2003 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Review
Fuel Economy
14 - 18 mpg
Summary
What Edmunds.com says
With sizable increases in performance, safety and refinement, Mercedes-Benz has shown that it's not about to take a backseat to anyone else in the premium luxury sedan market.
Pros
World-class performance, state-of-the-art safety features, spacious and comfortable cabin.
Cons
Complicated COMAND system, standard V8 models not as much fun to drive as BMW 7 Series.
What's New for 2003
For 2003, there is more power for the S55 and S600 models, both of which now put out nearly 500 horsepower. Also Pre-Safe, a system that detects an imminent impact and quickly adjusts seating positions as well as seatbelt tension to better safeguard the occupants, debuts. Mercedes' 4Matic all-wheel-drive system becomes available on the S430 and S500 and a minor freshening inside and out are meant to keep these big Benzes near the top of luxury car buyer's shopping lists.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
Straight Line Speed and Comfort
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 6 | Build Quality: | 8 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 8 |
| Fuel Economy: | 4 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S600 4dr Sedan (5.5L 12cyl Turbo 5A)
Review
Have owned the car for about a month now and I am no sure I still love it. The straight line speed is second to none, I have driven ferraris that won't throw you back in your seat like this does. Being able to spin the rear-wheel at any speed under 50mph is incredible. Burnouts are as simple as turning off traction control and giving half throttle. However, the handling does not compare to the BMW 760Li I own. The understeer is so overwhelming it is almost dangerous, you are stunned the first time you take an off ramp at 50 and the tires begin to squeal yet the car keeps traveling in the same direction-scary. Also, driving in the rain is asking for trouble, traction control MUST stay on.
Favorite Features
Power from the TTV12, Comfort Wow-Factore Stares (White exterior) straight line performance
Suggested Improvements
Handling - the amount of understeer is making me consider selling the car (2,000 miles on tires). If you are looking for speed and comfort as long as recognition this car is for you. But if you are looking for a sports car-better be ok with "just" drag races
2003 S500
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S500 4dr Sedan (5.0L 8cyl 5A)
Review
Excellent vehicle. has power style and ride. I get 24 miles/gal highway. Not good in snow. Other than regular oil change very little maintenance cost. Excellent sound and heating system. Handles well.
Favorite Features
Excellent ride and acceleration. Great gas mileage for type of car
Suggested Improvements
Plastic front splash panel too low. Sometimes scrapes
Sleek, powerful, problematic
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 7 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S430 4dr Sedan (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
Review
This is my 5th Benz, but first S-class. The car is beautifully designed and well-appointed. Handling is excellent, comfort is superb. It is one of the greatest highway touring machines ever made. At the same time, there have been irksome quality issues. I have had the car about one year, and in that time have endured five major (and costly) problems. A sensor malfunctioned in the trunk, effectively immobilizing the car. The gear shift assembly jammed in park and had to be replaced. The air seal struts developed a leak and had to be sealed. The V-belt broke during a highway drive, lost all power and the engine promptly overheated. Disappointing. Fuel economy is good, 26 highway.
Favorite Features
Interior is posh and extremely comfortable. Exterior design is handsome. GPS system is very good, although need to change disks is a nuisance. Voice recognition for audio commands is fun and it works well. When the car runs well, it is exceptionally smooth and powerful -- a joy to drive.
Suggested Improvements
Surprisingly cheap plastic at bottom (frame) of seats. Better to have fewer electronic gizmos and ensure that those retained do work. Allow autonomous operation of radio (now linked to COMMAND/GPS system).
A best buy
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 6 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 8 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S430 4dr Sedan (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
Review
Definetely a real good deal when buying used ( low mileage ). Besides the car's still a real good looker, the 2003 430 can provide exceptional comfort, nothing a car of it's age can. Performance is not significant, however is not underpowered. Those who desires performance might go with the 500 or the twin turbocharged 600. Watch for driver's side electronic seat, it might be disfunctional due to aging. Others, are exceptional
Favorite Features
COMAND navigation system ( very sophisticated for a 5 years old car ) The 10 speakers Bose sound system. Self leveling air suspension
Suggested Improvements
Use directional pad button for navigation system, the circular ones, tends to be confusing for many people, and lacks efficiency.
1 out 1 people found this review helpful
Superb Luxury Car - Feel like a King!
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S430 4MATIC AWD 4dr Sedan (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
Review
I recently purchased this 2003 Mercedes S430 with 4matic and I was pleasantly surprised how well it handles the harsh winter snows with ample reliability and confidence. The luxury interior is wonderful and it garners great respect even from my 14 year old daughter. I love the way it feels to drive this car and I have been pleasantly surprised by the gas mileage. Driving this car makes me feel secure and confident. It is a truly an executive car driving experience.
Favorite Features
Black with Java interior. Seats with multiple positions of comfort, sound sytem, interior leg room and sunroof.
Suggested Improvements
Make the GPS system a true GPS system. Improved interior quality even though the interior is ample in quality - could be improved some.
1 out 1 people found this review helpful
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