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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  2008 E550 4MATIC - Class Personified - 2008 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
  By MaxVike - October 30 - 11:13 am

  Just turned in my 2004 E500 4MATIC for a 2008 E550 4MATIC. The 08 is demonstrably better in virtually every category...build quality, tightness, ride, speed, just overall quality. Mine is black on black with Premium 2, Panoramic Roof, electronic trunk closer, iPOD integration, 6CD, sport package, wood steering wheel, window shades...virtually everything you can get. Hate the standard, and the sport wheels, upgraded to the 18" Mekbuda wheels; added chrome window sill, chrome door handle inserts, and chrome headlight rings. The car is stunningly beautiful. I have had many nice cars, however, I have received more compliments on this car than I could have imagined. Great car!

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  Fantastic Vehicle - 1999 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By Gavin E. - October 29 - 1:53 pm

  Still looks great! Still feels great! Still fun to drive! Owner is Master Mechanic but not needed, other than Transmission Replacement, but not to mention everyone else who has an ML has the same problem. 265,000 and still running strong, and still putting up a good fight. Hope I have many more miles to come. Beautiful design! Never regretted the purchase. Highly recommended. But! Im sure that you will not buy an 11 year old truck!

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  Excellent car - 2004 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
  By Reader - October 29 - 2:00 am

  Ive bought this 2003 model to replace my 1989 Mercedes 240. The new model is a much better car in many ways, especially the exterior and interior design.

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  Nice Car - 2004 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
  By JerryPdgtt - October 29 - 2:00 am

  I traded a 1997 5-Series BMW,which I enjoyed in every way. Looked at and drove the 2004 5-Series BMW and left the dealership with negative views on its appearance and interior features. I tried the E320, gave it the same drive and bought it on the spot. Both my wife and I are enjoying it. We have lost our thoughts of BMW for the time being.

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  Awsome car!!!!!!!!!11 - 2004 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
  By EvanD - October 29 - 2:00 am

  This is just a really great car!!!! if you are looking for a new car you should look into buying one. For the $40,000 it is really worth every penny!

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  MY OPINION - 2004 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
  By CHARLES LAULETTA - October 29 - 2:00 am

  Over all the care is nice to drive. It handles well. We had some trouble with leaks in refrigeriant and transmition fluid. The dealer did a good job in repairing them so far. If the leaks or fixed we are happy with the car.

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  Merc-Machado - 2004 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
  By Merc-Machado - October 29 - 2:00 am

  I Love my Mercedes-Benz!

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  Diesel SUV that drives like a sports car - 2008 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By Steveo - October 28 - 4:06 pm

  It is really fun to drive! This is unusual for an SUV (especially for a Diesel). The engine gives good low and mid range power and acceleration and is smooth and quiet. The mileage has been better than advertised. The iPod integration is nice.

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  Itll put a smile on your face every day - 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By Travis S. - October 28 - 10:00 am

  For my whole life, Ive been a staunch supporter of American automobiles. However, due to "unfixable" problems with each of the three cars Ive owned, it was time to try a foreign automobile. When I test drove the Mercedes Benz CLK 430, I was sold immediately. It is undoubtedly the finest car that I have ever owned. Everything about the car is spectacular, from the interior styling and exterior design of the car, to the great performance and tight ride. Ill definitely be sticking with Mercedes Benz for all future car purchases. Its a head turner!

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  The Ultimate in Stealth - 2002 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
  By BenzOwner - October 28 - 10:00 am

  This is my first Mercedes. Having been a loyal Cadillac owner for over 8 years, I do find the C32 AMG a bit cramped at times, but thats pretty much the only complaint I have. The C32 has a sporty enough exterior, but still gives no real clue of its awesome power to unsuspecting challengers until its too late. "Stealth" I also like the fact that this is a rare and special car. I have not seen another one like it to date. It is 100% Mercedes quality too. Powerful and handles like a dream. "If you have the means, I highly recommend picking one up." - Ferris Bueller