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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  I Love my S550! - 2009 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
  By Leon - March 5 - 5:26 am

  I love my S550. This automobile is as much fun to drive as it is to look at. The luxurious interior coupled with the ultra quietness of the interior make this car unlike any other. Handling and manuverability on and off the highway is powerful and responsive. The S550 represents the perfect balance between luxury and power.

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  MB E430 Sport - 1999 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
  By kelker7 - March 5 - 2:00 am

  I find the car to be very well put together and the performance has been a very pleasant surprise. The design of the E430 Sport has lines that distinguishes it from the other E-Class cars, but doesnt change the cars distinct E-Class looks.

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  Fun to drive - 2004 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
  By Krystof - March 5 - 2:00 am

  I bought brand-new silver C 230 Sport Coupe in May 03. Ive driven over 11000 miles so far. Great fuel economy, good acceleration, and overall handling. Control panel is very well designed, and controls are easy to find.The list of standard safety features is really impressive. Overall this car ia a pleasure to drive, and its a real head turner, built with expected Mercedes Benz quality.

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  This is my last Mercedes - 2003 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
  By Mark B. - March 5 - 2:00 am

  My Lexus sedans were boring and lacked excitement, but I never once experienced a problem with those cars. This E500 is beautiful, but I have spent weeks at the dealership. My problems center on the audio / computer system. The Logic 7 sound system is pathetic. My biggest concern is the defective SOS system that doesnÂ’t work. This is a life saving device and MUST work; I smell a class action lawsuit! The funniest part about this whole experience, is listening to the service manger complain about the amount of time his staff has spent. I paid $65k for this fine German automobile, and this car should be flawless.

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  Perfect Solution - 2006 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
  By Perfect Storm - March 4 - 5:13 pm

  This car offers a great ride coupled with outstanding fuel economy, good looks, and a social conscience. Sat, Nav, sound system are all top quality. Worth every penny!

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  C240 - 2001 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
  By PK - March 4 - 10:00 am

  This automobile is worth every cent

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  Good and Bad - 2002 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
  By antoniorv - March 4 - 10:00 am

  This is a wonderful car that has its problems. Like everyone else I have found the COMAND system difficult to use. It can never be used while driving because it is so complicated. Another gripe is that there is a large blindspot because the passenger side mirror is obstructed by the A Pillar in many driving positions. The car is so easy to drive, and you never hear the engine. Also the power is smooth. Finally the interior is wonderful spacious and comfortable. Also the trunk is practicle. My only problem was when I got a flat tire and had to pay 500$ for a new tire. Also the remote battery dies quickly, but the dealer will happily replace it. In general this is a great car.

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  Truely a Disappointment - 2002 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
  By Johnny-Benz - March 4 - 10:00 am

  Great looking car, but TOO MANY Probelems. I had to go to the dealer 9 times for repairs like linkage, shifter, sunshade, 3 sensors, keys didnt work, seats and more. From what I read from other C-class owners, I think it might be time for a class action lawsuit against Mercedes Benz !

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  The Service Manager is my best friend - 2002 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
  By ranbou - March 4 - 10:00 am

  I have had my C320 for 3 months and I have had 5 service visits. Items like windows and sunroofs not operating are one thing, but when the car stalls out on you 5 times in different traffic situations, its time to move to another vehicle. Yesterday was the last straw. Driving around 70 on a packed Interstate, the engine lost power. From the fast lane, I have to negotiate to the shoulder of the road. It was a pretty hair-raising and frustrating experience. When I hit the shoulder, the engine perked up again and I was able to drive to the dealership. I am very disappointed and I will be getting rid of it ASAP. I expected more from MB.

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  Fantastic car - 2010 Mercedes-Benz R-Class
  By Paul - March 4 - 4:16 am

  Replaced GL450 (which I loved)with R350. Never realized driving would be so much fun. Mileage not great but 19 in town and 24 on the road with the second tankful! Handles very much like my wifes S500 and is just as comfortable and secure on the road. Without question its the best; most reliable, nicest appointed and well engineered Mercedes Ive had.