2002 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Consumer Reviews Page 4

Amazing value.

Written by: Greg C on 10/16/2006

Vehicle

2002 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C32 AMG 4dr Sedan (3.2L 6cyl S/C 5A)

Review

I needed a car that could get me to work in bumper-to-bumper traffic, and also handle periodic days at the race track. I cross-shopped the Audi S4 and the BMW M3. It was a close call, but I have no regrets picking the C32. Very, very fast, but not very flashy. Good MB quality and reliability.

Favorite Features

Engine - so powerful. Transmission is great for an automatic.

Suggested Improvements

Narrower front tires make the car handle poorly (understeers). I've already upgraded wheel/tire size. This car should have had a limited slip differential. Way too much power to pump through one wheel! Shame on AMG.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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Fun to drive but low reliability

Written by: Andrew Lam on 06/26/2006

Vehicle

2002 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C230 Sports Coupe 2dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl S/C 6M)

Review

For the last four years, this car was under warranty work for not less than ten times. The problem includes suspension, engine oil leaks, BAS and ESP lights on, engine back fire and requires new oxygen sensors . I would strongly advise potential buyers to purchase extended warranty before similar problems happen after the warranty expires.

Favorite Features

Very good handling. Powerful engine with excellent acceleration

Suggested Improvements

The rear image of the car can be improved. The front is very pretty though. Mercedes Benz should improve the reliability of this car even though this is a entry level MB. I understand a new model is coming soon.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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I love my C230K, perfect for a 1st car.

Written by: Suzanne on 06/17/2006

Vehicle

2002 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C230 Sports Coupe 2dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl S/C 6M)

Review

I bought a 2002 certified pre-owned C230K coupe and I have had no problems with it at all! It has new brakes and the tread on the tires is great. The leather seats look brand new, like no one has ever even sat on them! I do make frequent trips to Virginia, about 300 miles away, and I only use a half tank of gas to get there, so it's very fuel efficient. I have driven other Mercedes in the past,2002 M-class and a 2006 C280, as well as BMWs (Z3 and X5), and let me tell you, this is not a car to scoff at! It has a very nice ride. The lack of a CD player isn't a problem for me. I just use my Ipod car adapter, perfect!

Favorite Features

Heat works very well and very fast! Manual transmission fun to drive, Love the moon/sunroof. Definitely recommend spending the extra money on the leather interior, very nice AND easy to clean (can't tell you how many times I have spilled coffee on the seats, wipes right off!

Suggested Improvements

Definitely notice the noise when you first turn on the car, as if it needs warming up; Wish a cd player came standard. Rear wiper would be helpful in the winter.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Practical and Fun

Written by: Jane in Laguna on 06/07/2006

Vehicle

2002 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C230 Sports Coupe 2dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl S/C 6M)

Review

I was waiting to retire to buy a car that is fun to run around in, but also safe. Then I realized that it was dumb to drive a stodgy old car while I still have to commute. Why not get that new car and enjoy it now? So I picked the C230 Komp and never looked back. It has plenty of cargo space with the back seat down, is very maneuverable - a plus on the freeway - and fits my 6'7" husband comfortably with the seat adjusted. In short, it is a nice mix of function and fun.

Favorite Features

The way it handles, the amount of space in the hatch/rear seat combined, easy to park, the power when you need it. Sun/moon roof.

Suggested Improvements

The cup holder is awkward and limited in what it can hold. No biggie.

0 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Best Looking Wagon

Written by: NC Chris on 05/27/2006

Vehicle

2002 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C320 4dr Sedan (3.2L 6cyl 5A)

Review

Purchased used for $20K with 22K miles. Has Command system with Nav & Cell phone. Probably best looking wagon on the road. Firm but compliant ride. Handles well and stops on a dime. Averaging about 20 mpg in mixed driving. No squeaks or rattles. Very good build quality although some interior trim pieces could have been of better material. Command system a bit complex but not bad after you become familiar with it. Steering is a bit heavy a slow speeds.

Favorite Features

Great looks and performance. Decent storage capacity and MPG for a small wagon. Bose system is fine and voice activated hands free phone is terrific.

Suggested Improvements

Seats bottoms are typical for MB - firm. Nav system is adequate but archaic compared to any more contemporary Japanese product. Requires premium gas. Switched tires from Goodyear RSA to Goodyear Assurance Triple Treads and improved ride, reduced tire noise.

4 out 4 people found this review helpful

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Muscle car in Mercedes Clothing

Written by: Johnec on 04/06/2006

Vehicle

2002 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C32 AMG 4dr Sedan (3.2L 6cyl S/C 5A)

Review

I heard so much about this car that I had to test drive it, 24 hours later I owned it! With a friends performance computer stuck to the window I pulled a 0-60 4.7 seconds and a 1/4 mile a little over 13. This car is grace and elegance inside and out (heck.. it's a Mercedes, what would you expect?) But underneath the hood and behind the tires beats the love-child of a Porsche or a Corvette. This car is a monster! Forget all the reviews find one and go drive it... but preferably at a dealership, I am afraid a private owner might cry while you push the throttle and his Z rated tires light up like the 4th of July.

Favorite Features

Rides like a Mercedes, looks like a Mercedes, grabs the respect a Mercedes deserves, but runs and handles like a 911 in "sports mode", ...but with a push of a button you have your 4 door family sedan back. Best of both worlds!

Suggested Improvements

None

5 out 7 people found this review helpful

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Rock Solid with Slick Design

Written by: jmatheson on 04/02/2006

Vehicle

2002 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C240 4dr Sedan (2.6L 6cyl 6M)

Review

The exterior design and the Mercedes brand are what first drew my attention. This is an aggressive, muscular wedge of a car with thoughtful Mercedes design cues throughout. I've loved the safety features and it's a blast to drive. I expect this car to last me a while. I chose the brilliant silver exterior with black leather interior. Although the smallest Mercedes, it has all the looks of the bigger Benz. Just a few complaints. Lack of a CD player is astonishing in this day and age. Lots of brake dust on front rotors. Front cupholder is a little overwrought. But, I'm picking at details. This car has class and character. I get more comments about this car than any other I've driven.

Favorite Features

Exterior design, proportions, Mercedes cachet, safety features (especially surround airbags), smooth ride, lack of wind noise, solid build, supportive seats, handling, doors close like a bank vault.

Suggested Improvements

CD player and MP3 connections. Perhaps a better cupholder. That's it.

1 out 3 people found this review helpful

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Love it!! Love it!!

Written by: Matt on 03/02/2006

Vehicle

2002 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C230 Sports Coupe 2dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl S/C 6M)

Review

I shopped around looking for a nice-looking, fuel efficient, powerful vehicle. Checked out Infinity, Mazda, Lexus and MB. This car has it all and won hands down. I can load up 6 sets of golf clubs, a dog, 2 kids. Plus this sucker is fun to drive. The craftsmanship is somewhat on the chincy side, but this puppy hums. Wish it had an I-pod hookup (but this is an '02). Test drive one, you won't regret it!

Favorite Features

Engine, look, drivability, room.

Suggested Improvements

I-pod hook up. Better craftsmanship (the sunroof broke once outside of warranty).

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Just Right !

Written by: Mark on 02/21/2006

Vehicle

2002 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C230 Sports Coupe 2dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl S/C 6M)

Review

I spent many months trying to find a fuel-efficient, 2-door sports coupe, with lots of power and room for 2 or 3 ice hockey bags. The C230 Komp was, and still is, the hands-down winner. I've carried mountain bikes, built-in ovens, televisions, and hockey and lacrosse bags in this little gem. The versatility, fun-factor, and sporty appearance of this car are hard to find in any other car.

Favorite Features

Hatchback and luggage room. Performance (6-speed) Handling, styling, price

Suggested Improvements

Needs better cup holders

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Great car given bum rap by bad dealers

Written by: Joe on 02/18/2006

Vehicle

2002 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C230 Sports Coupe 2dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl S/C 6M)

Review

This is a fantastic car that is severely underrated because the MB dealer network is HORRIBLE. Stupid problems take 5 trips to be resolved. The two happiest days of my MB ownernhip were the day I drove it home and the day my warranty expired. Take it to an outside mechanic and you'll realize that these cars really are still built well. I only had a few very minor complaints with the car that (like I said) took multiple trips (an average of 5 each, really!) to resolve. I had the same number of issues with our 2 Hondas. The only difference was the way those issues were handled. This is great news for used buyers. Scoop up a well-loved example of this car!

Favorite Features

Panoramic sunroof and six speed manual.

Suggested Improvements

The cloth interior takes a little getting used to. The texture is great, but the pattern is a little odd. And hold your dealers to a higher standard. They are killing the brand's reputation!

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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