2004 Mercedes-Benz M-Class Review
Summary
What Edmunds.com says
Still a competent SUV after all these years, the M-Class provides solid on-road handling along with excellent all-weather capability and a safe, luxurious cabin.
Pros
Safe, comfortable, brisk performance, surefooted in bad weather.
Cons
On-road handling eclipsed by newer crossover SUVs, gets pricey fast if buyer gets tempted by too many options.
What's New for 2004
Late in 2003, the ML350 replaced the ML320, meaning a larger (3.5-liter) V6 with 232 horsepower supplanted the 215-horse, 3.2-liter V6 used previously. The AMG-tuned ML55 has been discontinued, while a DVD-based navigation system is now optional for the ML350.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
'04 ML500 is Amazing Value!
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 6 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Mercedes-Benz M-Class ML500 AWD 4dr SUV (5.0L 8cyl 5A)
Review
After launching the world's most unreliable SUV in 2001 Mercedes took the ML took this project back and put significant improvements into each subsequent year. The 2004 is a solid truck with great towing, solid handling, great performance for its weight, and an outstanding daily driver. Unlike the X5, cargo space is tall and the cabin roomy. Bumper to bumper length of an Accord for easy parking and tight turning radius. Good in the snow, decent mountain climber and enjoys the twisties! Stay away from the 2001 but you'll benefit from the bad reputation in the following years and get exceptional value.
Favorite Features
Strong V8 power, high cargo area, fun to drive!
Suggested Improvements
The new body style is a great change. 3-stage fold down seats can be made easier. Sunroof auto open and close settings baffle me. Why not one touch full open and one touch full close?
1 out 1 people found this review helpful
Stay Away!
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 7 | Fun-to-Drive: | 1 | Build Quality: | 1 |
| Comfort: | 4 | Interior Design: | 5 | Reliability: | 1 |
| Fuel Economy: | 2 | Exterior Design: | 5 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Mercedes-Benz M-Class ML500 AWD 4dr SUV (5.0L 8cyl 5A)
Review
You think I would have learned with the last one, (2000 ML430). But no. Same problems as before. Poor design, poor quality, endless trips to a dealer filled with people lying to you and insisting that all the problems are normal and at your expense in many cases. What a pile of junk. Last MB ever for me.
Favorite Features
Good engine.
Suggested Improvements
Start making Kias. Youve got the build quality part right.
0 out 1 people found this review helpful
Can't Touch This Vehicle!
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
2004 Mercedes-Benz M-Class ML350 AWD 4dr SUV (3.7L 6cyl 5A)
Review
We recently purchased a Toyota Sienna Mini-van. With AWD and options that came standard on the Mercedes, the price was $3000 more than we paid for the ML350! We have not spent a cent on maintenance in 3+ years-all standard service covered plus warranty! Had a small problem with side window coating like other reviews I have read-replaced by dealer during regular maintenance visit-no problem. This car has the most stable, solid ride I can imagine for a truck. It's impossible to get this vehicle to sway, and the horsepower is great. You need a V-8 plus $15 grand to match the power in a BMW. To quiet Benz bashers in the media - this is a beautiful, well-built vehicle and an exceptional value!
Favorite Features
All wheel drive handles like a dream in rain and snow. Stereo is great. Lights everywhere. Power and auto everything!
Suggested Improvements
CD changer up front!
4 out 4 people found this review helpful
Now Seeking Leagal Advice
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 3 | Fun-to-Drive: | 1 | Build Quality: | 1 |
| Comfort: | 7 | Interior Design: | 7 | Reliability: | 1 |
| Fuel Economy: | 3 | Exterior Design: | 7 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Mercedes-Benz M-Class ML350 AWD 4dr SUV (3.7L 6cyl 5A)
Review
This vehicle will be going into the shop for the fourth time. I have had numerous problems with this vehicle stalling and ideling rough. I have had issues with the window trim pain peeling off to the EGR Valve being repleced. This vehilce is now becoming a thorn in my side. I only want what I paid for a reliable vehicle which this is not. Save yourself time, money, and most importantly the saftey of your family think before you purchase this vehilce.
Favorite Features
None
Suggested Improvements
Take time and build a vehicle free of problems.
1 out 1 people found this review helpful
Passed By
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 7 | Build Quality: | 7 |
| Comfort: | 4 | Interior Design: | 3 | Reliability: | 6 |
| Fuel Economy: | 1 | Exterior Design: | 7 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Mercedes-Benz M-Class ML500 AWD 4dr SUV (5.0L 8cyl 5A)
Review
This Mercedes was good in its day but has been far exceeded by the likes of Lexus, and BMW. Gas mileage is horrible. You can expect 17-18 at best on long trips, 11 to 12 around town. For the same price you are better off with the E-350 4 matic which will deliver 24-25 mpg. The navigation although accurate is ancient (look at the Lexus) You'll think your comparing a video game from 1995 to 2005. Unfortunately the new Mercedes ML is not much better.You'll also find operating the navigation consists of moving a joy stick. Unfortunately this has also carried over to the new ML. Pretty stupid! Electronics and comfort features are deffinately not Mercedes strengths. Also braking is heavy.
Favorite Features
Performance, at the cost of gas mileage. Safety features, Bose sound system, appearance.
Suggested Improvements
Use same navigation system that E-350 and 500. Get rid of joy stick. Put radio and cruise in steering wheel. Make xenons and rear parking sensors standard at this price. Better gas mileage. Update inside of cabin. Make quiter. Update ride by going to different chasis.
3 out 3 people found this review helpful
View Pricing for Other Years
Research the 2004 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
Buying & Selling
Vehicle Details
Multimedia
Ratings & Reviews
- Model Review
- Road Test Ratings
- Road Test Reviews
- Consumer Reviews
- Awards History
- Reliability
- Consumer Discussions
Payment Calculators
Helpful Tools
