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

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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.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1997 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C230 4dr Sedan and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.12 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$165/mo for C-Class C230
C-Class C230
vs
$168/mo
Avg. Compact Car
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.
5 star(54%)
4 star(35%)
3 star(11%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(0%)
37 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
3.75 out of 5 stars
Great Car +200,000 mileage - Seattle,WA
kaleo, 08/10/2014
1997 Mercedes-Benz C-Class 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
1997 Mercedes-Benz C-Class 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.
4.13 out of 5 stars
'97 C280
Uncle Dan, 06/14/2003
1997 Mercedes-Benz C-Class 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.
5 out of 5 stars
Drive to believe it
MD Asad, 06/23/2002
1997 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C230 4dr Sedan
This car is very cool..I bought it when
it had done 52k miles...now it is at
75k miles ...I never had any problems...
When i bought it i had to change the
water pump which was bad and i was not
told about it...
Other than that i had no problem with
the car.....
ITs really cool....
If you have good tires the car really
handle's great...Tires play a major
role in the … comfort of the ride...
The fuel economy is really good..it
gives me 35 miles per gallon and some
times close to 38 when i go for long
drives..In the city it gives me 22 to
28 miles....
1997 C-Class Highlights
C230
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 23 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $165/month |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 16.4 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
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.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original0
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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