2003 Mercedes-Benz M-Class consumer reviews

$36,600 starting MSRP
side view of 2003 M-Class Mercedes-Benz
(22 reviews)
95% of drivers recommend this car
Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.5
  • Interior 4.3
  • Performance 4.4
  • Value 4.3
  • Exterior 4.5
  • Reliability 4.5
Explore the 2003 Mercedes-Benz M-Class

Truly wonderful driving experience!

Overall design definitely one of a kind! Not only is it sleek and classy, but just looking at it you can tell it's got power and sass. The interior is so far advanced for the actual year it came out. Extremely comfortable, great audio all around. Positioning of cup holders is not only perfect, it's genius! So many options for everything you can truly personalize it without any modifications, and enabling the second row seats to not only fold forward, but slide forward, or further back, definitely accommodates everyone you want to share an awesome time with. I've never been impressed with Mercedes-Benz, with the exception of the Maybach, but the ML500, even being a 2003, really surprised me... Definitely left me in awe.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Transporting family
  • Does recommend this car
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Great SUV

We bought our ML350 shortly before the 3 year warranty expired. It has been extremely reliable. We've taken lots of long trips in it, but main use has been getting around town. No major mechanical problems. Still looks great for a car kept outdoors. Still feels as solid and safe as when we got it.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 4.0
  • Exterior 4.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Does recommend this car
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No major complaints at 113k and climbing

purchased my '03 ml320 two years ago. I have always owned either trailblazers or japanese suv's. I have put significant mileage on this vehicle and no mechanical complaints. Maintenance is pricey but i was aware going in. Two minor issues: the truck burns oil, never a leak(no big deal i guess), second issue is that i have never been able to firm up the brakes. Too much play when the pedal is depressed. Otherwise all good

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 3.0
  • Performance 3.0
  • Value 4.0
  • Exterior 4.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
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Much better than the critic's ratings

We purchased the ML new 12/2002. Other than routine maintenance there have been few issues, and nothing that would not be typical of any 9+ year old vehicle. Snow traction is excellent. 11/2005 we were in Pittsburgh when a Camaro driver decided to turn into the left-rear of the truck. The Camaro was turning across traffic and hit us at about 25 mph. The ML shuddered when hit. When we saw the damage to the Camaro (front end gone-undriveable) we assumed the worst for the ML. The alloy wheel was scratched and a rear quarter panel damaged. If you didn't know it had been hit would wouldn't have noticed the damage. The truck drove the same after the wreck as before. Highly recommended for safety and much more reliable than we had heard.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 3.0
  • Performance 4.0
  • Value 3.0
  • Exterior 4.0
  • Reliability 4.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Does recommend this car
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Good car after all this time

I've had my ML320 for 9 yrs and I still love it - this is my first Mercedes and it's worth it. Up keep is a little expense but I guess that's the price you pay for owning a Mecrcedes

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 4.0
  • Value 4.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 4.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
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Very Safe SUV

My sons came out of an bad accident completely unharmed. And the ML was running great with 155,000 on in.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 3.0
  • Performance 4.0
  • Value 4.0
  • Exterior 4.0
  • Reliability 4.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Transporting family
  • Does recommend this car
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ML 500

My ML 500 has a ton of pep, looks very sporty, and is responsive on the road. It is priced much lower than the other vehicles in the ML Class ... which has never made sense to me. If you want a great looking Mercedes at a reasonable price you should definately check out the ML 500.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 4.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Having fun
  • Does recommend this car
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Luxury with flexiblity, but loves gas

If you need a vehicle with style with flexiblity for truck space sometimes and haul passengers other times, this one is for you. Good exterior looks and nice leather seats. Really good handling, has the power when you need it, and brakes well. I feel very safe in the vehicle since the frame is made of heavy metal. Even though this SUV is shorter than others, the back seats not only fold down, but also decline so there is more vertical truck space. But...Guzzles gas (~13 mpg) and needs premium fuel. This vehicle is on a truck chasis so the ride is a little on the rougher side, not what you would expect from a MB. Transmission feels a little weird going from 1st to 2nd or 2nd to 1st during 90 degree turns, maybe it's just my vehicle. Overall, I would recommend this vehicle. Great value for a MB.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 3.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 4.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 4.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Does recommend this car
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Satisfied with quality, performance

I purchased my ML350 new and have enjoyed the luxury ride and handling of advanced German engineering. I purchased the"inspiration edition" for the unique added value and special options. I have had no problems with performance and would purchase again in the future. Lots of room for camping or just picking up various purchases. Picture attached to show room.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 4.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Does recommend this car
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pretty good bang for the buck

it drives and runs effortlessly, awesome power when you put your foot down!!!navigation is somewhat tricky to use,make sure veh. comes with nav.dvd!very xpensive to buy one. otherwise this vehicle is a great ride and will get you to your location fast and in style!!!

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 4.0
  • Reliability 4.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Does recommend this car
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