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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  Not your Daddys wagon - 1998 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
  By James - April 22 - 9:43 am

  I have only had my 1998 MB E320 wagon for 3 years. I have to upgrade in size due to the upgrade in size of my family but I really dont want this car to go. Its been super reliable, easy on the wallet at the pump, and has never lacked in fun factor. My kids even love the car! If anyone is ever in the market for a good used road trip car, this is it!

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  Second CDI and loving it - 2007 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
  By Henry - April 22 - 6:26 am

  I traded a 2005 E320CDI for this 2007 BLUETEC. While my 2005 was a very good car, the handling of this BLUTEC is much improved, particularly the steering. The outside mirrors also are improved. I also have a transmision problem, it shifts jerky on take off, in first and second gear. Had it at the dealer several times for this problem. The dealer did confirm to me that Mercedes is aware of this rough shifting and is working on a solution. I was told it has something to do with the tourque curve of the diesel engine. I was given a Mercedes code number and was told the fix would happen after January first. I am sure Mercedes will get a handle on it very soon.

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  Very Disappointed - 2001 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
  By P&M - April 22 - 2:33 am

  In the four years we have owned this vehicle reliability has been a major concern. Blinker bulbs have been replaced 4-5 times. The power seat became inoperative. Weve had Intermittent problems with sun roof and back window shade opening and closing properly. Power steering fluid leaked from the car. Air conditioning system failed to cool after 3.5 years, and the dealer originally could not find leak. Six months later, the same problem arose, the leak was found, and the repair cost $1800. Alternator recently failed while driving at highway speeds, the car stalled, almost causing a major traffic accident. Cost to repair $1000. The gas pedal is non-responsive when starting off from zero miles per hour.

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  Awesome - 2006 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
  By Peter - April 21 - 7:50 pm

  This is my first car ever and I love it. The ride is so smooth. The inside is so beautiful. The wood trim is gorgeous along with the chrome trim. The body style is sport yet very luxurious at the same time. I have the premium sound system which is incredible and the courtesy blinds which come in handy when its very sunny. The navigation could be a little bit more on track, but overall, a very amazing vehicle, how can you beat a Mercedes-Benz?

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  Lets Be Objective - 2002 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
  By stasik7 - April 21 - 7:10 pm

  I knew what I was buying before I bought it. This vehicle does get terrible gas mileage, compared to a Civic, but you should expect it when you are buying an almost 3 ton truck that costs $80,000. It is stiff, but you have to consider what this truck was originally desinged for. I had to take it to the dealer to have a few minor things fixed, but what vehicle does not have problems every now and then. The verdict is this: If you want a vehicle that will never go out of style, that will take you virtually anywhere, a vehicle that has plenty of power and eye appeal, then you should buy one! If you are thinking why would I need a truck to be all that..I dont know...WHY NOT!!!

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  Great car BAD nav - 2006 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By Xero - April 21 - 6:26 pm

  First time owning a MB and comming from a long line of Infinitis I love this SUV. Handles great w/ the Air suspension. But next to my partners M35 the NAV on my MB is the worst Ive seen yet. It cant find half the things your looking for and then it sometimes puts you in the wrong area. It seems Germans know how to make a fine ride but when it comes to technology, the Japanese have the upper hand. Id love to see some Japanese technology integrated in here.

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  Excellent Benz - 2004 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
  By turksoldier - April 21 - 5:40 pm

  I have this car for 4 years and no problems at all. It is so much fun to drive. Pick up is excellent, road handling is excellent. I wish we have nicer highways in NY. Very good gas mileage. Maintenance free service was excellent ( I am just over 50K now) This is not a car for snow unless you want to slide all over.

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  The C Class zooms ahead of the rest - 2005 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
  By Roger - April 20 - 4:50 am

  The C230 Sports Sedan that I own is an amazing vehicle for its price. In its class, nothing compares overall. Mercedes introduced a new nano-technicological paint which virtually eliminates scratching, and looks great as the car ages. Even chipped paint is a rare sight. The exterior of this car is really a nice sight. 17 inch alloy wheels, an AMG ground effects package, with chrome exaust tips, and even a supercharger. makes this car, second to none.

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  Better than the Volvo S80 AWD - 2004 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
  By view - April 19 - 10:00 am

  Everything. This car is so good it out performs my wifes 2004 Volvo S80 AWD by so much i dont even know how to tell you guys reading this. Buy this car you will not regret it in anyway.

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  One Bad Benz - 2004 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
  By terp97 - April 19 - 10:00 am

  The C230K sport sedan is a fun car to drive. The best value for your money 2-3k less then a BMW 3. Seats, body, tires/wheel combination are all sporty and agreesive and make for a beast of car. Take a drive and you will love it. First time Benz owner and have driven Hondas and Nissan all my life and have finally got something fun and not boring to drive!