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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  Awesome Automobile - 2010 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
  By Neil O - January 16 - 7:03 am

  Only have had this MB C300 Sport for about 3 weeks now and I enjoy it more every day. Traded in a BMW X5 which I loved and I do miss the space but the handling and comfort have MB written all over it. Beautiful lines and total visual package just enhances the performance. Multimedia and Premium package are a must have. Treated wonderfully by the Columbus GA MB dealership and got a great deal, Gary was great to work with, will buy all future MB from this dealership, I have to drive 266 miles from where I live but well worth it and will do it again.

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  head rush! - 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By CA Entrepreneur - January 16 - 6:43 am

  What a head rush it is to drive this car! Even at top speeds it floats and is the smoothest ride I have ever experienced. I liken the feel of the engine when stepping down on the pedal to going into hyperspace. This things a rocket! Sure, Ive had little things go wrong but thats what happens when you have such complicated electronics. I would definitely buy this car again even though I paid over sticker because of its rarity and popularity.

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  Great cross country car - 1996 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
  By JKA - January 16 - 2:00 am

  We have owned several MB diesels. Our 96 300D is a fantastic road car. We have made many cross country runs from Minnesota to Maine and always find this car able to offers us a dependable and comfortable ride.

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  New Benz Owner - 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By Jopped - January 16 - 2:00 am

  Fine production performance vehicle though a little small and with the CLK 500 I am finding there is too much power for this car. 320s 220 hp is fine. The 302 hp of the 500 is too tempting all the time. Otherwise it is a beautiful auto, of fine engineering.

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  TRUE AUTOMOTIVE GENIUS - 2002 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
  By Mr.Tracy - January 16 - 2:00 am

  this is my seocnd S Class, and already I cant wait for my third. I drive a lot of miles and this is the right car to drive them in. I had to replace brakes and a had a problem with the air ride. I love this benz, its styling is sexy. It has a lot of sex appeal. Great car... (it is meant to be driven so drive it)

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  6 Month Checkup From Benz Owner - 2002 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
  By Benz Owner - January 16 - 2:00 am

  This overall still a great car, and I still have yet to see another on the road. I have dusted off just about everything you can think of that might pull up to a stop light too. [I even have the speeding tickets to prove it] The car does lag a bit froma stop before the power kicks in, but when it does. Whoa!!!! I do have to say that the car has been in for service more than I am comfortable with. I dread owning it after the warranty period. Mercedes needs to take their build quality reputation a bit more seriously. I still say "if you have the means, I highly recommend picking one up." - Ferris Bueller

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  MB 63 AMG - 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class
  By JSeguancia - January 15 - 9:36 pm

  Powerful car, handles beautifully. Drivers side mirror blocks some road visibility. Car "hugs" you as you drive. Very much worth the money.

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  E350 review - 2006 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
  By cerp - January 15 - 9:03 am

  Overall very good car. But has some quality issues that I would not expect in a $50k car. Driver seat squeaks (had to take twice to dealership), screws in plate holder became loose. A/C is noisy, fan in auto mode seems stuck in position 5. Had it checked, MB said it was normal. Other than that, is it a comformtable sedan with a spacious trunk. Engine is powerful with great gas mileage. You can easily get 26 MPG in freeway driving.

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  Poor Reliability - 2007 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By benz_awful - January 13 - 8:54 am

  Purchased a mint condition 2007 GL450 with 25,000 miles and now at 60,000 miles. Have had the following problems: power steering pump failure, front struts failure, interior temperature control system failure, check engine sensor failure, cam plug oil leaks and replacement, back seat panel separation, interior vent knobs broke, not to mention that the battery wore out early as did the brakes and tires. Vehicle pulls to right after repeated alignments. Cant get rid of vibration even after tire replacement and repeated re-balancing -- suspect drive shaft.

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  A truly great automobile - 2003 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
  By Rodney S. Cain - January 13 - 7:40 am

  This is my 4th new Mercedes. I have had diesel and gas models, I have had the SL models, and S models. They are a pleasure to own and to drive. Very reliable, and with their weight and ample power they make all roads,hills,and curves seem like an expressway. Best money I have ever spent on cars. Regardless of age, mileage, or type, I have enjoyed the car. Never got out of one and felt that I was tired of the drive. I oft times take it for a drive, just for the pleasure of driving it.