2002 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Road Test - Consumer Guide Automotive

Our road test for the 2002 Mercedes-Benz C-Class includes a full evaluation of the 2002 Mercedes-Benz C-Class from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2002 Mercedes-Benz C-Class, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2002 Mercedes-Benz C-Class help you decide if a 2002 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is right for you.

2002 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Road Test

Pros	Cons

Acceleration (C320, C32)	Rear-seat room (C230)

Build quality	Rear-seat entry/exit (C230)

Steering/handling	Rear visibility (C230)

Quietness

Seat comfort

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Acceleration

C230, auto.	C240 w/Sport Pkg., auto.	C320 w/nav. sys.	C320 wgn.	Class Average
6	4	7	7	6

The C320s are the best all-arounders here. Test C320 sedan did 0-60 mph in 7.2 sec; C320 wagon feels little slower. Automatic-transmission C230 is no slouch at 7.7 sec in our tests, but its supercharged engine is gruff and throbby for this class. Test manual-transmission C240 feels underpowered for a near-luxury sedan, and test example did 0-60 in 9.2 sec. Test C32 rocketed 0-60 in 5.1 sec, though a lag in response is evident in some midspeed throttle applications until the supercharger delivers its thrust.

Fuel Economy

C230, auto.	C240 w/Sport Pkg., auto.	C320 w/nav. sys.	C320 wgn.	Class Average
5	5	5	4	5.1

Test C320 averaged 19.2 mpg despite gas-eating performance runs. In mixed city/highway driving, though, a C320 wagon returned a mediocre 15.7. Like conditions yielded 18.4 mpg with manual-transmission C240, 19.3-22.2 for automatic versions. Test C32 averaged 20.3 in mostly highway travel. All engines require premium fuel.

Ride Quality

C230, auto.	C240 w/Sport Pkg., auto.	C320 w/nav. sys.	C320 wgn.	Class Average
6	6	7	7	6.2

A strong point regardless of model. Supple and composed on most surfaces with base suspension; a bit stiffer and more fidgety on coupe, Sport Package sedans, and C32, but still comfortable.

Steering/Handling/Braking

C230, auto.	C240 w/Sport Pkg., auto.	C320 w/nav. sys.	C320 wgn.	Class Average
7	8	7	7	6.9

Assured and highly capable, especially C32. Sedan Sport Package enhances base suspension's already good grip and steering response. Coupe has slightly sharper moves than sedans, but isn't quite sports-car nimble. Standard traction and antiskid systems are foul-weather safety pluses for these rear-drive cars. Brakes deliver short, undramatic emergency stops, but pedal action slightly touchy on some cars tested.

Quietness

C230, auto.	C240 w/Sport Pkg., auto.	C320 w/nav. sys.	C320 wgn.	Class Average
5	6	7	7	5.7

Impressively low wind rush. V6s rise only to distant growl at top rpm, but C230's supercharged four is too gruff for a Mercedes. Tire noise relatively high in coupe, C32, and in sedans with more-aggressive Sport Package treads.

Controls

C230, auto.	C240 w/Sport Pkg., auto.	C320 w/nav. sys.	C320 wgn.	Class Average
7	7	6	7	6.3

Typical Mercedes, with sober design and some cryptic controls. Steering-wheel switches for calling up vehicle and trip data take time to sort out, as does navigation system. Power window switches too low on doors and aren't lighted. Cabin materials and finish generally satisfy, except for some plastics and assembly details.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

C230, auto.	C240 w/Sport Pkg., auto.	C320 w/nav. sys.	C320 wgn.	Class Average
6	6	6	6	6

A bit cozy-feeling, but 6-footers have plenty of space. Seats are firm, yet feel deficient in lumbar support to some testers. Standard tilt/telescope steering wheel helps tailor a good basic driving stance. Busy tail design hampers coupe visibility astern and over-the-shoulder, but the tinted glass panel below the hatch window aids parking.

Room/Comfort (rear)

C230, auto.	C240 w/Sport Pkg., auto.	C320 w/nav. sys.	C320 wgn.	Class Average
3	4	4	4	3.8

Sedans and wagons have adequate space for two adults but no more. Riders sit knees-up if front seats are more than halfway back. Under-seat foot room also at a premium. C230's 2-passenger rear seat isn't as cramped as in most coupes and carries youngsters and small adults in relative comfort, though entry/exit is a chore.

Cargo Room

C230, auto.	C240 w/Sport Pkg., auto.	C320 w/nav. sys.	C320 wgn.	Class Average
6	3	3	7	4.2

Sedan's usefully shaped trunk holds more than its 12.0-cu-ft volume implies, and wagon is truly useful, with some 15-cu-ft-more cargo room than BMW 3-Series wagon. Coupe has fine room even with rear seat up, and standard split-fold rear seats enhance versatility in all models.

Value within Class

C230, auto.	C240 w/Sport Pkg., auto.	C320 w/nav. sys.	C320 wgn.	Class Average
3	4	7	7	4.3

Now more than just a "baby Mercedes," the C-Class is a desirable near-luxury car in its own right--despite some cut-rate interior details. Sedans and wagons vie with the best in class for driving composure, features, and long-term value. The C230 has Mercedes' lowest base price but skimps on standard luxuries, and options can price it near an Acura CL, which has a more-polished powertrain but fewer safety features.

Total Score