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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  Huge Improvement! - 2006 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By Herb - November 20 - 9:46 am

  Traded a very reliable and fun to drive 2003 ML500 for 2006 ML500 fully loaded. This car with air-suspension is truly an AWD sports/luxury car. From styling to features from the S- class, it finally looks and acts like a true Benz. I love this vehicle and look for excuses just to drive it. Although nav system is better - it should be voice activated. I also agree the clock needs a center location for others to see. The 7- speed is awesome! Well worth waiting for the special order as the upgraded seats are incredible as is the Harmon Kardon sound system. At 4,200 miles no defects,failures, or disappointments.

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  Not so happy with my GL450 - 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By TEaves - November 20 - 8:40 am

  I havent been as satisfied with this Mercedes purchase. Ive had the car in the shop over 18 times since I bought it for various annoyances including the pump that raises the vehicle on difficult terrain, the hatch latch, the motion/obstacle sensor system, etc. The leather interior stains easily, even from picking up color from clothing. And the customer service at Mercedes Benz could care less so Ill be moving on to something else after I get a few kids off to college.

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  Bad MBZusa service and warranty - 1996 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
  By John Wang - November 20 - 2:00 am

  I have believed MB but so disapointed this time when the engine blowed out at 31000 miles, a screw linked gear and oil pump got broken then oil pump stopped working......... while there is no engine oil pressure indicator! I got a lemon car with poor assembling quality but MBZusa didnt want to be responsible for their design failure as well as manufacturing failure. Buy BMW!, it is much better in quality and service, I have had a 525i since 1990 and have no problem.

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  Consider Before Buying - 2002 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
  By donsturdy - November 20 - 2:00 am

  After 5k car had no power & stalling. Dealer said heads needed to be replaced(2 weeks later had car back). Told to add Tectron every 2k to reduce reoccurance as it could happen again. On way home dash lit up & indicated car needed service immediately. Returned car-found problem was result of damaged part due to replacing heads. Also passenger door lock refused to opperate. It gets better. Dealer told me to add Tectron when car was almost empty then get gas. When I went to fill up, the gas cap cover refused to open. Couldnt go further & had to wait 4 hrs for service van. There is just no confidence left with the auto. Expect to trade in for a new Lexus.

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  way overpriced - 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class
  By mercedes fanatic - November 20 - 12:23 am

  Bought the car for my mom, who liked the styling. Paid $117K. Later bought a 2009 S550 4Matic for myself. $102K. The sedan is miles better than the CL550 in comfort, ride and value. The CL is essentially a short wheel based SClass with a differt body. It should NOT cost more than the sedan; and resale values show this. The CL has the worst resale of any Mercedes. Dont get me wrong; the CL is a great car. But it should be priced $40k less.

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  2003 ML350 Inspiration Edition 225k miles and still going strong - 2003 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By sbushue - November 19 - 7:26 pm

  Family bought this SUV used back in 2005 and since then put on 175k miles on it. Been extremely reliable. Of course there is the maintenance. However, it is expected with any vehicle. This has now became my vehicle (3rd owner), and am confident it will get to well over 300k. Has handled well on the road, especially on the curves and in the winter time as well.

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  Amazing Fuel Effieciency!! - 2014 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class
  By mukes - November 19 - 3:57 am

  I bought my GLK 350 base 2014 model back in August 2013 for 36k. I have driven around 2500 miles. So far i have not found any issues with the vehicle. Smooth ride, negligible noise while driving. Two important features that i liked the most. 1) It has two modes, ECO/Sport. In ECO mode, when stop at a light, engine stops and saves gas. 2) while stopping at a light uphill, you can just take your legs off from the brake. I was surprised at its fuel efficiency. It gives 24 mpg for city and over 31 for highway. For a V6, what else you can hope for!!!

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  WHAT A CAR MBZ E350 - 2013 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
  By hotformbz - November 17 - 2:07 am

  Finally got back to MBZ E350 2013. What a car from the past ones I have had. This car is as smooth as butter when driving and not only that but the 4000.00 premium luxury package we got with it is the best. All around I am in heaven with this beauty. Comfort, security, the SOUND, you feel like your are in the concert when you listen to the CDs or DVDs . The best of the best for me and the family, Great job MBZ. You will not be disappointed when buying or leasing this baby .

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  After 80,000 miles - trouble - high cost - 2000 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By Bruce - November 14 - 2:13 am

  Expensive to extend its life - Cayalytic converter cracked, shock absorbers in rear needed replacement, coil went out , spark wires replaced, new transmission fluid required to extend life (MB says no, dealer says yes), New fuel filter,...etc. $3,500 + costs - too much

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  I love this vehicle! - 2003 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
  By Lori L. - November 14 - 2:00 am

  Compared to my 2001 Range Rover 4.6 HSE....wait, there it no comparison! My G500 provides a far superior ride. So far, problem free!