1997 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Review
1997 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Review

Used C-Class for sale
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1997 Mercedes-Benz C-Class appraisal values can range from $638 - $1,980.
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Exceptional engineering, quick acceleration, and sumptuous interiors make the C-Class the benchmark in near-luxury sedans.
Cons
- It is priced higher than most of its competition.
What’s new
The C220 is replaced by a more powerful C230. All C-Class models have redesigned headlamps.
Vehicle overview
The Baby Benz grew up three years ago when the C-Class replaced the 190E. The new car was substantially improved over the 190, offering better performance and more interior room. This year the four-cylinder model and C36 receive more power.
Performance-oriented buyers will want the C36, an AMG-prepared road warrior sporting fat tires, aero gimcrackery and a potent 3.6-liter engine. The C36 is priced about $10,000 higher than the BMW M3 and delivers 60 mph in just over six seconds. Mercedes will bring 400 examples of this hot sedan to the United States during 1997.
Mainstream models are the C230 and C280. Manually rowing the automatic shifter, a C230 can get to 60 mph in less than nine seconds. The six-cylinder C280 feels much quicker than the C230 getting to speed, and getting there quickly doesn't mean changing your own gears. Handling is sure-footed with either car, and braking ability is quite good, although the C230, at 200 fewer pounds than the C280, feels somewhat more agile.
These sedans ooze class, substance and style, unless they're adorned with faux-gold packages or other tacky add-ons. The look is quite contemporary, and the car seems larger than it really is. Traditional styling cues inside and out continue the Mercedes trend of evolutionary rather than revolutionary design themes.
Base prices start just over $30,000 for the C230. The stronger C280 can be had for another five grand and includes the 2.8-liter six, dual power front seats and an eight-speaker Bose stereo system. The C36 renders such cars as the Lexus GS300 and Cadillac Seville STS also-rans in the luxury-sport arena. You may want to consider BMW's 328i, the Lexus ES300, or the Mazda Millenia S before buying the Benz, but we can't help but think the C-Class is a relative bargain in this class, now that Mercedes has come down off its pedestal and is pricing its wares with some semblance of sanity.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 1997 Mercedes-Benz C-Class.
Most helpful consumer reviews
3.75 out of 5 stars
Great Car +200,000 mileage - Seattle,WA
kaleo,08/10/2014
C280 4dr Sedan
Good Reliability but expensive maintenance.
Beyond 180,000 mileage expect to pay lots of money maintaining this car.
Between 185,000 miles and 200,000 mileage I spent nearly $3,500 in replacement parts such as tie rod assembly, oxygen sensors, Drive shaft flex joint, water pump, radiator, AC compressor, brakes, ball joints and etc..
Very smooth ride and handling.
4.25 out of 5 stars
Love my car, hate the maintenance.
MattJones,10/11/2009
C280 4dr Sedan
First off, I love this car. My mom owned it for ~7 years then gave it to me and it looks good, feels great to drive, and has a very luxurious interior with tons of wood trim and ruffled leather. In addition the engine powers the car effortlessly with very little noise until you get to the upper end of the tachometer. I've never broken the wheels loose in a turn like front wheel … drive cars do all the time. The gas mileage is reasonable BUT I have had to replace the head gasket ($1000), the antenna doesn't go up and down, I had the AC fixed a few months ago for $500 and it's broken again. Also the camshaft sensor broke and cost $800. Not impressed with the reliability.
2.63 out of 5 stars
Mercedes is not worth the money
Keith,04/20/2006
C230 4dr Sedan
I found the car to be three times as expensive to maintain. Brakes, shocks wore out prematurely. Transmission needed rebuilding at 125,000 miles. It was costing me $3,000 a year to keep the car on the road. Dealer service was at best, equal to other dealers.
4.13 out of 5 stars
'97 C280
Uncle Dan,06/14/2003
C280 4dr Sedan
I bought my '97 C280 in Aug 99. It had
only 13000 miles and now only has
34000. It still looks and smells new.
I'm not wild about the color (ruby
red), but otherwise, it's still one of
the best looking small sedans on the
road. Quality of the interior is the
same as larger Mercedes. Engine/trans
is well suited for the car - plenty of
power and smooth running. Only … had a
couple of minor problems, but routine
maintenance at a Mercedes dealership is
outrageous. I don't need my own
personal service advisor and don't want
to pay for one.
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriverNot RatedPassengerNot Rated
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRolloverNot RatedDynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Side Impact TestNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
- IIHS Small Overlap Front TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test0
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More about the 1997 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Used 1997 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Overview
The Used 1997 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is offered in the following submodels: C-Class Sedan. Available styles include C230 4dr Sedan, and C280 4dr Sedan. The Used 1997 Mercedes-Benz C-Class comes with rear wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 5-speed automatic.
What's a good price on a Used 1997 Mercedes-Benz C-Class?
Price comparisons for Used 1997 Mercedes-Benz C-Class trim styles:
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Should I lease or buy a 1997 Mercedes-Benz C-Class?
Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.
Check out Mercedes-Benz lease specials
Check out Mercedes-Benz C-Class lease specials
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