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Used 2001 Mercedes-Benz M-Class Consumer Reviews

3.9 out of 5 stars
83 reviews

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1 out of 5 stars

My Second round - another Lemon

LSuriol, 07/13/2003
2001 Mercedes-Benz M-Class ML320 AWD 4dr SUV (3.2L 6cyl 5A)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful

Mechanical Problems Persist...Transmission noisy and unreliable, fuel pump goes so car stalls while driving on highway, interior peels...etc...

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2.25 out of 5 stars

sick of it

sick of it, 03/27/2004
2001 Mercedes-Benz M-Class ML320 AWD 4dr SUV (3.2L 6cyl 5A)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful

at first I was in love with it but after about 5/6 months things started to go wrong..the window switch broke twice,the sunroof would not close, the tires were losing air ALL the time,the driver seat became uncomfortable,the sound system would crap out,the lights would dim,the glove compartment door latch broke twice,the cup holders are a joke, and when it comes down to performance, I always feel "uneasy" when driving on a parkway at high speeds and turning..fells like it might tip..handles GREAT in the snow though, but crappy in the rain..seems very "delicate" and minor repairs are very expensive.I simply can not wait to get rid of it.

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1.63 out of 5 stars

Piece of Junk....

mograce, 08/08/2004
2001 Mercedes-Benz M-Class ML320 AWD 4dr SUV (3.2L 6cyl 5A)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful

I bought this SUV on May 21 and had to take it in 3x's for the same problem- accelerator hesitation. When I would mash on the accelerator, it would hesitate for a few seconds and then take off. They replaced parts on all ocassions and the problem still existed. I took it back this past weekend and the dealership paid me what I had bought the SUV for and I traded it in and bought a Yukon. I just assumed that since this was a Mercedes, that it wouldn't be a piece of junk and that it was of high quality, but the joke was on me. I could see that I was headed for a life of misery with this SUV and am grateful that I was able to get out of it.

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3.63 out of 5 stars

This Car is NOT Worth It!!

afrancis78, 10/09/2003
2001 Mercedes-Benz M-Class ML55 AMG AWD 4dr SUV (5.4L 8cyl 5A)
2 of 7 people found this review helpful

The power is awesome on the 55 but that is where it stops for greatness. The inside design is awful, no back- seat AC, and the back-seat window controllers are badly placed. The car needs constant service for its brakes which will squeak like an old Buick shortly after coming off the dealership lot, not to mention the fuel costs will put a hole in your wallet in no time. The driver's side window is imfamous for not working, and the alignment is off despite repeated attempts to fix it.

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3.75 out of 5 stars

Good Used SUV

victor, 01/04/2009
2001 Mercedes-Benz M-Class ML320 AWD 4dr SUV (3.2L 6cyl 5A)
1 of 3 people found this review helpful

I have owned this car for 2 years and have experienced some major repairs; however, the big stuff has been covered by warranty first dollar. My biggest gripe has been the fuel mileage - 17 MPG; however, the trade off is a larger vehicle that is comfortable and very safe, as well as stylish. You can get a used ML for as low as $6500, depending on the mileage. If you are into long drives and/or need a larger vehicle, I would recommend. I am looking to down size now as the vehicle meet its purpose with no major compliants.

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4.13 out of 5 stars

2001 ML - 430 problems

Bob E., 03/07/2007
2001 Mercedes-Benz M-Class ML430 AWD 4dr SUV (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
1 of 4 people found this review helpful

I bought the vehicle new and now have a total of 23000 miles. The brakes were replaced at 22500 miles due to excessive noise [squeel] the new breaks also squeal bad have tried everything to quiet them down. Replaced the drivers heated seat. The GPS system stinks. I advised the dealer of a loss of water in the radiator and was advised that I needed a new water hose, six months later the hose came in that I had paid for, however no water leaked during that time. After many calls they finally gave my money back for the special order hose. No heat in the floor, dealer advised to shut off dash vents? Wow is this quality of MB or a page from a Model A Ford. All of my cars are garage kept.

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3.13 out of 5 stars

an over-priced hunk of junk

jon doe, 08/13/2002
2001 Mercedes-Benz M-Class ML55 AMG AWD 4dr SUV (5.4L 8cyl 5A)
1 of 6 people found this review helpful

DO NOT BUY THIS CAR! The AMG engine, navigation system and handling are all excellent. Beyond that, you had might as well buy a ford festiva. The glove box, sun roof, elec. seat adjuster, optional rooftop cargo container have all malfunctioned or broken. The alignment has needed repeated repair. We had a flat, tire was patched. Patch gave way within one week. Dealership customer service is nonexistant. Brakes now sqeak and car stalls out frequently. A complete POS.

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2.88 out of 5 stars

2001 ML320

mrouw, 01/15/2004
2001 Mercedes-Benz M-Class ML320 AWD 4dr SUV (3.2L 6cyl 5A)
1 of 12 people found this review helpful

Bought based on MB reputation for quality. This vehicle is a disgrace to the marque. Poor interior build quality and very poor dealer service. In 2 years and 30K was at dealer 6 times for warranty (replaced window tracks 2X - rattles,glove compartmen and map pockets fell OUT, center console top broke, Windows and sunroof covered in Goo from iside door and ceiling sheetmetal, Drivers seat panel fell off. Dealer service even worse. Stated work complete that was not, Actually told me the ML was not built to MB standards.

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3.38 out of 5 stars

pricey for okee dokee rig

Bob in Oregon , 04/09/2002
2001 Mercedes-Benz M-Class ML320 AWD 4dr SUV (3.2L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I had to drive 70 mls to the nearest dealer to fix the window that would not roll up last winter when it was 22 deg F out then the parts where on "national recall" so go back then something broke when the guy put it together so 3rd trip the first service work oil change ect. they asked if I wanted to have this upgraded fuel regulator installed no charge I said sure I had no idea I would be there from time of opening until 1:30 in the after noon cause to get to the top of the gas tank they have to take out the back seat and open an access hole in the floor then take of the drivers rear tire and pull out the platic wheel well (tough job). I was more impressed with the car I traded in.

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3.63 out of 5 stars

Consumer

tuanh, 09/09/2002
2001 Mercedes-Benz M-Class ML430 AWD 4dr SUV (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

My vehicle was purchased after market. I thought that I inspected the vehicle well but found out later that the vehicle had a little defect. The aligment was set so off that the interior of its both rear tires worn out. The vehicle had only 9,500 miles on it even though the previous owner owned it for 18 months already. Its was so clean and drive pretty much normal, nobody would suspect something like that would happened, only a visual inspection under the vehicle would show.

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4.38 out of 5 stars

Excellent SUV -Unfortunately made in USA

wayphun, 10/09/2002
2001 Mercedes-Benz M-Class ML320 AWD 4dr SUV (3.2L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This is a great SUV but as an owner of other MB vehicles it is very upsetting the lack of quality control of the US plant.

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3.38 out of 5 stars

Mercedes M-Class

ahalkidis, 11/07/2002
2001 Mercedes-Benz M-Class ML320 AWD 4dr SUV (3.2L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I have owned my ML320 for 16 months and have had numerous problems that have resulted in numerous trips to the dealer. The only saving grace has been the awesome treatment from the servicing dealer. I also had noise problems emanating from the dash area. The dealer had to actually take the dash apart and repair spot welds in the A-pillar! That was the only way to get rid of the noises! Besides the noises, I've had faulty power window switches, noisy power door locks, faulty light switches, noisy blower, and the list goes on. All these faults resulted in parts having to be replaced.

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3.38 out of 5 stars

Borrrring

Kiwi_Susan, 05/05/2002
2001 Mercedes-Benz M-Class ML320 AWD 4dr SUV (3.2L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This car is the best SUV I could find....but that's not saying much. After owning 4 other non-SUV Mercedes, I call this car my Alabama-redneck Mercedes. While I understand that this car was built in the US - it doesn't appear to have the smart German engineering that I'm used to from my previous MB. What a shame of a car.

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3 out of 5 stars

ml320

santiagooooo, 11/12/2002
2001 Mercedes-Benz M-Class ML320 AWD 4dr SUV (3.2L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

rack and pinion problems vehicle not reliable

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4.5 out of 5 stars

Great SUV

Charles McBride, 02/26/2003
2001 Mercedes-Benz M-Class ML320 AWD 4dr SUV (3.2L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Has been a great SUV. Looking forward to the new 2004 design.

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3 out of 5 stars

mechanical piece of junk

harbor905, 08/06/2003
2001 Mercedes-Benz M-Class ML320 AWD 4dr SUV (3.2L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

three recalls -- one of which could have allowed serious injury or death -- and now the drive train is gone -- 26,000 total highway miles. the dealership has been outstanding -- but i guess they would have to be with this piece of junk. German kwowhow...i'll take japaneese quality.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Best Vehicle Ever

Sherlock, 08/27/2003
2001 Mercedes-Benz M-Class ML320 AWD 4dr SUV (3.2L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

It's a luxury car with the cargo room of a van. The TeleAid Service is a life saver. I found out last week when my battery finally went dead in a dark, isolated area and I had forgotten my cell phone. Their first concern was for my safety and well being and then wanted to make calls for me since I had no phone. Help arrived within 10 minutes and replaced my battery for free. When I bought this luxury vehicle I also bought luxury roadside assistance.

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3.13 out of 5 stars

If you want and SUV... keep looking!

cjahr, 09/09/2003
2001 Mercedes-Benz M-Class ML320 AWD 4dr SUV (3.2L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

If you are looking to forge a strong bond with your Mercedes service advisor, then this car is for you! The ML is a far cry short of the quality that one expects from an automobile manufacturer such as the venerable Mercedes-Benz. This car has had more problems requiring shop intervention than I care to share, and ironically, when I shared my feedback with their national call center, they seemed completely complacent and offered no real advice other than to "lemon law it." So my advice, if are looking for an SUV, don't stop with the ML... keep looking!

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4.75 out of 5 stars

good car

mycar43, 07/18/2003
2001 Mercedes-Benz M-Class ML320 AWD 4dr SUV (3.2L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I purchased this car as an executive car with 6000. miles on it. I really like the car however it has been back to the dealer at least 4x since purchased. seat belts always hang when released this has caused many dents in my door jam from the kids closing the doors with the seat belt hanging in the door jam. many cracks in the interior panels which service replaced, glove compartment door broke, as well as problems with the drivers side window not working.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

2+ years and I still like it a lot

Lauri Miller, 08/07/2003
2001 Mercedes-Benz M-Class ML320 AWD 4dr SUV (3.2L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Overall I'm very happy with my ML 320. I'm getting good mileage, 17 mpg in the city and better on the highway if I could drive slower. The problem is the faster it goes, the smoother the ride. It almost seems to float down the highway. Problems were brakes wear out too fast, power steering fluid leaked out from a bad clamp and radio kept cutting out and took weeks to diagnose.

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3.88 out of 5 stars

Electronics have defects, but good buy

DDS, 09/28/2003
2001 Mercedes-Benz M-Class ML320 AWD 4dr SUV (3.2L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I recently purchased this vehicle and have thus far not been surprised with what I found. It was a used vehicle with 50K of miles, but got the extra warranty and know that it will keep at least some of its value.

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4.63 out of 5 stars

ML 55 AMG

adboy10, 10/07/2003
2001 Mercedes-Benz M-Class ML55 AMG AWD 4dr SUV (5.4L 8cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This SUV is a rocket, if you've never driven one you better hold on!

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2.88 out of 5 stars

I wish I was a Mercedes Service Advisor

RoberNdenver, 01/01/2004
2001 Mercedes-Benz M-Class ML320 AWD 4dr SUV (3.2L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Issues during the first two years, I am on my third fuel tank (service department can not figure out why the check engine light comes on, but three's a charm??), driver window would not go up (repaired twice because the second time is always better), Gear shift at times will not go out of Park, CD Changer "not installed" , rear hatch would not lock, sunroof cover cracked, headlight washers would not pop up, trip computer went out, etc... By the way, at the dealer I use in Denver the Service Advisors are paid on commission based on the Labor portion of the bill. Keep the customer coming back in, "we hope your car falls apart" is what Mercedes is telling us.

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3.13 out of 5 stars

I'll never buy another Benzo

DeanNY, 03/24/2004
2001 Mercedes-Benz M-Class ML320 AWD 4dr SUV (3.2L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

like the ride,handling,power and interior.Reliability is lacking.MB unresponsive to numerous correspondence.17k miles, brought it back 4 times.Was told that's why you have a warranty.i own a 12yr old BMW, brought it back twice/both times BMW main office called me. MB doesn't care. Would never buy another one. Service Pickup is a joke/have to wait 2 weeks for a loaner car.not worth paying a premium.build quality is below par for a MB.

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5 out of 5 stars

Mercedes ML320

Bedford, 05/03/2004
2001 Mercedes-Benz M-Class ML320 AWD 4dr SUV (3.2L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This is my second ML320 and both have been as good as anyone could expect from an automobile both in performance and trouble free operation. It is not an AWD (all wheel drive vehicle) instead it has permanent 4 wheel drive with a low range. Since the 2005 ML's will be uni-body construction with no low range, I am purchasing a Mercedes G500 within the year.

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2.13 out of 5 stars

Mechanical piece of junk

Suku, 07/03/2004
2001 Mercedes-Benz M-Class ML320 AWD 4dr SUV (3.2L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

My ML320 model 2001 is a shame to the SUV market. I had to take it back for warranty works 11 times in 3 years. Power switch console broke and replaced 3 times. Front windows jammed twice. Rear hatch door rattle fixed twice. Stalling still a problem after two services. Battery died every year. Power door locks broke three times. It is a junk. I wont buy another mercedes ever. Wrote to Mercedes several times. There was not response in the last three years.

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4.38 out of 5 stars

So Far So Good...

Rio, 03/10/2005
2001 Mercedes-Benz M-Class ML430 AWD 4dr SUV (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Bought my 2001 ML430 because my wife likes the styling. Paid $21K only at 21K miles through good ol' eBay. It comes fully loaded with Cognac design interior which is why I like it. I don't like the Navigation because it's outdated and too cumbersome to use. Great Bose stereo. Quiet sunroof even at 60+mph. Firm heated leather seats but at times too hot. Brakes only last for 4K-5K miles. Updated to aftermarket Brabus-style 18" wheels now the car handles and rides even better. MPG is BAD!

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2.88 out of 5 stars

Junk

da fred man, 03/20/2003
2001 Mercedes-Benz M-Class ML430 AWD 4dr SUV (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Bought it used, love driving it, been in the shop 8 times, getting rid of it before the warranty runs out. What a disappointment!

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3.25 out of 5 stars

ML320 Overengineered

pickaxpete, 05/14/2003
2001 Mercedes-Benz M-Class ML430 AWD 4dr SUV (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Car had most unusual things go wrong. Replaced 2 Windshield washer containers, rear end and shocks, all audio failed on 700 mile trip, sunroof leaked, A/C leaked all over front passenger compartment.Rear seats difficult to work. Storage area had angled floor so luggage forced against rear door and cracked the door panel.

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4.25 out of 5 stars

My ML320 Review

UNHpro983, 02/27/2003
2001 Mercedes-Benz M-Class ML320 AWD 4dr SUV (3.2L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Among many of the reviews listed on this site, I, too, have had several problems with my ML320. To begin with, problems with the power windows, the power door locks, the alarm system, the airbags, lights coming on and off, etc. have caused me to make numerous trips to the dealer. Many of which I had to sit there and wait for because the dealer wouldn't give me a loaner. My Montero never gave me so many problems, and I am very skeptical about keeping this SUV after the service contract is up. The service is above a 10, but I do not want to have to pay for so many "little" problems.

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3.5 out of 5 stars

sad but true

phred, 05/27/2003
2001 Mercedes-Benz M-Class ML430 AWD 4dr SUV (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Mechanically this vehicle is good for at least several hundreds of thousands of miles. The ride is as quiet and good as any luxury vehicle. The sound system high quality but the speakers are not well placed. The integrated MCS console for radio/cassette/CD/GPS/telephone is really well designed and easy to comprehend and use relative to its complexity. Brake wear excessive, full replacement at 10,000 miles! Second set of brakes lasted another 30,000+ (a lot more highway driving). Nagging electronic problems, still having mostly electronic problems requiring service calls & we've had the vehicle for almost 2 and a half years.

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2 out of 5 stars

Not Happy

MNK, 03/26/2002
2001 Mercedes-Benz M-Class ML320 AWD 4dr SUV (3.2L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I am not happy with the vehicle. It started rattling noises after just first month and since then has been to the dealership for almost 7 times. Those noises are still there and they have been unable to properly identify the problem. The opinion is that this is normal to have it in suv.

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5 out of 5 stars

ML 55 is a wonderful vehicle

Kent Becker, 08/30/2018
2001 Mercedes-Benz M-Class ML55 AMG AWD 4dr SUV (5.4L 8cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I have on my ML 55 and bought used five years ago and it has been absolutely wonderful vehicle ! I have put 60,000 miles on it and it has been very dependable

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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