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 SUV! - 2002 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By mr nyc - January 6 - 3:30 pm

  We recently purchased the ML500 and have extremely pleased. Build quality is excellent, contrary to prior models. Engine is smooth, powerful and very fast. Very comfortable interior and ride. Good handling. Plenty of luggage space. Bose sound system is phenominal. Nvatigation system is excellent and very accurate. Overall, a great car.

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  BEAUTIFUL DRAMA QUEEN - 2000 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
  By mylexgs300 - January 6 - 9:36 am

  I purchased this car used in January of 2012 with 480k miles. Now, before you think Im crazy, my reasoning was that after I test driving the car, it appeared to be mechanically sound in every way. The engine was as quiet as if it had 60k miles and the transmission shifted to perfection. Being a long time lover of Lexus, I can now appreciate the maintenance-free GS300. Since purchasing the car, Ive replaced the water pump and the pulley, along with the brakes and rotors all around. So far my air suspension has been fine, although I suspect the ball joints will need replacing soon. Despite that, Im very happy with the car. Its a joy to drive and gets a lot of attention.

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  My next wife! - 2006 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
  By Julius Williams - January 6 - 2:20 am

  I had a dream once that my Benz will fit me like a glove. This C class is good on gas and sweet with the ladies. The seats are comfortable and heated. You have to test drive this vehicle to get a appreciation of what I am talking about.

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  I was warned. - 2006 Mercedes-Benz R-Class
  By Fast Ed - January 5 - 10:13 am

  I have met a lot of former Benz owners. I didnt believe them when they said stay away. For the money, this car spends way too much time in the shop. We had one dead key requiring a 2 hour replacement drive, one dead ignition switch requiring a tow. Headlights that short out when the car is off. Many electrical gremlins. Service engine light always on (they tell me it is fine). Great looking car, lots of room, but if you cant trust it to get home, what good is it? Maybe the last 6 cars we owned (all American I might add) we just got lucky and they never broke. Buyer beware. I would be real leary of buying a used one. Make sure you live close to the Benz dealer.

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  It is a rocket - 2003 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By Dmessersmith - January 5 - 2:00 am

  Having owned a variety of BMWs, MBs, and Lexuss, I can say that the ML 55 is simply for those that want an SUV that is all beast when you hit the gas. It lacks some of the basic conveniences and creature comforts that are found in lesser vehicles, but when you hit the gas, take a hard corner, and need it to respond, it there for you. No sissies need apply.

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  my baby benz - 2004 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
  By sue pressler - January 5 - 2:00 am

  i like my car

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  Awesome Car! - 2008 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
  By Gill - January 3 - 9:33 am

  After test driving alot of cars in this class BMW, Infinity, Cadillac, and Audi. When you add everything up exterior looks, performance, ride and comfort. The Mercedes was the clear winner. I ordered it fully loaded with the 18 inch AMG wheels,multimedia and panorama sun roof. This car has quick acceleration, a smooth and quiet ride, and a solid feel. Its a fun car to drive and gets a lot of looks. I love this car.

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  Everyone needs this car - 2005 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class
  By james - January 2 - 11:46 am

  This car is beautiful to look at and even more awesome to drive. It seats four adults technically, although the backseat can be a tad small. Navigation system is easy to use - not complicated at all as others have rated. It is a gas guzzler, however it is worth the extra premium gas price because the ride is awesome. I love it.I love the horsepower.I love the smell of the car, once again .This car is beautiful to look at and even more awesome to drive. Mercedes-Benz, thanks for all the hard work

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  First German car... - 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By Dave2 - December 31 - 10:00 am

  Awesome! Mercedes for the rest of my life. After many Chevys, Fords, Toyotas, Hondas; I will never go back. The customer service is unbelievable. Dont buy one unless you plan on owning MB the rest of your life.

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  So far so good. - 2006 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
  By Johnny5 - December 31 - 12:26 am

  I just got my 2006 E350 4Matic and so far, things are going great. I love the power shade, the quality of the standard stereo system, and the integrated 6 disk changer. The 4matic seems to have a little trouble choosing gears but that may by own perception. I love the distinguished look of the car and the maturity level it portrays since Im only 28 and use the car mostly for business.