great a luxury car can be. I still have the 98 C230 and it has 200K on it now, and I plan to try and get at least 300K out of it.

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  cant go wrong here - 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By top secret - August 8 - 2:00 am

  The car is near perfect for the real world. Fast, comfortable, great looking, safe. Car has had zero defects and is 100% reliable. Get a set of snow tires in winter regions...The best car I have owned...and I have owned some great names.

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  One of the best in the class. - 2006 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By Peter - August 5 - 8:30 pm

  Compared to the previous years model, the redesigned 2006 model is more stable on the road, has better suspension, and perfect acceleration in this line of SUVs. Test drove Infiniti, BMW, Acura. ML is by far better in pretty much any of the categories - road and curve handling, braking, acceleration. Fun to drive.