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2002 Mercedes-Benz M-Class Full Review
Date Published: 11/10/08
Also in the 2002 Mercedes-Benz M-Class Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Mercedes-Benz M-Class Full Review
7.
8.
2002 Mercedes-Benz M-Class Review
Freshened styling, curtain side airbags, and a more-powerful V8 engine lead the 2002 changes to this American-built SUV. The V6 ML320 returns, but the ML430 is replaced by the ML500 with a 288-hp 5.0-liter V8 supplanting a 268-hp 4.3 V8. Also back is the high-performance ML55 AMG. All have a 5-speed automatic transmission with manual shift gate and all-wheel drive with low-range gearing. Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes and a traction control/antiskid system are standard. A 2-person 3rd-row seat is optional except on ML55. For '02, front and rear side torso airbags are joined by standard side curtain airbags designed to cushion the head and upper body in a side collision. New front and rear bumpers and lights add 2 inches to overall length. And the ML320 trades 16-inch wheels for the ML500's 17s (ML55 has 18s). New inside are automatic climate controls, rear-seat fan controls, and a new center console with walnut trim; leather upholstery remains optional on ML320, standard on the others. All have Mercedes' TeleAid assistance system and a dashboard screen for controlling audio and optional cell phone and navigation systems. An Internet-based "InfoServices" feature displays user-selected information on the screen.
Competition
This is by far the hottest market segment right now. Crowded with more than 20 vehicles, midsize SUVs vary in size and type but nearly all seat five adults and offer V6 or V8 engines. Our Best Buys are the Acura MDX and Toyota Highlander. Both offer competence, convenience, and attractive pricing and design. They lack serious off-road 4WD systems, however.
Our Recommended choices feature more-traditional SUVs: the Dodge Durango, which offers optional third-row seating; the top-selling Ford Explorer; the utilitarian Nissan Xterra; and the refined GMC Envoy. If you don't venture off-road too far take a look at the car-based Lexus RX 300 as well.
Our Recommended choices feature more-traditional SUVs: the Dodge Durango, which offers optional third-row seating; the top-selling Ford Explorer; the utilitarian Nissan Xterra; and the refined GMC Envoy. If you don't venture off-road too far take a look at the car-based Lexus RX 300 as well.
News
Mercedes' "mass-market" SUV rose 16.7 percent in year-to-year sales for calendar 2000, then slid 10.4 percent in the first three quarters of 2001. The loss probably reflects the general economic downturn, but the five-year-old basic design and tough new competition figure in too, so the 2002-model updates seem timely indeed.
Industry sources predict a redesigned M-Class for model-year 2005. It will be platform cousin of the next-generation Jeep Grand Cherokee, switching from body-on-frame construction to the same new unibody, though with trademark Mercedes styling and maybe greater use of aluminum outer panels. Engines will not be shared, as M-Class should get a new Mercedes-designed V6 and V8 with four valves per cylinder (versus three now), direct fuel injection (versus today's indirect "rail" system), and more power and torque. Other exclusives are said to include a standard air-spring suspension and a newly developed 6-speed automatic transmission. Like the Jeep, however, the second-generation M-Class is expected to add a longer 7-passenger model with fold-away 3rd-row seats alongside the regular 5-place wagon.
Industry sources predict a redesigned M-Class for model-year 2005. It will be platform cousin of the next-generation Jeep Grand Cherokee, switching from body-on-frame construction to the same new unibody, though with trademark Mercedes styling and maybe greater use of aluminum outer panels. Engines will not be shared, as M-Class should get a new Mercedes-designed V6 and V8 with four valves per cylinder (versus three now), direct fuel injection (versus today's indirect "rail" system), and more power and torque. Other exclusives are said to include a standard air-spring suspension and a newly developed 6-speed automatic transmission. Like the Jeep, however, the second-generation M-Class is expected to add a longer 7-passenger model with fold-away 3rd-row seats alongside the regular 5-place wagon.
2002 Mercedes-Benz M-Class Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Acceleration (ML430, ML55) | Fuel economy |
| Build quality | Ride (ML430, ML55) |
| Passenger and cargo room | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
ML320 feels sleepy in the midrange, but does 0-60 mph in a decent 9.1 sec. V8 models are fast by any measure. An ML500 took just 6.6 sec in our 0-60 runs, an ML55 only 6.4.
| ML320 | ML500 w/Sport Pkg. | ML55 AMG | Class Average |
| 5 | 7 | 7 | 5.1 |
ML320 feels sleepy in the midrange, but does 0-60 mph in a decent 9.1 sec. V8 models are fast by any measure. An ML500 took just 6.6 sec in our 0-60 runs, an ML55 only 6.4.
Fuel Economy
Test ML320s averaged 13.9-15 mpg, typical of 6-cyl midsize SUVs. ML500 averaged 14.6 mpg, including gas-eating performance tests. Test ML55 averaged just 12.9 mpg. All engines require premium fuel.
| ML320 | ML500 w/Sport Pkg. | ML55 AMG | Class Average |
| 4 | 3 | 2 | 3.3 |
Test ML320s averaged 13.9-15 mpg, typical of 6-cyl midsize SUVs. ML500 averaged 14.6 mpg, including gas-eating performance tests. Test ML55 averaged just 12.9 mpg. All engines require premium fuel.
Ride Quality
Comfortable enough with standard suspension, but feels trucky, not carlike. Optional Sport Package makes ride jiggly, thumpy over bumps and broken pavement, thanks to firmer damping and lower-profile tires.
| ML320 | ML500 w/Sport Pkg. | ML55 AMG | Class Average |
| 4 | 3 | 2 | 4.3 |
Comfortable enough with standard suspension, but feels trucky, not carlike. Optional Sport Package makes ride jiggly, thumpy over bumps and broken pavement, thanks to firmer damping and lower-profile tires.
Steering/Handling/Braking
Confident for tall SUVs, with less cornering lean than some. Handling best on ML 55 or with Sport Package, but steering always has weak self-centering. AWD with traction control brakes any or all wheels to maintain grip, but doesn't match traditional 4WD for heavy snow and off-road trails. Braking swift and sure from most any speed, though.
| ML320 | ML500 w/Sport Pkg. | ML55 AMG | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 5 | 4.2 |
Confident for tall SUVs, with less cornering lean than some. Handling best on ML 55 or with Sport Package, but steering always has weak self-centering. AWD with traction control brakes any or all wheels to maintain grip, but doesn't match traditional 4WD for heavy snow and off-road trails. Braking swift and sure from most any speed, though.
Quietness
Generally refined for SUVs, but wind noise rises sharply above 60 mph, and there's more tire drone and slap than in most cars. All engines emit marked full-throttle fan roar, but are unobtrusive at moderate cruising speeds.
| ML320 | ML500 w/Sport Pkg. | ML55 AMG | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 3 | 4.5 |
Generally refined for SUVs, but wind noise rises sharply above 60 mph, and there's more tire drone and slap than in most cars. All engines emit marked full-throttle fan roar, but are unobtrusive at moderate cruising speeds.
Controls
Some controls won't be obvious to first-time Mercedes owners, especially the complex navigation option. Cabin materials and finish generally in line with prices, but leather still costs extra on ML320. Extended-use-test 1999 ML430 required no unscheduled maintenance during its 12-month, 15,500-mile test period, but suffered poor AM radio reception in urban areas.
| ML320 | ML500 w/Sport Pkg. | ML55 AMG | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4.7 |
Some controls won't be obvious to first-time Mercedes owners, especially the complex navigation option. Cabin materials and finish generally in line with prices, but leather still costs extra on ML320. Extended-use-test 1999 ML430 required no unscheduled maintenance during its 12-month, 15,500-mile test period, but suffered poor AM radio reception in urban areas.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
Comfortable and spacious. Commanding driver positioning, good visibility save headrest obstruction astern. Large doors and reasonably low SUV step-in ease entry/exit.
| ML320 | ML500 w/Sport Pkg. | ML55 AMG | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7.3 |
Comfortable and spacious. Commanding driver positioning, good visibility save headrest obstruction astern. Large doors and reasonably low SUV step-in ease entry/exit.
Room/Comfort (rear)
Easy access to 2nd row, thanks to low sills and decently wide doors. Three adults will fit, but leg room tight with the front seats fully aft. Third row great for transporting tikes, who are small enough to easily climb into it and young enough to enjoy the experience.
| ML320 | ML500 w/Sport Pkg. | ML55 AMG | Class Average |
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 6.2 |
Easy access to 2nd row, thanks to low sills and decently wide doors. Three adults will fit, but leg room tight with the front seats fully aft. Third row great for transporting tikes, who are small enough to easily climb into it and young enough to enjoy the experience.
Cargo Room
Ample maximum volume, but folding the rear seat takes practice and patience. Low deck is appreciated with heavy cargo.
| ML320 | ML500 w/Sport Pkg. | ML55 AMG | Class Average |
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 7.4 |
Ample maximum volume, but folding the rear seat takes practice and patience. Low deck is appreciated with heavy cargo.
Value within Class
Though one of the most-competent and pleasant truck-type SUVs, the M-Class is pricey against the car-based Acura MDX and Lexus RX 300, which offer better ride comfort, driving ease, and quietness. Mercedes' typical high resale values compensate some, however.
| ML320 | ML500 w/Sport Pkg. | ML55 AMG | Class Average |
| 6 | 3 | 2 | 4.5 |
Though one of the most-competent and pleasant truck-type SUVs, the M-Class is pricey against the car-based Acura MDX and Lexus RX 300, which offer better ride comfort, driving ease, and quietness. Mercedes' typical high resale values compensate some, however.
Total Score
| ML320 | ML500 w/Sport Pkg. | ML55 AMG | Class Average |
| 54 | 51 | 48 | 51.5 |
Scores for all Premium Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles
| Low Score | 37 | |
| Average Score | 51 | |
| High Score | 64 |
2002 Mercedes-Benz M-Class Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 02/21/2002
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
|
|
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| ML320 4-door wagon | $36,300 | $33,759 | $665 |
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| ML500 4-door wagon | $44,950 | $41,804 | $665 |
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| ML55 4-door wagon | $65,900 | $61,287 | $665 |
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
ML320
Powertrain
3.2-liter V6 engine, 5-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability, all-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, traction control.
Safety
Dual front airbags w/automatic child-seat recognition system, front and rear side airbags, curtain side airbags, antiskid system, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, TeleAid assistance system.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning w/automatic climate control and rear controls, interior air filter, power steering, tilt leather-wrapped steering wheel, cruise control, cloth upholstery, manual 6-way front bucket seats, center console, split folding rear seat, cupholders, wood interior trim, heated power mirrors, power front windows, power door locks, intermittent wipers, remote keyless entry, rear defogger, intermittent rear wiper/washer, AM/FM/cassette w/CD changer controls, digital clock, tachometer, universal garage-door opener, illuminated visor mirrors, map lights, cargo cover, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, roof rails, front and rear fog lights.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Front and rear tow hooks, 255/60R17 tires, alloy wheels.
ML500 adds to ML320:
Powertrain
5.0-liter V8 engine.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather upholstery, heated 8-way power front seats, automatic day/night driver-side and rearview mirrors, navigation system, trip computer.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Rear privacy glass.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
275/55R17 tires.
ML55 adds to ML500:
Powertrain
5.5-liter V8 engine.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Power sunroof, front seat and mirror memory, Bose sound system, power rear quarter windows, rain-sensing wipers.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Xenon headlights, 285/50WR18 tires.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
|
M1 Luxury Pkg.
|
||
|
ML320
|
$1,635
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$1,521
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|
Leather upholstery, 8-way power front seats, rear privacy glass. Requires M5 power sunroof.
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M2 Convenience Pkg.
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ML320
|
$1,275
|
$1,186
|
|
Trip computer, automatic day/night driver-side and rearview mirrors, power-folding outside mirrors, rain-sensing wipers, dual front seat memory, locking under-passenger-seat compartment. Requires M1 Luxury Pkg., M5 power sunroof.
|
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M3 Convenience Pkg.
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ML500
|
$800
|
$744
|
|
Dual front-seat memory, rain-sensing wipers, power-folding mirrors w/memory. Requires M5 power sunroof.
|
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|
M6 Sport Pkg.
|
||
|
ML320, ML500
|
$3,350
|
$3,116
|
|
Sport bumpers, bodyside cladding, fender flares, chrome exhaust tips, 275/55R17 tires, special alloy wheels. Requires M5 power sunroof.
|
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M7 Seat Pkg.
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ML320 w/M1 Pkg., ML500
|
$1,180
|
$1,097
|
|
ML320
|
$975
|
$907
|
|
ML320/ML500 w/Designo Edition
|
$3,180
|
$
|
|
Two-passenger third-row seat. Deletes cargo cover. Requires M5 power sunroof.
|
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designo Cognac Edition
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ML320, ML500, ML55
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$4,100
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$3,813
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designo Mystic Green Edition
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ML320, ML500
|
$4,100
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$3,813
|
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designo Pearl/Sable Edition
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ML320, ML500
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$3,400
|
$3,162
|
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designo Savanna Edition
|
||
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ML320, ML500
|
$3,800
|
$3,534
|
|
All designo editions include special exterior color, specific interior color, special wood interior trim and floormats. ML320 requires heated front seats, M1 Luxury Pkg.
|
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Safety |
||
|
Parktronic rear obstacle detection system
|
||
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ML320, ML500, ML55
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$1,015
|
$944
|
|
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Comfort and Convenience Features |
||
|
M5 power sunroof
|
||
|
ML320, ML500
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$1,295
|
$1,204
|
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Includes power rear quarter windows.
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Navigation CDs
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ML500, ML55
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$140
|
$130
|
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Bose sound system
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ML320, ML500
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$1,200
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$1,116
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Includes 6-disc CD changer.
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Heated front seats
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ML320
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$635
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$591
|
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Xenon headlights
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ML320, ML500
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$875
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$814
|
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Appearance and Miscellaneous |
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Special paint
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ML55
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$0
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$0
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Special order charge
|
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ML320, ML500
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$1,150
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$1,150
|
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Required for certain special paint and interior color combinations.
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2002 Mercedes-Benz M-Class Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Mercedes-Benz M-Class 4-door wagon |
| Wheelbase, in. | 111.0 |
| Overall Length, in. | 182.6 |
| Overall Width, in. | 72.4 |
| Overall Height, in. | 71.7 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 4786 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 81.2 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 22.6 |
| Seating Capacity | 7 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 39.8 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 40.3 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 39.7 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 38.0 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| sohc V6 | sohc V8 | sohc V8 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 3.2 /195 | 5.0 /303 | 5.4 /332 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 215 @ 5500 | 288 @ 5600 | 342 @ 5500 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 233 @ 3000 | 325 @ 2700 | 376 @ 2800 |
| Availability | Standard | Standard | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
|||
| 5-speed automatic | 15/19 | 14/17 | 14/17 |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
 Antilock Brakes Traction Control Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags Curtain Side Airbags Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Mercedes-Benz M-Class 4-door wagon |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's
worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to
rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury:
5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact
crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%;
1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover
when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%;
2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | None/-- | -- |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 4/50,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 4/50,000 | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | --/-- | Unlimited |
| Free scheduled maintenance | 4/50,000 | -- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
USA
Drivewheels:
all-wheel drive
Also in the 2002 Mercedes-Benz M-Class Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Mercedes-Benz M-Class Full Review
7.
8.
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