2003 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Review
Fuel Economy
17 - 22 mpg
Summary
What Edmunds.com says
Though hardly inexpensive, the C-Class is appealing due to its variety of configurations and prestigious name.
Pros
State-of-the-art safety and luxury features, three body styles to choose from, pleasing power from V6 engine.
Cons
Can get pricey for its segment, ordinary interior presentation, tight squeeze for the sedan's backseat occupants.
What's New for 2003
Changes are light this year. Mercedes' "4Matic" all-wheel-drive system is now available for sedan and wagon models (the C32 sport sedan being the lone exception) and the C230 Sport Coupe's supercharged engine has been revised for greater efficiency and lower emissions. A six-speed manual gearbox is available for the C320 models, and a supercharged C230 Sport Sedan is now available as well.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
Great entry level Mercedes
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 7 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 7 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C230 Rwd 2dr Sports Coupe (1.8L 4cyl S/C 6M)
Review
I'm pleased with my purchase. The cost for maintenance and repairs are the worst aspect of this vehicle. When it is time to do brake work, be prepared to drop $1,000. Mercedes is the only one who can get the specialized soft brake pads with the specialized coating. It handles exceptional for a 4-cylinder vehicle. It can turn on a dime and has uncharacteristically fast acceleration for a small car. Great car for a first Mercedes or for a hand-me-down to a teenager.
Favorite Features
I love the weather band radio. The leather and interior quality is overall very good. The entire glass roof is a nice feature. It feels like a safe and responsive car.
Suggested Improvements
Because of the glass sunroof, you get occasional creaks when changing driving surfaces (like turning slowly from driveway onto street). Improve the plastics durability. Improve the AIS system which is common to go out and very expensive to fix/replace.
Mercedes has become Chrysler!
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 1 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 1 |
| Fuel Economy: | 5 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C240 Rwd 4dr Sport Wagon (2.6L 6cyl 6M)
Review
Mercedes used to be one of the best quality, most reliable, a durable cars. Since they merged their purchasing / procurement function with Chrysler and decided to globalize themselves instead of being 100% German, the Mercedes quality degenerated to the level of Chrysler or even below. I love the design and the functionality of the station wagon. I love driving it. But the QUALITY? My car within 30,000 miles had 2 catalytic converters, 2 (!) alternators, engine gaskets (ouch) and several little bottoms replaced. 2 door knobs and parts of 2 doors were replaced. The headlights after 50,000 miles are no longer possible to turn off, electrical problem with several thousand dollar repair cost
Favorite Features
Design, functionality.
Suggested Improvements
STAY AWAY (REALLY)
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 7 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 3 |
| Comfort: | 6 | Interior Design: | 6 | Reliability: | 2 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 7 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C240 Rwd 4dr Sedan (2.6L 6cyl 6M)
Review
I've never been more disappointed in the quality and value of a vehicle. Initial purchase was used from a dealer. Vehicle had 43K at the time. Replaced door handles that literally broke off inside door panel. Air conditioner had musty odor and has even after spending $400+ still has odor. Air ventilation baffle (determines vents to blow from) is broken and too expensive to repair. Failures at 63K miles: Ignition coil (3) $700+ Starter motor $600+ Transmission plug gasket $200+ Spark plugs $300+ Transmission mounts $200+ Motor mounts - not repaired yet Control arms - not repaired yet just spent $2100 this month and about $2000 more to go. STAY AWAY.
Favorite Features
Ergonomics are generally good. Vehicle handles well. Pretty peppy
Suggested Improvements
Interior build quality. Overall vehicle quality is poor at best.
Little Benny Coup
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C320 Rwd 2dr Sports Coupe (3.2L 6cyl 6M)
Review
One owner, 40 k miles, has never been in the shop except for scheduled maintenance. Not too many of the V-6 coupes imported, hard to find in USA. Fast, fun to drive and gets great gas mileage.
Favorite Features
Hugs the road, turns on a dime.
Suggested Improvements
None
Mercedes should recall the door handles
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 7 | Build Quality: | 5 |
| Comfort: | 6 | Interior Design: | 2 | Reliability: | 8 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C240 Rwd 4dr Sedan (2.6L 6cyl 6M)
Review
I have owned this sporty Mercedes C 240 for going on 3 years. It's my 5th Mercedes, but I got to tell you, the Daimler folks really screwed up on the interior door handle design, as all four have broken off, actually broken off!? The problem is that they connect to the side airbag system so you can't just glue them back. I would expect more from Mercedes-Benz, this isn't a Honda or a Chevy, this is a Mercedes. The car runs fine, although the over usage of plastic on the under carriage is a bit nutty. Also, the factory didn't even put an oil dipstick? I bought a Jaguar X-Type since, now I am happy.
Favorite Features
6 disc CD changer, car looks.
Suggested Improvements
Door handles that don't fall off! Adding a dipstick for oil & transmission so owners don't have to pay $400 to have my oil changed. Who thought of that? Make it more owner friendly like the Jaguar or the Audi. So that mechanic minded folks who own them can save a buck and work on them!
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