2001 Mercedes-Benz M-Class Review
2001 Mercedes-Benz M-Class Review
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Used M-Class for sale
Appraise This CarMercedes-Benz M-Class model years
Mercedes-Benz M-Class types
- SUV
- ML55 AMG
See Edmunds pricing data
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Safe, comfortable, car-like ride and handling, excellent bad-weather vehicle.
Cons
- Reputation for poor build quality, looks like a minivan, not particularly adept off-road.
What’s new
The TeleAid emergency calling system is now standard on every M-Class model, and smart dual-stage front airbags know when to deploy with partial force or full force. All models also feature expanded off-road capabilities with new downhill traction control and a new crawling mode for very slow and steep off-roading. Finally, a new M-Class sport package debuts this year.
Edmunds says
In spite of this year's improvements geared toward off-road use, the M-Class is still better suited for safe and luxurious transport in foul weather than it is for trail bashing.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2001 Mercedes-Benz M-Class ML320 AWD 4dr SUV (3.2L 6cyl 5A) 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
$321/mo for M-Class ML320
M-Class ML320
vs
$196/mo
Avg. Midsize SUV
Vehicle overview
Since it's the M-Class' introduction, Mercedes has made constant improvements to it, upping the feature content and performance, improving its looks and addressing the build-quality issues that plagued early models.
The base ML320 is powered by a peppy 215-horsepower 3.2-liter V6 while the upscale ML430 offers an authoritative and advanced 4.3-liter V8 that makes 268 horsepower. The truly brutish AMG-designed ML55 manages 342 horsepower from its massaged 5.5-liter V8. All engines are mated to a driver-adaptive five-speed automatic with TouchShift control for manual shifting.
New this year is an expanded full-time four-wheel-drive system that offers 50/50 torque distribution through the M-Class' front and rear fully independent suspensions. A new downhill traction control system (no doubt inspired by BMW's Hill Descent Control available on that company's X5 SUV), which maintains a low vehicle speed when descending steep grades with loose footing, is accompanied by a new "two-foot" crawling mode that has the same effect as applying the brake while climbing a steep hill. This mode can be engaged when the M-Class is in low range and is traveling under 3 mph to maximize traction. Contributing to these new off-road maneuverability improvements, an active brake booster builds pressure assistance faster, allowing spinning wheels to be slowed with quicker response.
In addition to advanced drivetrain technology, safety features such as TeleAid, traction control, stability control, ABS, dual-stage "smart" airbags and 24-hour roadside assistance offer safety on par with Mercedes' best sedans. In fact, the M-Class is so crashworthy that the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety even rated it as the "Best Pick" in the SUV class in terms of occupant protection.
But don't buy this SUV just for safety reasons. The interior of the base ML320 features such niceties as leather and burl walnut trim, while the 430 model gets standard GPS navigation, 17-inch wheels and leather seats. A third-row seat can be had in either model, and a new sport package, with unique body cladding, integrated foglamps, a chrome exhaust tip and 17-inch alloy wheels, is available to curtail some of the ML's "minivan" look. If the sport package still isn't sporty enough, consider the ML55, which includes a powerful V8 engine, 18-inch wheels, a power dome hood and red brake calipers.
Blend these safety features with its solid performance on pavement and in the slippery stuff, along with the M's cavernous 80.2 cubic feet of maximum cargo space and long list of standard equipment, and the ingredients for a perfect luxury sport-ute are in place. But even with this year's drivetrain improvements, true off-road aficionados will want to shop elsewhere for wheels. The M-Class, despite its boxed frame and four-wheel drive, is much more suited to Chicago's Dan Ryan Expressway than scurrying across the Continental Divide.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2001 Mercedes-Benz M-Class.
5 star(42%)
4 star(22%)
3 star(24%)
2 star(7%)
1 star(5%)
83 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.25 out of 5 stars
Reliable family car
ahering, 09/20/2008
2001 Mercedes-Benz M-Class ML320 AWD 4dr SUV (3.2L 6cyl 5A)
Bought it with 35,000 miles and I have just put 37,500 more miles in 4 years. It had brand-new tires and brake-pads when bought and it is just about time to replace them. I have spent about $500 a couple of time extra for repairs (not regular maintenance) and my only complaint would be that I have to keep an eye on the engine oil level. If I drive over 70 miles per hour on a hot day, it … will surely burn oil. Other than that I am pleased with this SUV.
4.75 out of 5 stars
A real man's suv
lukaspeedracer, 04/11/2005
2001 Mercedes-Benz M-Class ML55 AMG AWD 4dr SUV (5.4L 8cyl 5A)
I've driven several different SUV's and all were not what iIexpected at all, until I drove the battleship of all time. This ML55 AMG will do everything possible to get you from point A to B instantly with no hesitation, but it will cost you a little more in gas than most smaller engines. I am very happy on long trips with it. It's very comfortable and reliable. Drive it and you'll see … just what im talking about.
5 out of 5 stars
Great second car
Steve Reade., 03/02/2016
2001 Mercedes-Benz M-Class ML55 AMG AWD 4dr SUV (5.4L 8cyl 5A)
The 2001 ML55 is now a very dated car, but drives like crazy! Great daily-driver, but 15-18 around town is a little expensive. However, it performs like a sports cars with stunning acceleration, very tight handling and good, if Mercedes-style very firm seats and ride. It's a sports cars that can haul a lot of stuff for a small car. Good off-road, but I don't do much of that. I've had … mine for 8 years (second-hand) and 70,000 miles (currently @125,000). Repairs can be pricey at MB, but a good independent can handle it. Back seat is OK for short rides, but too bouncy and hard for anything longer than 30 mins. Brakes could stop a train (Brembos). Fun fact - Porsche developed the Cayenne based on the success of the ML55. There aren't many available as fewer than 3,000 were made and maybe half of those made it to America. It's a great second car that has the performance of a good sports car, comfortable, great MB interior (if muted) and you can haul a lot of crap, if you have to. What's not to love?
2016: my beloved ML55 took a medium hard hit in the right front, and was totalled-out by the insurance company. Nobody hurt. Gone but not forgotten! @145,000 on thd odo. Really sad pulling my personal stuff out, and saying goodbye. Maybe replace it with an ML550 ...
4.25 out of 5 stars
well satisfied
BRLMNKZ, 04/05/2002
2001 Mercedes-Benz M-Class ML320 AWD 4dr SUV (3.2L 6cyl 5A)
This is my third ML 320 in three years,
due to my unwillingness to wait for
body repairs after being rear-ended and
after a tree limb incident. Performance
is better with the 2001 than the 2000,
and the 2001 is tighter and more quiet
than the 1999. All are solid and secure
on the road, and handle beautifully. No
mechanical problems with any.
2001 M-Class Highlights
SUV
ML320
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $35,800 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 17 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $321/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Drivetrain | all wheel drive |
Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the M-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 RestraintAcceptable
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