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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  Rebuilt engin at 10,000 miles - 2012 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
  By bdiv - July 27 - 12:06 am

  Until April of 2013, I thought this was one of the best MB models I have ever owned. That was until the dealer informed me about a new service bulletin when I brought the car in for the 10,000 mile service. Short story is that a bad lot of wrist pins installed in the engine will need replacement. So, three weeks later I had the car back with a rebuilt engine! They replaced the pistons, connecting rods and wrist pins along with every other engine gasket, seal and screw!

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  Anniversary present - 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By Melissa - July 26 - 3:10 pm

  A very well designed and quality built vehicle. I have had many cars, Hondas, Nissans, Lexus, Acura, Infinitis, and even an 02 Benz (honestly, we did not have a good experience, I was a little tentative to try again), this one thus far is proving to be number 1. The 5.5L V8 power in a vehicle its size is a lot of fun, the growl from the engine is impressive, you almost cant help but lead foot the gas pedal, because it is so smooth, very easy to drive. The weight and power combination of the vehicle is a true testament to Mercedes Benz engineering.

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  Sweet Ride - 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By Walt - July 26 - 2:43 am

  My CLK 320 is a sweet ride. The convertible is a must and makes me cheer out loud while driving. It handles beautifully and is tops in luxury. The only problem Ive had is a fuse to my speakers that keeps popping. I take it out and it resets, but Ill be worried if it keeps happening. The car looks great, is big enough for four (if the back two are short) and so far, the mileage is OK. About 20 mpg. Everything is automated, the sound system sounds superb, it handles well and it just makes you feel like a million. Since Im a new owner, I cant say how the service is but it had better be great or Ill change this review. Overall, I love this car.

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  Love the SUV - Hate the minor repairs - 2002 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By Gatortomk - July 25 - 10:00 am

  The car has been perfect for us in terms of design, comfort, features, durability, etc. Our gas mileage has been better than expected at 18.6 city and up to 23+ highway (I confess to having a heavy foot so its often only 22). Brakeware has been super too; 45,000mi front and rears are still OK at 72,000mi. But, had to replace fuel pump, windshield washer checkvalve, "baby safe" seat sensor, and an instrument panel bulb. Nothing major, but even with good service (and free loaner cars) its been a hassle some time.

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  Ride of a bigger Mercedes - 2005 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
  By eyegene - July 25 - 10:00 am

  Even though its a much smaller Mercedes class, this car gives you the ride of extreme luxury and handling, solid on the road and with 4matic it holds the road under any conditions!

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  Electrical nightmare - 2001 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
  By Muskmelon - July 25 - 4:30 am

  I have mothballed this car after a little over a month of driving. Cooling fan motor bearings bad ($830 for the part!), bad starter solenoid, entire center row of buttons on the dash do not function, small rust spots on fender seams, flickering headlights, intermittent trouble light telling me I have a bad bulb in the rear that is not bad. Cant get parts except from dealer and then they need to be programmed to the vehicle. I want my 1996 Ford Taurus back but until spring I will drive my 175,000 mile Suburban which is reliable and can be repaired with parts that are cheap and readily available. Car ran great for 2 weeks!

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  Air Conditioning Issue Driving Me Crazy! - 2016 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
  By LovelyCeremony - July 25 - 2:20 am

  I bought my 2016 E350 after looking at several luxury makes. The ride, comfort, and features of the car were far superior to any others in its price class. However, an issue with the air conditioning has made owning this vehicle extremely frustrating, and unhappy about my decision to purchase a Mercedes, along with frustration and anger at their response. Heres the issue Im having -- with no pattern, rhyme or reason, and with no warning, the two air vents on either side of the steering wheel stop blowing cold air, and bring in hot, recirculated air, for about 5-10 seconds. Its a noticeable sensation, and very unpleasant, especially when driving in 98-degree heat! Ive brought the car to the dealership three times, leaving it there for a week at a time, and they say they have been "unable to duplicate" the issue. Since this occurs on a non-regular basis, obviously theyre not driving it enough to have it occur when theyre driving it! I finally contacted Mercedes-Benz USA, and got this explanation from the rep -- "if the dealership cant find a problem, then your vehicle is operating the way it was engineered to do." Please dont insult my intelligence and tell me that a $56,000 vehicle is supposed to have the air conditioning blow hot air through the drivers side vents whenever it chooses! I am going to give them one more chance this week -- supposedly a "technical specialist" is coming to look at it -- and then Im going to file a claim under the Florida "Lemon Law." This may be an unusual issue, but there needs to be a resolution -- which, in my opinion, is either fix my vehicle correctly, or give me a purchase credit, minus the miles Ive driven it, for a new vehicle. What was supposed to be a pleasurable experience in my Mercedes has turned into a big problem. If anyone else out there has had this issue, please post about it! Thank you!

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  Great Reliable Car - 1997 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
  By Spencer Brown - July 24 - 10:00 pm

  We bought this car which was a demo by the seller at the dealership. We havent had any major problems exept for the back drivers side window wouldnt roll up one day, but we had to buy a new window motor for it, which it was under warranty at the time. It is a very comfortable ride and the emblem on the front makes the driver feel like royalty. It gets preety good gas milege exept for the fact we put premium gas in it while we put regular in my Tahoe. Overall this has been and excellent car. It would be perfect if the servicing wasnt so expensive!!

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  First month - 2006 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
  By nelson - July 24 - 4:16 am

  Just the right size. Relaxed driving with a great engine and transmission combo. Great handling, not sporty but accurate and secure. Good fuel economy.

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  Expected longer romance for the money - 2006 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
  By Damonndallas - July 23 - 6:33 am

  My C280 is the sixth MB I have owned from the same dealership. I have always been happy, until this car. At first, it was what I had come to expect from MB. Now, after 64,000 miles, there are creaks and squeaks, the "check engine" light comes and goes, and the silver trim on the interior is peeling away. Adding the ultimate insult, I visited the dealership to trade for a new one, and was offered $12,000 for trade. YIKES! On a three year old car! The resale value was enough to send me running to the nearest Cadillac dealership, and the plastic finish in the C300 didnt help. The CTS 3.6L out performed the C300 hands down. The luxury finish out sealed the deal.