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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  04 S500 - 8 months, no issues - 2004 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
  By carnut100 - January 15 - 8:26 am

  I read about quality issues with Mercedes and I cannot relate. I have had 2 recent S classes and 2 SL classes. All with no problems. The S500 does 0-60 in sub 6 seconds and is quite a surprise. Must be the 7 speed transmission. I wish the engine sounded a little more throaty. Its too quiet. The S500 is more economical than my 2003 S430?? Dont know why, but a whole mile per gallon better in town.

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  Im lovin it. - 2005 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
  By Walter - January 14 - 4:36 pm

  Ive had mine for over a month and 4500 great miles. I have had zero problems. The dealership is great. Very little road noise, great mileage, and very good looks. Love the stereo and the seats. This is an awesome car. 13000 mile oil change interval!!

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  Pretty Good - I Guess - 2002 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By MG - January 13 - 4:06 pm

  Has been in the shop a number of times for things breaking (and I have less than 20K on it). Thank goodness its still under warranty. First Mercedes so I thought the quality of the interior was good, but now on comparison I feel it is fair. Service has been excellent but it really shouldnt have needed so much service already.

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  Best Car I Have Ever Owned - 2003 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
  By john - January 13 - 3:36 pm

  I bought this car 6 months ago and have not had any major complaints so far. The interior is very comfortable and the fact that it comes standard with navigation, leather, and heated front seats was a huge bonus. It handles very well, and even though it is rear wheel drive, it has shown to be pretty reliable in the snow. Definitly a "looker". The only thing that I dont like is the occasional knocks and bump that I hear in the doors and ceiling. That happens on all cars but I didnt expect it from this one. And the brakes create excessive brake dust and cause a high pitched sceech when applying the brakes. Its always fixed but still a nuisance.

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  Enjoying the machine - 2008 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
  By GI Tiger - January 13 - 12:33 am

  This is my 2nd C class, I had a 2005 C230K, black on black, what a car. The styling of the newest C Class (300) series is exceptional. Mercedes has really stepped up to the plate on this machine. The seats are very comfortable, instruments cluster is easier to adjust and read, and the Blue tooth is fantastic, Im from California, hands-free law. aggggh! This auto is definitely a looker. The power plant is a hold over from the last couple of years but still has ample get-up and go for the weight of the car. The BMWs 3 series, are so plain and have no styling, boring. You will be much happier with this vehicle! I have the 18" AMG rims and low profile wheels.

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  Best Van Available!! - 2015 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
  By Reggie Hammond - January 12 - 4:39 pm

  The Sprinter is the Best Van Available - bar none! It has a huge volume of space and runs like a top!

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  Quick - 2005 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
  By Glenn - January 12 - 4:30 pm

  The seven speed transmission and 304 HP engine give the E500 the ability to make even the most routine trip a fun experience. The car responds with you press the gas pedal. The feel of the brake-by-wire requires a little getting used to, but the brakes are excellent. A well engineered vehicle as would be expected for this price level car.

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  Wonderful M-B - 2004 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
  By tony-e320owner - January 11 - 2:00 am

  Ilove this car. It has a powerful V-6 engine and it has wondeful space for running around the city in.

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  MY MERCEDES-BENZ - 2004 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
  By RSAHOYE - January 11 - 2:00 am

  I LOVE MY NEW MERCEDES BENZ. THE RIDE IS JUST BEAUTIFUL. THE CAR IS SO QUITE INSIDE WHEN DRIVING. THE STERO IS ALSO GREAT. I WOULD TELL ALL OF MY FRIENDS TO BUY THIS VEHICLE.

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  Excellent Benz for the money - 2004 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
  By TURKSOLDIER - January 11 - 2:00 am

  I had this car two weeks ago, and it is a blast to drive it. Excellent power from the supercharged 4 cylinder. Quality interior finish.