2003 Mercedes-Benz M-Class Review
Fuel Economy
14 - 15 mpg
Summary
What Edmunds.com says
Although it's getting a little long in the tooth, the Mercedes-Benz M-Class is still a competent luxury SUV.
Pros
Safe, comfortable, brisk performance, surefooted in bad weather.
Cons
On-road handling eclipsed by newer crossover SUVs, gets pricey fast if buyer gets tempted by too many options.
What's New for 2003
The M-Class' navigation system enters the 21st century by ditching the old CD-ROM-based design for a much more efficient DVD-based setup. This is the lone change as the MLs received numerous updates last year.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
Ml 350 ???
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 3 | Fun-to-Drive: | 7 | Build Quality: | 2 |
| Comfort: | 7 | Interior Design: | 6 | Reliability: | 3 |
| Fuel Economy: | 5 | Exterior Design: | 7 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Mercedes-Benz M-Class ML350 AWD 4dr SUV (3.7L 6cyl 5A)
Review
Bought this Suv new. after 4 years with 25000 miles i replaced front and rear brake pads and rotor and 4 tires.After 6 yrs with 35000 miles need a pair of ball joints and door assembly.
Favorite Features
sound system
Suggested Improvements
Mercedes should be assembled in Germany not in the United States
ML 500 Inspiration Edition
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 7 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 3 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Mercedes-Benz M-Class ML500 AWD 4dr SUV (5.0L 8cyl 5A)
Review
We bought this SUV new (it is our first, and only, SUV). It has always been very reliable and has provided us with the hauling capacity we needed (moving household goods and garden supplies). It has been comfortable on trips and for in city driving. Fuel economy is not this model's forte--it's a heavy vehicle with a large engine. Even though we are light footed, our in city fuel economy has always been between 12 and 13 MPG.
Favorite Features
Cargo capacity, heated seats, parking assist with passenger side rear view mirror (it tilts down in reverse, if you want)
Suggested Improvements
The new ML 320 BlueTEC is the drive train of the near future. Much more fuel efficient. I think a diesel-electric hybrid drive train would be even better.
A Great SUV
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Mercedes-Benz M-Class ML500 AWD 4dr SUV (5.0L 8cyl 5A)
Review
I purchased this ML 500 CPO with 22,000 miles. It has performed flawlessly except for a xenon lamp (under warranty) and a faulty heated seat controller (under warranty). It performs well off road and is very comfortable on long trips. I have the Inspiration package and love the fit and finish. I would buy another.
Favorite Features
Ride. Comfort. Fit and finish. Reliability. Convenience.
Suggested Improvements
Deeper cup holders for passenger seat.
It's an acquired taste
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 8 |
| Comfort: | 7 | Interior Design: | 7 | Reliability: | 8 |
| Fuel Economy: | 6 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Mercedes-Benz M-Class ML500 AWD 4dr SUV (5.0L 8cyl 5A)
Review
I've owned my ML500 for 5 months now. Coming from my 01 Seville STS, was a change of course. Overall I think the vehicle hits the mark. Not perfect, but what vehicle is. Gas mileage is decent, but this is my 2nd V8 in 5 yrs so I'm used to the gas guzzling. Off the line snap is good enough to put you back in your seat. First trip was to Gatlinburg, TN and the MB was nothing but solid. Had to dial down the cruise in the mountains, it kept accelerating. Solid, comfortable, great view in traffic and a huge sunroof. Slips in and out of traffic and parking is a breeze, waiting for first real experience w/ bad weather. This thing shrugs off rain and wind like it's nothing.
Favorite Features
Great off the line, will run to 100mph w/ out blinking. Huge sunroof, smooth nav system. Solid build, great view in traffic.. Does come with a little prestige and cache. One touch windows all the way around. Full compliment of airbags ( 8 ) Wife loves driving it.
Suggested Improvements
Cruise & turn signal easy to confuse. Could have had duplicate audio controls on steering wheel. No telescope on steering wheel. No adjustable lumbar support. Takes a while for rear of truck to heat up, my STS would heat up in 5 minutes. All complaints were covered w/ new model..
2 out 2 people found this review helpful
Mack's opinion
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 7 | Reliability: | 8 |
| Fuel Economy: | 6 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Mercedes-Benz M-Class ML350 AWD 4dr SUV (3.7L 6cyl 5A)
Review
This vehicle was purchased from a dealership, I am the second owner, with 42k miles, perfect condition, no dents, no scratches, no leaks, everything works, new tires, complete safety check was done. It is white with beige leather interior, Nothing gone wrong with the instruments.
Favorite Features
The seating, sits you high, but low enough you don't need running boards. Comfortable adjustment for long distance driving.
Suggested Improvements
Keys. We only got one & the remote buttons did not work. Changed battery but still did not work. $200 for a new one. Price way to high!
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