2003 Mercedes-Benz M-Class Consumer Reviews
Recent Consumer Reviews
(122 Total Reviews)
2003 ML 500
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 5 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Mercedes-Benz M-Class ML500 AWD 4dr SUV (5.0L 8cyl 5A)
Review
Very comfortable seats. Very good gas mileage for engine and type of vehicle. 15 in town; 19-21 on road. Very good handling and drivability. Ride slightly harsh. Excellent turning circle. Poor brake wear. New rotors and pads every 18-22 M miles at a ludicrous cost. Front shocks needed replacement at 47,000 miles. Thank goodness car is still under warranty. Dealer cost to replace $850. Power steering hose clamp blew at 40,000 miles. BAS went at 42,000. Reliability poor for a premium brand.
Favorite Features
Not your typical ponderous SUV. Fun to drive. In control. You drive it. It doesn't drive you.
Suggested Improvements
Fix premature brake and rotor wear. Improve ride. Strive for Lexus reliabilty.
Too many problems for a real MB
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 6 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 7 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Mercedes-Benz M-Class ML350 AWD 4dr SUV (3.7L 6cyl 5A)
Review
My second ML, realy enjoy the ride and the sense of security on this SUV. But unfortunately I'm very disapointed with too many little things that were never solve by MB and too many big repairs that came right after the waranty expired (central locking system, rear wiper motor -how often do you use it?-, engine problems never solve by service department, heated seats burn my legs, speed sensitive volume on audio system,... etc, etc, etc. Tires and brake life is less than 22,000 miles. Overall great looking and confortable SUV, with too many problems for a MB
Favorite Features
Comfort and engine power
Suggested Improvements
Make a real Mercedes-Benz!
8 out 10 people found this review helpful
Drives itself
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Mercedes-Benz M-Class ML500 AWD 4dr SUV (5.0L 8cyl 5A)
Review
Awesome vehicle. Has everything you need including built in radar detector helps with that eight. The ML500 is in a class all by itself. Smooth cornering. Step on the accelerator and this vehicle flies all on its own. I have yet to have a problem with this vehicle. This vehicle is great in the snow, not a problem especially with bliz tires or the Dunlop sp5000 which is a tire that has been on the market for about eight years. Only exception 20,000 mile tire. Sound system rocks. Definite head turner.
Favorite Features
Horsepower. Mileage is as good as the 6. Comfort. Luxury. Performance
Suggested Improvements
Easier reach for storage of change. Electronic tilt wheel.
6 out 11 people found this review helpful
Love this SUV, but...
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 7 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 3 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Mercedes-Benz M-Class ML350 AWD 4dr SUV (3.7L 6cyl 5A)
Review
I bought this car 5 month ago. I was the second owner. The car was one of the top-notch options-equipped and one of the dream cars you wish to buy. I love this car for the way it handles the road and the luxury you barely find in American cars. Although it was the best car I rode so far, I am thinking of selling it for the sole reason of the gas mileage specially when it comes to $3.50 per gallon. One more thought, When you are driving a Mercedes SUV do not compare the feeling with an S class ride. Got it? It a tough rugged SUV with a Mercedes logo.
Favorite Features
Outstanding luxury, Audio-pilot and voice command sound system are amazing, Interir passenger and cargo space is one of the best. Road handling, safety features, road side assistance are unique.
Suggested Improvements
Gas mileage, and then comes the tough ride. (it's an SUV for god's sake)
11 out 13 people found this review helpful
ML320
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Mercedes-Benz M-Class ML320 AWD 4dr SUV (3.2L 6cyl 5A)
Review
This has been a wonderful car. Built like a truck. A little rough in town, but get it on the highway and it drives like a dream, solid and heavy. Good gas mileage, usually around 25-26 mpg.
Favorite Features
Suggested Improvements
8 out 9 people found this review helpful
ML500 - Very Poor Ride
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 3 | Fun-to-Drive: | 1 | Build Quality: | 3 |
| Comfort: | 1 | Interior Design: | 4 | Reliability: | 5 |
| Fuel Economy: | 1 | Exterior Design: | 4 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Mercedes-Benz M-Class ML500 AWD 4dr SUV (5.0L 8cyl 5A)
Review
I am very unhappy with the ride. MB should be ashamed, no wonder they are loosing market share like anything. What the hell were they thinking when they designed the suspension system for this thing - ML500 with $50,000. The other problem, which my dealer tells me is normal - all tires are feathering a lot, he tells me this is normal. I am supposed to change the tires every 15-20000 miles? My god the ride is just so bad - 10 mins ride and your body is ready to fall a part. never expected a donut size tire either with MB, when others have full size spare. Don't know what to do with this.
Favorite Features
Handling in the snow is good. Never seems to get stuck anywhere.
Suggested Improvements
Ride has got to improve. If they can only change the suspension system in my car. Fix the water buildup in head lights, which is supposed to be normal according to the dealer. No cup holders in the entire car. They tell you they have 8 or 9 bottle holders. Improve the gas milage.
8 out 11 people found this review helpful
Driven Everywhere
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Mercedes-Benz M-Class ML350 AWD 4dr SUV (3.7L 6cyl 5A)
Review
I drive this thing +175 miles a day, 4 to 5 days a week under all conditions and on every type of road way and I really enjoy the car. It has enough room for passengers to be comfortable, but is much more comfy for me than my last 2000 ML320. For a car to stand up to what I put it through and keep going with little to no maintenance is very pleasing. A great buy and I don't even care that I have to reach over 6 inches to adjust the radio instead of the steering wheel.
Favorite Features
Bose stereo, handling (in weather and on interstate), engine and options.
Suggested Improvements
Gas mileage is a simple suggestion, but I guess you can get a Focus if that's your main concern.
12 out 12 people found this review helpful
More problems than you would expect
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 6 | Fun-to-Drive: | 1 | Build Quality: | 1 |
| Comfort: | 5 | Interior Design: | 5 | Reliability: | 1 |
| Fuel Economy: | 4 | Exterior Design: | 5 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Mercedes-Benz M-Class ML500 AWD 4dr SUV (5.0L 8cyl 5A)
Review
I purchased 4 Mercedes in 2003, (2) ML500, (1) 500S and (1) E500 The ML500's had fuse box fans that squealed for a half hour in the morning. Serious brake and tire problems. Each ML required new tires at 25,000 miles. Each has had the brakes replaced twice in 46,000 miles. ($1,400 for brakes) At 53,000 miles the brakes squeal so bad they are embarrassing to drive. Each has been in about a dozen times for various repairs. Top dollar, inferior quality, design problems and miserable service. Avoid these automobiles.
Favorite Features
Suggested Improvements
5 out 9 people found this review helpful
Safe and Secure.
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Mercedes-Benz M-Class ML500 AWD 4dr SUV (5.0L 8cyl 5A)
Review
The feel of this SUV on the road is one of stability and security. This is my second M class, the first was the reason for the second. On my way home one evening a Lincoln Town Car pulled out in front of me and we collided nearly head on, I ended up on 2 wheels going the wrong way into on coming traffic. I was able to control the vehicle and turn it while on two wheels back onto my side of the road.
Favorite Features
Suggested Improvements
3 out 4 people found this review helpful
Makes a great pet
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Mercedes-Benz M-Class ML500 AWD 4dr SUV (5.0L 8cyl 5A)
Review
The 500 gets even better mileage than the ML430 that it replaced. The tranny is better and more responsive. Xenons, rain sensor wipers, electric rear quarter windows, folding mirrors, etc. . . . it offers all the features you'd want in an SUV. Lots of cargo space, and tows like a champ.
Favorite Features
The engine. It is the best powerplant there is. Wide footprint with 275s on all four corners. With good tires it stops quickly, even in the rain.
Suggested Improvements
None
2 out 3 people found this review helpful
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