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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  Consider other SUVs - 2004 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
  By Leighton - December 23 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my G500 in August of 2002. Since that time the door hinge seals required replacement twice, the transfer case computer went out at 10,000 miles, even before going off road. The car blows fuses for the power seats and the vehicle required visits to the shop more than twice for power window failure. You need a second car to own a G500 so you have something to drive. One also wouldnt expect the G500 to squeak, but it does. And the service departments arent much better than the vehicle itself. This is one consumer who will never buy another Mercedes Benz.

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  Great - 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By bgswm1 - December 23 - 10:00 am

  what an amazing car. could not be happier!!

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  In the MB Tradition - 2003 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
  By VA1 - December 23 - 10:00 am

  This is my third MB and has been the best thus far. I previously had a 97 C280 and 2001 C320, which I traded after experiencing the first year design problems for 3 years. I was reluctant to buy another MB, especially a new model year; however after test driving this car, I could not resist. I purchased the car used (40 miles) and currently have over 8000 miles on the car and havent had one complaint. This car has restored my faith in MB.

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  I Love My Car But... - 2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class
  By B.R.Bannister - December 22 - 3:05 am

  I Love my Car. We are around 110000 miles now. Over all I love everything about my car except I always need to fix it. My car lock needed to be fixed, that was $1000 Seals around the doors are cracking. Chrome trim around cup holders are peeling. Buttons are wearing off. Middle console it scratching. Basically anything plastic will and has fallen apart. I know it sounds all horrible but my car in almost mint condition and all these things are things only I would notice since I detail my car daily but the fact is I have noticed. Ive spent $3000 in maintenance this year. Over all I love my car it handles well, I feel special driving it. But if you dont have the extra cash Id say pass.

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  Head Turning Style and Mercedes Quality - 2001 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class
  By BenzOwner - December 21 - 10:00 am

  Purchased this car from Park Place Bedford,TX. I had always wanted a Benz, saw this one and fell in love. This car is in tip top shape in every way. It looks brand new inside and out, and my purchase and service experiences have been the best. This dealership treats you like royalty in every way! (Thanks Brian) I do wish the fuel economy was better, but with power and performance like no other its better than expected. Sound system is top notch, and all the options are user friendly. This care is impressive in every way. Mercedes was way ahead of its time when they built this dream machine!

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  Interior Electrical Problems - 2007 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
  By Michael - December 21 - 10:00 am

  This was my first purchase of a Mercedes. Ive always been a Toyota man. Even though this was a used Mercedes C280 I thought the car was a great investment. However, Im having electrical problems. First, the car unlocks when Im driving. This is dangerous as I have my grandkids in the back seat many times. Also, the moon roof will not close all the way. I have to hold the button down until the window is closed. Im bring this car back to New Country Motors hoping they can fix these problems.

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  Great family car - 2004 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By Crocker Highlands - December 20 - 9:53 pm

  We purchased our ML with 42000 miles as a CPO vehicle nearly two years ago. Since then weve been to the dealership only twice for scheduled maintenance. The car is incredibly dependable, performs well on most surfaces, handles well, and hauls just about anything you can throw at it. We love it and would buy another in a heart beat.

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  2001 S500 - 2001 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
  By SWilliams - December 20 - 1:43 am

  I purchased this vehicle used in October of 08. So far, it has been expensive to maintain but it has been well worth it. This is truly an outstanding car. Ive owned Porsche, Lexus, Audi, Infiniti and this is by far the best. The ride quality is superb and it doesnt compromise handling. The car is eerily quiet even at 90+ mph. The navigation system works well, but it only has major roads mapped in smaller towns or suburbs. I also really wish the CD player was in the dash. This cars size and countless safety features make you feel very secure. The command system takes some getting used to but isnt overly complicated. The interior is huge and very comfortable.

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  The true Mercedes-Benz - 2006 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
  By Feszty - December 20 - 1:06 am

  I bought this car when it was less than 6 months old with 4000 miles on it. I have had no problems with it at all and the drive and fuel economy is excellent. My only problem is that it is a bit too conservative for me, but after all Im coming from a V8 BMW. But youve got to love the 37MPG for the 0-60 in 6.6 seconds. The interior is so much nicer than any of its competitors and there is enough space for 4 adults, even for long drives. I have installed the iPod option after market and it is the best thing you can ask for. Forget CD changers!

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  Awesome Driving Abilities and High Quality - 2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
  By Kathleen - December 19 - 11:23 pm

  This car handles so well, it hugs curves and feels like its gripping the road. It fun to drive and very comfortable. Ive never owned a Mercedes before and I am thrilled with my new purchase. The interior is comfortable and is made of all quality materials. It looks and feels luxurious and I feel very safe in the car. The navigation is good but its not as good as my phone navigation. I can just type in a place and then click directions on my phone. On the nav in the car I need to go to POI (points of interest) and then find the place and/or know the address so its a bit more complicated than my phone. But once its in the car I can save it and go right to it next time so thats a plus. The car is just beautiful inside and out. Sleek lines and curves right where they should be. I love the side mirror "warning" lane change feature (or blind spot feature). If a car is next to me there is a small red light on my mirror, when the car moves out of my blind spot the red light turns yellow. It will beep if I try to make a lane change with someone too close to my blind spot. Its a very cool feature that I love. The rear view camera is also very nice and Im getting used to using it. Of course I still look back and check my mirrors as well but its quite helpful. I cant say enough about this car, Im in love!