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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  My new wife - 2003 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
  By Mike the psychomag - January 21 - 2:00 am

  As a single guy, I had a choice to either get married, or spend the money on a new Benz. I KNOW I made the correct decision. (No offense ladies) This car is everything I imagined and more. It is the most powerful 4 cylinder I have ever driven, and I get 35 MPG on the highway! Incredibly responsive, comfortable, and tight. I will never drive anything but a Mercedes anymore.

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  Best Car ever - 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By Glenn - January 20 - 7:36 am

  This is the best car I have owned, and I have gone thru 14 cars and vans over the last 30 years and by far this car is the most fun to drive . Many people stop and comment on how cool the car looks due to no B pillar. Mileage on the highway is 31 mpg

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  A nice example of good engineering . . . - 2002 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
  By chronopassion - January 19 - 10:00 am

  I am amazed that there can be so much variability in this car. Everybody I know seems to have only occassional issues that arise. The vast majority of people I know with this car do very well with it. Makes me wonder how legit some of the complaintes are. Anyway, I have only had a couple very minor cosmetic issues and nothing I would even describe as a minor problem. Wonderful fun car to drive.

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  My Outlet - 2005 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
  By genesisthree - January 19 - 6:06 am

  This is a high performing car. I feel I can and will take anyone on the highway. The passing power is splendid. I like the fact that i can choose Comfort or Sporting and the tranny responds to the way I drive.When I am in Comfort it is a more plesant ride withthe supension but cornering and speed is sacrafice. It is still fast with this in mind.It encourage others around you to (especially out dated Hondas) to attempt to compete. Most on the road will let you pass or wont cut you off because its a Mercedes and they can tell its fast. I have the black coupe which looks sweet. I get looks and the car washers love the car. I like the Panny roof and the sound systems is awesome. I love my car!

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  Beautiful Car - 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
  By John - January 19 - 2:40 am

  Just leased a E350. This is one great looking car. Has a great feel both around town and on the highway. Everyone seems to look and admire the car. Better car than the Audi 5. Home run for Mercedes.

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  ML 350 - 2006 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By RC - January 17 - 4:36 pm

  Not quite as nice as our previous 2003 E320 on the interior, but I guess we could have gone into the ML 500 and had the same options for a higher price. Fuel economy is good for a 4wd vehicle (24 mpg on Hwy between 65 mph and 70) Ground clearance is good and the 4wd has been quite handy as we go out to undeveloped land frequently where there is no paved road.

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  If you never thought an SUV was for you: - 2009 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By GreenDiesel - January 17 - 8:30 am

  If you never thought an SUV was for you, add the 2009 MB 320 BlueTech diesel to your list because it handles very well, has lots of room inside, is safe, lots of TORQUE and is economical mileage-wise. I have observed 22 MPG city stop/go driving.With the most conservative driving style Ive observed 30 MPG highway driving in an SUV not in an economy car! Be gentle on the throttle when pulling away from stop lights and use cruise control on the highway. The turning circle radius is good and the steering for tight parking is very easy to maneuver. The front and rear parktronic option is a must. The styling of the redesigned model is a huge improvement. Very masculine. Highly recommended

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  85,000 miles ---0----problems - 2003 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
  By kst823 - January 16 - 10:53 pm

  I bought the car with 16,000. Since then Ive been doing the regular services every 12,000 miles. Ive never had any problems super reliable! ( of course Ive changed tires, brakes etc.) It drives like new, I will drive it untill it falls apart.

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  Because its a Mercedes - 2008 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
  By jollar - January 15 - 1:23 pm

  Lets face it, the reason why we consider this car is for the status symbol. For the price, this vehicle delivers quality, styling, and great features all packed into an entry level luxury vehicle. The best features of this car are the multimedia package, build quality, and performance. The Multimedia boasts a 7.1 surround sound system, DVD, navi, voice command, bluetooth connectivity, and a 6 disc cd changer. Its always conversational piece with every passenger. As for build quality, try standing on another cars door panel, and say goodbye to the hinges. This car will hold a 400lb person with no problem. Styling? Ask everyone who stares. The best looking luxury sedan on the market.

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  02 430 CLK, , THE GOOD & THE BAD - 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By dave caccamise - January 15 - 2:00 am

  Ordered the car and waited 6 months for delivery. Anticipation may have heightened my expectations. I was a little disappointed with the car but like it more the more I drive it. German quailty and engineering are good but too rigid for me. MBs are supponse to hold their resale value and Im hoping that it true.