Used 2008 Mercedes-Benz G-Class Consumer Reviews
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Don't compare this vehicle to others
I read other reviews and laughed. They expect a square vehicle to be quiet and get good mpg, not. I bought this vehicle because of it's actual ruggedness and the fact that it's a military vehicle in Germany. In other words, a German Hummer. I got exactly what I expected an more. A very tough vehicle with some luxury appointments. Interior noise is minimal for a square vehicle. It handles like a truck, as it should, since it weighs as much a a large pick-up truck. Gas mileage is actually not that bad if you don't use the 292hp all the time. I've averaged 19mpg in the highway @ 55mph and as high as 17mpg in the city if your light on the gas. But stomp on the pedal and it drinks the fuel.
2005 - G500 Grand Edition
Sold it for $20k USD. This car is bulletproof. Rides like a luxury sedan. Handles like a beast in the snow and bad weather. Mine is at 190+k miles and going strong and looks great! Wish it had navigation, blue tooth and a usb port. Things starting to go wrong and it's $500- $1,000 each time. All 4 door lock malfunction - one goes the others go at $300 each, Windshield wiper motor, worn out belts...pitted window is common here in the mountains, etc. Oh, did I tell you that if your headlamp goes out you just don't replace at $10, you have to take apart the front end and that can be $400+. But here's the bottom line...I walk out, jump in and it starts and goes and goes and goes.
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- G55 AMG 4dr SUVMSRP: $34,995346 mi away
- G500 4dr SUVMSRP: $38,197367 mi away
- G500 4dr SUVMSRP: $46,500368 mi away
A Beautiful Tank on the outside, Harsh on the inside
My wife got this car as her ultimate SUV dream vehicle. She had wanted one for 15 years. We got a good deal and she traded in her Lexus LX 570. We went from a peaceful cocoon of luxury to a rough and randy tank. She absolutely loves it. There is truly nothing else like it on the road. However, it is not very comfortable to drive. Steering is heavy. Acceleration is slow. The engine is loud. The seats are not comfortable. And yet everytime she looks at it, she loves it a little more. I don't like driving it at all, but that's why she tells me its her car, not mine.
2005 Grand Edition G55
This is supposed to be a SUV, with excellent off road capabilities, by far probably the best, for vehicle on sale for civilian use. Any one expecting a ride quality and or comfort of a sedan, will be disappointed. I have about 125,000 miles on my vehicle, and can report an average of 13:5 MPG, compared to my previous Chevy Suburban which averaged about 14 MPG, over the same number of miles, one reason, the suburban used 87 octane gas and the G uses 91 octane so a more expensive vehicle to drive. Parts and or repairs are comparable, or have been to me. Probably depends on one's driving habits. It's the same design since 1979. People who like it love it, for other it grows on one. One thing in a situation where it's to be valet parked, they park it up front and center. People actually come and want to discuss the vehicle in parking lots, so because of its rarity, it certainly turns heads. It came with Yokohama AVS 18" tires, apparently it's not been made any more, it was a very comfortable quite tire, I would like opinions on replacement. The G55 looks as good as new, I ave changed the rear lights to LED, and the fronts to BiXenon, I have also upgraded to a sattelite based GPS audio unit., the result, the controls on the steering wheel does not work. The heated steering wheel, and heated seats for the passenger in the front and two in the back will bless you on chilly days. The vault like doors give a level of safety, unlike any other. It is known to jar the electric window regulators and make them malfunction I have read elsewhere, I have been spared so far , though the rear right has started to show some sluggishness supposed to be a $400+ fix.
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Update to previous review
I've had this vehicle now for 5 months. It has been in the shop several times. It is not reliable and I cannot recommend it. The steering wheel shock absorber was replaced and front end was aligned, the entire headlight bulb assembly had to be reworked to fix an electrical short (this took 3 trips to the dealer) and the passenger side door had to be realigned since it would not close properly. This was all within the 1st. week of ownership. Then the rear door lock went and now the rear window washer does not work. Car is a time bomb. The dealer is now offering to buy it back after my complaints. It was supposed to be CPO'd, but problems since day 1 have been occurring.
Cruises over and Ranges past the rest
I am sure I am one of the very few G Class owners who have really been off road in their vehicle, but I must say the G has very aceptional handling. On road and off. Being 6 feet tall, i fit right inside the somewhat cozy cabin. The seats are great and the driving stance/experience is amazing. Its like driving a tank and thats what i am use to. My last two cars were a Land Cruiser and a Range Rover, but i must say my G is the best car i have ever had ever.
G Class Rules
I have had my G for quite some time. It is quality throughout. No plastic and thin metal. Go and drive the best. It's better than my BMW 5 series and the best vehicle I have ever driven. See for yourself. The Hummer owners wish they had one! Its for real.
Porsche to G wagon
Robust is not the word to describe this. Steel frame, heavy steel, massive hinges. You'd think it was built for military use. It turns heads everywhere. I've been wanting one for 2 years, and am not in any way disapointed, except I wish service could be thru MB trucks and not the car dealer.
shaspa
Such a solid drive. Extremely comfortable. The quality of the vehicle is so amazing. We feel much safer with this heavy vehicle.
Wife absolutely loves it
Was not sure if buying a $45k used car was going to work out but my wife got the seat where she wanted it and now she loves it. She can see well above the average suv and likes the narrowness for parking and maneuvering. We have off roaded our g (even though it is kept in immaculate condition) and it was very capable. We were not sure about long drive comfort but we routinely drive an hour and a half to the lake in the summer and it is very comfy. Even took on a 10 hour drive to visit grandparents and it was surprisingly comfy for me driving. It is a heavy beast and feels like it while driving. But it is what it is. We are not concerned with fuel economy, or high speed cornering. We wanted a car that didn’t look like every other suv out there. We took a 2017 BMW X5 on a weekend trip to try out and immediately missed the g. It’s not about having every creature comfort, it’s about having what feels like a solid workhorse under you. We also had a bench seat custom made for the cargo area complete with headrests and seatbelts and can fit 5 kids and two adults in the g. Worth every penny. Also those pennies will stay shiny because this thing doesn’t depreciate like most every other lux suv.
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Canadian Military's Finest
Our second G. My wife wanted one of the last ones to make it to North America. She loves it and places me second place in our home. Great ride and commands the road. The new 2006 being built in Alabama does not deserve the G CLASS name!! It is an embarassment to us G lovers!! (maybe Pacifica 2 would be more appropriate!)
Get something else instead
It seems like a cool and flashy truck. Well it is, but nothing. We have had this truck for over a year and it has been in for service nearly 20 times. They are finally giving us another. Problems with rattling, electrical, brakes, and other randow things make this one of the worst vehicles you can buy. Having owned a Range Rover HSE before, I wish I still had it. I also have Mercedes S500 and that has some issues as well. I would suggest staying away from Mercedes for a while.
Military vehicle
Having seen the G-Wagon in the miltary service, it is kind of odd to see them as a luxury car. These tanks are made to take all kind of abuses. Unless you are taking them off-road in the Pac West or somewhere, you will be better off driving a smaller SUV.
2005 G55
THIS IS THE MOST AMAZING TRUCK ON THE MARKET. THE SPEED IS UNBELIEVABLE. NOTHING CAN COMPARE TO THIS SUPERB VEHICLE.
Mercedes Saved The Best For The Last
With a 469hp twin turbo V8 Kompressor engine this vehicle has prodigious power. The dual side exhaust sounds incredible. This beast will do zero to sixty in a little under 5.5 seconds which makes it the ultimate sleeper until they hear the substantial roar of the exhaust rattle their ear drums. However when the windows are up you can barely hear it. This is a tight vehicle to say the least. Mercedes teased us all by putting the V8 Kompressor in the last model year for the G - (or is it? - I have heard rumors of possibly continuing the G series under a different manufacturer)
Great car
Why go with some lower middle class vehicle liek the Lexus or the H2? The G500 defines luxury and is used all over the world for military, industrial and civilian use. This is a tested SUV, not something marketed to soccer moms.
G-WAG
THIS SUV IS ONE OF THE MOST COMFTERABLE SUV'S THAT I HAVE EVER OWNEED IN MY LIFE AND THE ONE WITH THE MOST FUN TO DRIVE FACTOR
G-Wagon
This truck can go anywhere and through anything. It can also tow my 32 foot boat without a thought. I also like the fact that it is solid and NOT made of plastic. It is made to go 1,000,000 miles.
10 Months experience G-55 Gelaendewagen
We enjoy the sheer power surge, predictable cornering and handling of the truck. The very hard ride telegraphs every bump in the road, but provides outstanding steering control. Seat comfort and space for front seat occupants is very good. A/C and heating perform well. The steep angle of the windshield makes the car sensitive to stone damage.(2 incidents in 3,600 miles) The car was driven cross country in a wide range of weather conditions and at high speeds without problems The cd based GPS system is a nightmare in fringe areas because Navtech software does not overlap regions.
G55 is a solid luxury SUV
I bought this G55 for my wife. While it is not a typical squshy SUV,it is everything else and more. The power is amazing, Motor trend shows it at 0- 60MPH in 4.7 seconds agianst the cayanne S, bmx x series.It is very well built, handles very well and I feel safe with my wife and 3 children driving in it daily. The interior has superior finishes. The rear seats are great with 3 dedicated true seats, logs of leg room and a tall roof make it spacious. The trunk is very deep and easy to put strollers and groceries into. As the car breaks in, it is getting quicker in performance. I would buy it again in a minute. Once you drive it, you won't drive any other suv. No problems thus far at all.
End of the world car
Plenty of power, off road prowess in a luxurious package. If you want to feel the confidence of owning a vehicle that can take it all, that it's fast and responsive, this is the one.
Awesome SUV
I have owned Blazers, 4-Runners and others and this is by far the best SUV on the road.
Consider other SUV's
I purchased my G500 in August of 2002. Since that time the door hinge seals required replacement twice, the transfer case computer went out at 10,000 miles, even before going off road. The car blows fuses for the power seats and the vehicle required visits to the shop more than twice for power window failure. You need a second car to own a G500 so you have something to drive. One also wouldn't expect the G500 to squeak, but it does. And the service departments aren't much better than the vehicle itself. This is one consumer who will never buy another Mercedes Benz.
2004 G500
Great SUV. Just the right size for off-roading. Built like a tank or bank vault. Nothing else on the road like it. The locking diffs and compact size are what put this SUV above everything else not named Jeep Wrangler Rubicon. Interior space is surprisingly good, but a bit narrow. This applies to the cargo area too. Interior design is very old, but the materials and fit & finish are first rate (and appropriate for price). Storage space is at a premium though. Stereo is pretty good when you play CDs, not so good with radio. Leather is top-notch...after 50k miles, no signs of creasing! (This is in contrast to my brother's LX470's leather.)
It owns the road
in 07' the G was upgraded with xenon's and a 7 speed transmission. It looks like a huge car, but it's actually smaller than full size suv's like the Expedition, Navigator and Escalade. It is quite tall though. You either like the look or you don't. Inside, the interior is top notch. The controls are easy to operate, but the car needs steering wheel mounted volume controls. You have to reach over a ways to get to the radio. Plenty of foot room, lots of cargo room. Get moving and the doors lock with the sound of a 12 guage cocking, the car turns very tight, handles well at low speeds, on the highway it loves rough roads. It doesn't handle too well on turns at speed, it's a huge tall SUV after all
Silver Monster
We love our silver monster, it's like a bad tempered pet
If you want a tank, here's your baby
This is a weird car, but I love it. It is solid, mighty and odd, but it commands attention, it is safe, and you get a workout while you drive it. It isn't for everyone, it takes time to get used to and the mileage is awful. But it is the best car I have ever driven. Only fault besides mileage is middle seat needs a shoulder seatbelt and not just a lep belt.
Love it or hate it
This is a car you always wanted or a car you can’t understand why people buy. I think these cars are amazing. It’s a military tool used in civilian life so it won’t be as refined as other lux SUV’s but people don’t use this for what it’s intended purpose is. Great cars if you want one buy one.
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Excellent Choice
Overall it's drives excellent and handles the road almost as good as the hummer. It's different and you won't see everyone with it. When your driving through the city everyone knows this person has style, class and must be extremely wealthy and powerful. It's a beauty well worth the money. Did I mention the package that this beauty comes with, forget about it!! it's to die for, you can't go wrong. It's better than a lease... You'll never know or understand what I mean until you either test drive it or hell, " just go buy one and feel the comfort and enjoyment me and my wife feel each and every day. Take Care, Andy
Overrated car
It's a fun car, I would not think of buying another though. I truly think its overrated. For an SUV it's too fancy, but it has great on road handling.
NEW OWNER LOVES IT
A great experience, incredible ride, tons of power and lots of fun.
G 500
I love the G500!!! It is the most fun truck to drive. I agree it is a little hard to drive (makes it more fun), and it's noisy (even more fun), but the feel that you have behind the wheel is awsome. I can drive anywhere and climb on almost anything without any problems.
Bought It Love It
I purchased my G to serve as my primary vehicle and for off-road use. It's great. Built with great quality and blessed with 292 hp, this baby goes anywhere at anytime. Highly recommended.
benz is the best car in the world
this car is so fantastic from the moment i drove it home i was truley impresed. it handled so well and i would buy it again. benz got it goin on
fun to drive
The car is fun to drive.Reliable in bad weather.Gas mileage is terrible.The second row of seats is not that comfortable for kids in their car seats. Great styling and solid steady handling.Cargo space is OK
not for the mediocre
If other SUVs promise the Moon, this one gives you the Sun. WOW, Unstoppable...this is definitely the ultimate in SUV comfort. The g-class has a firm feel to it yet does not give up a truly comfortable ride and still lets you know that you're not sliding along in some sedan.
Best SUV available today
This is my 3rd G Wagon and I am still amazed at this amazing vehicle.There is nothing out there that even comes close.No Range Rover,no Landcruser and definetly NO HUMMER.I drive this car almost 40000 miles a year in the outback of Alaska and if there was anything as formidable as the G Wagon believe me I would buy it.Look out for the 2005 G55 Kompressor.Almost 500HP and 550ft. of torque. Where will it end.
Civilian Version of German Humvee
This is the most coveted, most durable, best performing Mercedes-Benz I've ever owned. Can't wait 'til the 2005 model appears. Built in Austria by superb craftsmen, this beats anything we Americans turn out in this class.
pirus
For 76,000 Dlls. you expect something not as delicate. the tire replacement cover is very delicate alone is worth about 1000 dlls. for that money, the car should take care of me, not the other way around.
Bad News
This vehicle as a lot of power. The driver seat is comfortable the rest of the car is very uncortable. Very small if you have a family of two or more. Comes equiped with a horrible wind noise that sounds like you are driving a comfortable. Gussles gas 12 miles to the gal. Does not have hitch. Very disapointed for this type of money. Does not handle very well on turns.
Worth Every Penny
Interior is wonderful with plenty of room for big drivers. Engine and drivetrain are incredible, with plenty of power. Worth every penny.
Hot ride
I have had alot of exotic cars in the past but the G wagon gets more attention than all of them. It's a little rough on the ride and tough on gas but I'm having alot of fun driving it.
G500 at 10,000 mi. 5 mos.old
love it the feel and its looks and the attention it gets wanted a vehicle for longevitty had an oil leak that 2 times at the dealer to tighten a fitting and a broken door latch within 1000 mi. sqeeks like crazy enough to make you go mad selling dealer was real lame about fixing anything but another dealer has helped a lot the sqeeks seem to be temp. sensitive still keep a can of silicone handy ! still feels like a million. breaking nice at 1o,ooomi.
WE WOULD LIKE IT OUR WAY
THIS IS FOR THOSE WHO NEED 4 WHEEL DRIVE. I AM OFF PAVEMENT AT LEAST 20%. 10% WITH DIFFERENTAILS LOCKED. THE CAR IS THE GOLD STANDARD OF SOLID, A PRICE TO PAY FOR THIS, WEIGHT. VEHICLE PROFILE IS UNITILITARIAN. LOTS OF DRAG IN HI SPEED. MBENZ OFFERS MANY MORE OPTIONS TO THEIR EU CUSTOMERS THAN USA, I AM NOT GETTING WHAT I REALLY WANT. LESS THAN 25% OF THE AVAILABLE OPTIONS AVAILABLE IN EU ARE AVAILABLE IN USA. I OWN AN EU MODEL .I KNOW IN EUROPE A IT IS STILL QUITE A CAR. ONE DAY THEY WILL OFFER THE US THE CARS THE WE WOULD LIKE TO HAVE . THANK YOU FOR THIS OPPORTUNITY TO OPINE.
g55
This is the ultimate SUV, it knocks the socks off the Range Rover and the X-5. Performance-wise there's nothing like it on the road, and definitely nothing like it off road.
Worth every penny
I've owned this SUV for about 2 months now and so far it has been excellent. The attention it draws and the rocks it climbs. You'd feel like a celebrity everywhere you go. It is almost like driving a Ferrari, every car on the road wants to pace with you just to check it out, then they catch up to your window just to see who's driving. Definately one of the vehicles I will keep in my collection. The people who trash on this vehicle are usually the ones that could'nt afford it in the first place.
G class=1st class
wonderful vehicle, but i would really like a 6 speed manual transmission on one.A superb field vehicle.no problems yet.the main competitor in Trinidad are the Range Rovers and the X5's.they cant handle the off road terrain
g500 solid and safe
solid and safe feeling truck.great visability makes parking easy.strong motor and outstanding brakes.overall is a tight solid and safe vehicle.
Wish I had bought the Range Rover
Very disappointed. Drive is rough for around town and while it probably does great off road, it is a bit expensive and dressed up for off road use. Fuel economy is poor. The navigation system is poorly done. All in all it is a very expensive novelty. This seems to be born out in the unbelievalby poor resale value. I would and have not recommended it to anyone else.
ENJOYING IT IN ANY TYPE OF WEATHER
REPAIRABLE ELECTRICAL ISSUES