2004 Mercedes-Benz E-Class consumer reviews

The performance and styling are flawless. For this particular model there were 3 areas of improvement: (i) location of the navigation/radio system, (ii) a/c and (iii) privacy shades. MB product managers catched-up with those improvements in the later models. This is one of the best cars I have driven over the past 30 years.

Not reliable and very expensive to maintain. It falls apart after 100K. Dealers over charge for any and all repair. Will not recommend to friend

How can a car that costs $55,000+ be built so terribly? Just for starters the four plastic door locks all broke, I had to replace the cup holder ($100) twice, vanity mirror plastic cover broke ($90), two batteries ($1,00+), power steering pump ($1,000+)and on and on. The electronic system goes out and then miraculously repairs itself and finally, the gas line canister and filter are bad causing my garage to reek of gas when I fill up the car. I just got rid of this lemon and purchased a new Japanese car.

This Benz is not slouch. If you can get one of these babies in lieu of those gas hog SUV models you are in luck. Good looks, power, comfort and still room for seven. Oh yes, did I forget the great MB safety history. Mine has the keyless power liftgate too. A handy feature when your hands are full of groceries or picking up the little ones. Dump the mine van and get something of value like a used Mercedes Benz Wagon 4Matic

I love my car, the size, comfort, handling, piece of mind from the reliablility and all the airbags. I will buy another one.

We bought the E500 in the middle of 2004 as a new car. Compared to our former car, a 1997 E320, it dominated it in every comparison. Maybe it's not completely right to compare them, as the old one had only front wheel drive and a smaller 3.2 liter V6 engine compared to all wheel drive and a 5.0 liter V8 with 302 horses, and about a $7,500 price difference, but when compared, the stats aren't the only thing in a completely different league. As for the E500, the performance is very good, particularly the handling, and even more the handling in..."close encounters." The one, major, downside of this handling, which Mercedes realized and corrected for the 2006 model year, was that the E500 was only available with the otherwise optional 19 inch wheels. They're great for driving on tracks, but one pot hole and bang! not only a popped tire but a broken wheel, $2500 to replace, which, after the fifth one, can become a bit of an inonvienence. The interior is great, as with most Mercedes, a real improvement over the older car, with Burl Walnut wood, fantastically comfortable leather seats, and it all fit together splendidly. Electronically, this was before Mercedes began installing the Command system, so it was nice and simple to control everything from the radio the the suspension mode. Taking all this into account, one can't forget that this a product of the Chrysler-owned Mercedes brand, otherwise meaning that reliability isn't exactly te strongest point, particulary electronic...errors. I'm not to sure about how the safety features really hold up as the handling is so good that I haven't needed it, not to mention the four wheel drive that is a real improvement compared to only two wheel drive. The level of prestige that comes with this car, combined with the many appealing features, and the SOS button for those not so appealing, combine to make this car a great bet, new as we bought it in '04, or used for and prospective buyers now. I hope this review helps and good luck finding a car.

I purchased this car used with about 16K miles on it. What I love about the car is that service is only required every 12K-13K miles. That is unbelievable. The ride is awesome. I have had absolutely no problems with the vehicle in my 2nd year. Performance handling is slick, fast and very responsive. Gas mileage runs around 22 MPH which I find acceptable. Rear seat passengers rave about the comfort both interior and ride. Given the opportunity I would purchase this car again.

Excellent ride on highway. Definately not a speed racer. Slow start for acceleration but once started, your fine.