2002 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Review
2002 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Review
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Used C-Class for sale
Appraise This CarMercedes-Benz C-Class model years
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Solid construction, safety features, big-Benz styling.
Cons
- Tight squeeze for backseat occupants, can get pricey for its segment.
What’s new
Two new models debut: the C230 Kompressor Sport Coupe and the C320 wagon.
Edmunds says
With the additions of an affordable sport hatchback (though they call it a sport coupe), a sport wagon and a high-performance sedan, Mercedes-Benz has a seat for everyone in the compact luxury/sport arena.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2002 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C230 Sports Coupe 2dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl S/C 6M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.31 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$256/mo for C-Class C230
C-Class C230
vs
$174/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Vehicle overview
For 2002, Mercedes covers all the bases by bringing out hatchback, wagon and high-powered sport sedan versions of the C-Class.
Starting at the low end, the $25,000 C230 Kompressor Sport Coupe (actually a hatchback) puts the three-pointed star in reach of more folks who want Mercedes safety, engineering and, yes, status.
Using the same supercharged ("kompressor" in German) 192-horsepower 2.3-liter inline four found in the SLK 230 roadster coupled to a six-speed manual gearbox, the baby Benz can sprint to 60 mph in just 7.2 seconds.
Just because this is the entry-level C doesn't mean that the standard features list is skimpy. Quite the opposite as dual-zone climate control, aluminum cabin accents, 16-inch alloy wheels, six-speaker sound system with cassette deck (though it lacks a CD player, a changer is optional), a tilt and telescopic steering wheel with stereo and trip computer controls and eight-way (manual) adjusting driver seat are all standard. Leather seating and a large "Panorama" sunroof are among the available options.
And, as expected from a Benz, the new hatch sports a boatload of high-tech safety features such as four-wheel disc brakes with ABS and Brake Assist, electronic stability control and front, side and head-protection airbags.
Moving on to the sedans, the C240 and C320 are unchanged, having just been introduced last year. The C240 is motivated by a 2.6-liter V6 with 168 horsepower (why it's not called the C260 escapes us) and the C320 sports a 3.2-liter V6 with 215 horses. And, in an effort to further compete with its venerable statesmen (i.e. BMW), a six-speed manual gearbox can be had in the C240. Those who prefer automatic gear changes will like the responsive tranny in the C320, a five-speeder with Mercedes' TouchShift feature that allows manual gearchanging should the mood strike. It's standard on the 320 and optional on the 240. With a five-link rear suspension and a rack-and-pinion steering system, the C-Class demonstrates ability at canyon carving that the pre-2001 car lacked.
Such luxury features as dual climate control, steering wheel-mounted controls and wood trim come standard on the C240. Step up to the C320 and receive a Bose stereo system, full power memory front seats and power tilt/telescoping steering wheel. Options include a stand-alone navigation system and Mercedes' Cockpit Management and Data System (COMAND) -- the center console interface that controls the navigation system, the audio system and the cell phone -- xenon headlamps, heated seats, a six-disc CD changer and a sport package that provides higher spring rates, tighter shock valving, a thicker stabilizer bar and larger tires.
Wundertuner AMG applies their magic to the C-class sedan and the result is the pavement-scorching C32 AMG. No less than 349 horsepower pour out of the C32's supercharged V6, hooked up to an enhanced five-speed automatic dubbed "SpeedShift" that together vault the car to 60 mph in around 5 seconds flat. Beefy vented disc brakes, an AMG-massaged suspension and 17-inch alloys wearing fat performance rubber complete the hardware package. A front air dam and side skirts, unique wheels and a two-tone interior separate the C32 from the garden-variety C-class sedans.
Also added to the C-class family for 2002 is the C320 Sport Wagon. Essentially the same as a C320 sedan under the skin, it shares that model's features and provides up to 63.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity. And the wagon hauls more than spoils from a day of antiquing; its zero-to-60 mph time of 7.0 seconds (according to Mercedes) is just a tick slower than the C320 sedan.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2002 Mercedes-Benz C-Class.
5 star(61%)
4 star(24%)
3 star(12%)
2 star(3%)
1 star(0%)
326 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.88 out of 5 stars
Where's your C240 Manufactured??
Wheres your C240 fm?, 02/28/2004
2002 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C240 4dr Sedan (2.6L 6cyl 6M)
I see a distinct divide in the reviews
for the C240 - and I can tell you why.
The 2002 C240s were made in both
Germany and in Brazil. I was alarmed
one day when a friend showed me the
plate in the car stating it was
manufactued in Brazil. He was having
a lot of problems with the vehicle. I
couldn't understand why, because I
have the same car and he bought his on …
my recommendation. I checked my car
and it indeed was manufactured in
Germany.
If you are considering this car, make
sure you buy one made in Germany, not
Brazil!!
3 out of 5 stars
REPEATED COSTLY REPAIRS - NIGHTMARE
WARRENFDS, 04/26/2010
2002 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C240 4dr Sedan (2.6L 6cyl 6M)
expensive repairs. seat electronics cost $4000. remote key did not work, omni bar changed $1000. Spark plug wires defective recommeded fix $1500. Defective Lower front control arms fix $750. These are not routine maintenance issues but defective manufacturing which I do not expect on a $40,000 german car. Pls do not buy Mercedese if they are not able to guarantee defective products in … their vehicles.
5 out of 5 stars
Love this car
pfweintraub, 08/17/2009
2002 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C320 4dr Sport Wagon (3.2L 6cyl 5A)
I bought my C320 wagon on Ebay and it is one of the best cars I've ever owned (and I've had about 30). No problems ever, gas mileage never goes below 20 and even on short trips goes over 25-26mpg. I put Michelin hi end tires on and it corners on rails even on wet pavement. Use premium gas, use Mobil 1, change oil every 5k miles and it will run forever. It was not a cream puff when I … got it either.
2.75 out of 5 stars
Fun to drive but get ready to $$$
oneill ki, 04/26/2015
2002 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C230 Sports Coupe 2dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl S/C 6M)
I bought my 2002 c230 used with 70xxx miles and have had nothing but problems here's a list:
1.water pump went out and car overheated costing $1400. 2. Sun shade/ roof won't open or close $1200. Rear Diff seal/ leakage in suspension causing rear tires to wear rapidly $1400. Drivers window will not go up or down (still broken). Horn stopped working (still broken) Seats have a short in … wire causing battery to die (still broken). On the flip side the car is fast and fun to drive. The people at Mercedes actually know my face when I walk in for repairs. I almost wanted to invite them to my family Christmas party since I'm there so often we've built a close friendship.
2002 C-Class Highlights
Sedan
C240
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $30,550 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 18 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $283/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 12.2 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the C-Class include:
- Alarm
- Stability Control
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintGood
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