2002 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Review
Fuel Economy
16 - 18 mpg
Summary
What Edmunds.com says
Fast, luxurious and technically advanced, the S-Class should continue to be a favorite of movers and shakers.
Pros
Stylish exterior design, spacious interior, nimble demeanor, powerful engine offerings, high-tech features.
Cons
Complicated COMAND system, some cheap-feeling interior bits, BMW 7 Series is more fun to drive.
What's New for 2002
The TeleAid system is enhanced. Now reservations for travel as well as tickets for sporting and theater events can all be acquired from the considerable comfort of the S-Class' cabin.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
VERY EXPENSIVE TO REPAIR
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 7 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 6 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2002 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S430 4dr Sedan (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
Review
Bought this car new. Thought I would keep it for 10 yrs. Or 200,000 miles. It might last but the repair bills after 100,000 miles is way out of line. Had many problems with this car. Front end work, gear selector replaced, auto doors repaired, all items you would not expect to break, could not lock doors, many other items. I made the mistake in keeping this car too long. I have had many Mercedes this was the worst for repair. Do not think I will be buying another one.
Favorite Features
Suggested Improvements
Better quality
Best in class Style Price.. except Value
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 7 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 8 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2002 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S430 4dr Sedan (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
Review
Great looking car especially with the AMG package. Great riding car in terms of comfort, performance and handling.
Favorite Features
Design, options and performance are best in class.
Suggested Improvements
Car value depreciation is below the Mercedes standard of previous years. Mercedes need to figure out how to improve the depreciation index compared to similar cars
2002 S430 : So far so good!!
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2002 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S430 4dr Sedan (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
Review
I purchased a 2002 S430 with low miles and all the bells and whistles (still learning how to operate them). I love this car! It's definitely a beautiful car that gets a lot of attention, no matter how old it is! I am a previous Infiniti owner and I don't know why I didn't buy a S430 sooner! So far, I don't have any complaints on the performance. However, I will get a chance to test the limits once I take it on a long road trip. We'll see what happens!
Favorite Features
My favorite features are the convenience controls on the steering wheel , the smooth ride on and off the freeway and the leg room.
Suggested Improvements
The navigation system is cumbersome. It's not as easy to operate as it seems. Would recommend Infiniti's Navi system!
Mercedes really messed up!
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 2 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 1 |
| Fuel Economy: | 5 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2002 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S500 4dr Sedan (5.0L 8cyl 5A)
Review
All throughout my life, my family has only owned MB cars. I grew up around them so I know about their great ride, fantastic style and reliability. My first car was a C230 and I got an SLK after that. I traded in for a 2002 S500 sports package and it was the biggest mistake. four days after I drove it out the lot, the air suspension dropped so the car was sitting on its tires and had to be towed and the repair alone cost $1400. After that repair, the brakes had to be replaced for another $900, two weeks after, my HID headlamps went out which costs another 500 bucks. In addition, the alternator started to act up at 70k miles and costs $900 to replace. The biggest disappointment!
Favorite Features
Great engine. High speed handling. Ride quality. Prestige and class. Sexy exterior look, fantastic leg room.
Suggested Improvements
Everything. I don't intend to pay so much money for a Chrysler!
7 Years and no troubles
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 7 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2002 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S430 4dr Sedan (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
Review
I adore my Mercedes. Bought it late 2001 till now, 2008, 7 years and the biggest thing done to it are new tires, besides that, completely reliable! It was a S430V (apparently according to the salesman it's better in some ways) with some lovely upgrades (bi-xenon headlights & washers, Nappa leather, wood & leather steering wheel and shift gate). The transmission is still silky smooth, and the air suspension has not failed once. The engine is not the most powerful but still quite nippy. In general; reliable, comfortable, and I absolutely adore it. Merc's dealer network is very friendly and helpful (at least at my dealer), but they charge you for every single little thing!
Favorite Features
Wonderful to drive. Comfy inside. Very reliable
Suggested Improvements
"V" Model costs more than the normal with few included upgrades. Small satnav screen. Limited satnav locations
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