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2002-2006 Mercedes-Benz G-Class Full Review
Date Published: 2/20/08
Our in-depth review covers everything you need to know about this generation Mercedes-Benz G-Class. Get the latest news, find a local dealer, and get a free price quote for this generation Mercedes-Benz G-Class.
2002-2006 Mercedes-Benz G-Class Review
Mercedes added a second SUV to its U.S. line for 2002. It was a back-to-basics design, initially created for the German army in the 1970s, and little-changed since. Known informally as the G-Wagen--short for the German term Galaendewagen ("cross-country vehicle")--the G500 was previously available in the U.S. only through private importers. Mercedes-Benz marketed it as a premium luxury SUV with a $73,165 base price. Private import versions had gone for $125,000 or more. Sized for all-terrain work, the G500 was the shortest and narrowest full-size SUV--a Toyota Land Cruiser was 9 inches longer and 7 inches wider. The G500 used a 292-horsepower V8, five-speed automatic transmission, and all-wheel drive with low-range gearing that could be engaged on-the-fly at up to 15 mph. Its front, center, and rear differentials could be locked up for maximum grip. Like Mercedes' midsize M-Class SUV, the G500 had body-on-frame construction, traction/antiskid control, and antilock four-wheel disc brakes with brake assist. Side torso or curtain airbags were not available. It did have 18-inch alloy wheels, wood/leather interior trim, heated front and rear seats, 10-way power memory front seats, automatic climate control, and a CD changer. Also included were Mercedes' TeleAid assistance service, and the company's COMAND dashboard screen controlling a standard navigation system. Brush gauges and a voice-activated portable cell phone were among the few options. Mercedes was limiting U.S. sales to 1000-2000 per year. Rivals included the Acura MDX, Lexus LX 470, and Mercedes-Benz's own M-Class.
Year to Year Changes
2003 Mercedes-Benz G-Class: A new high-performance model was the big news for this European-sourced SUV. Joining the G500 with its 292-horsepower 5.0-liter V8 was the new G55 AMG version, with a 349-horsepower 5.4-liter V8 and an extra 51 pound-feet of torque. AMG is Mercedes' in-house performance division. Like Mercedes' U.S.-built M-Class SUVs, both G-Wagens had a five-speed automatic transmission. The G55 added wider tires on special AMG wheels, dual side-exit exhaust pipes, fender flares, a front brush bar, rear chrome load steps, unique gauges, and uprated leather trim.
2004 Mercedes-Benz G-Class: This year, the previously optional rear-obstacle-detection system and the Harman/Kardon premium audio system became standard on G-Class models.
2005 Mercedes-Benz G-Class: More power for the performance model marks 2005 for this truck-type luxury SUV. The G55 from Mercedes' AMG performance division has a 469-hp supercharged 5.4-liter V8. The previous G55 had 349 hp.
2006 Mercedes-Benz G-Class: No significant changes for the 2006 G-Class.
2002-2006 Mercedes-Benz G-Class Road Test
Pros Cons
Cargo room Fuel economy
Steering feel
Entry/exit
Rear visibility
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
Mercedes claimed that the G55 accelerated to 60 mph in just 7.2 seconds. A test G500 clocked a respectable 7.9 seconds for that feat, helped by a smooth, quick-shifting automatic transmission. Midrange pickup isn't that strong, reflecting the tall, boxy vehicle's hefty weight and poor aerodynamics. Both models require premium fuel--and plenty of it. A test G500 averaged 13 mpg in city/freeway driving. Firm, off-road-oriented suspension settings make for a fairly jiggly on-road ride. Some choppiness occurs due to the short wheelbase, but it's never punishing. Still, most every other big SUV offers superior comfort with less pitching and rolling. Steering is no match for a car-based SUV, though not as bad as the tall, narrow build might suggest. Like the ride, handling is disappointingly trucky and old-fashioned. Marked early body lean in quick turns creates a tippy cornering feel, and even moderately gusty crosswinds cause noticeable wander at highway speeds. Steering effort is high at low speeds, and the steering wheel is slow to return to center after turns. Brakes deliver sure, reasonably short simulated panic stops with little nosedive--once they're warmed up; until then, pedal action may be heavy and dead-feeling. Noise levels are average at best. Wind and tire sounds intrude from as low as 45 mph, and there's considerable full-throttle engine roar. G-Wagens have the same clear gauge cluster as Mercedes' entry-level C-Class cars, plus Mercedes-Benz's complex COMAND video system that controls the navigation/audio/cell phone. Plenty of other switches are included, too, but most are handy and self-explanatory. One exception is the climate controls, which have small markings and sit just under the COMAND screen itself--too low down for easy use. Dashboard night lighting is weak. G500 cabin decor is rather "industrial," with old-fashioned square-cut interior shapes. Creaks and groans over railroad tracks contrast with the otherwise-solid bearing of this SUV. On the other hand, materials are of high quality--especially the wood dashboard trim and unusual berber-type headliner. Front headroom stretches beyond generous, but the cabin feels narrow in this 30-year-old design. Seats seem needlessly hard, too. Smallish footwells and lofty step-in complicate entry/exit, even for long-legged folk; standard side steps don't help much. Drivers can easily see both front fenders, but the elevated stance, headrest clutter, and dark-tinted glass hamper vision astern and over-the-shoulder. The rear bench seat is as hard and flat as the front buckets. Because it sits higher off the floor, headroom here ranks only very good. But that also means steeper step-in. Leg room is only fair, with the front seats pushed back. Split 70/30, the rear bench seat double-folds to add cargo space, but stiff latches on test G500s have required undue muscle. Rear-wheel arches steal some cargo-bay floor area, yet there's plenty of volume for big, tall boxes, even with the rear seat up. The side-opening cargo door is clumsy--partly because of the heavy, bulky outside spare tire. Small-items storage is nothing special, and the two front cupholders are obvious afterthoughts.
Value for the Money
As a private import, the G-Class had achieved some celebrity cachet, which is one reason Mercedes dealers began selling it. Nevertheless, this old soldier suffers too many lapses for what it costs--including big gaps around the doors that partly expose the latches, creating a tempting target for thieves with slim-jims. Yes, the G-Class is very capable off-road, but other big luxury SUVs--including Mercedes' own M-Class--offer far better everyday comfort, refinement, and performance, often for far less money.
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Mercedes-Benz G500 Rating
Performance 4
Fuel Economy 1
Ride Quality 4
Steering/Handling/Braking 4
Quietness 4
Controls/Materials 3
Interior Room 5
Room/Comfort (rear) 3
Cargo Capacity 7
Value within Class 2
Total: 37
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room, Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
2002-2006 Mercedes-Benz G-Class Reliability
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer, however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Audio system: Double-sided CDs may not play or may jam in the changer and should not be used. (2002-03)
Doors: One or more doors may not open because the linkage comes apart and a revised clip will prevent recurrence. (2002-03)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership to be slightly higher.
Item Name Repair Cost
A/C Compressor $980
Alternator $970
Automatic Transmission or Transaxle $2,695
Brakes $650
Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing $915
Constant Velocity Joints $4,490
Exhaust System $560
Radiator $1,210
Shocks and/or Struts $2,520
Timing Chain or Belt $1,505
NHTSA Recall History
2004-05 G55: Fuel return hose may become permeated with fuel; microcracks can cause fuel leakage.
2002-2006 Mercedes-Benz G-Class Prices
Prices Good Average Poor
2002
G500 $32,000-34,000 $29,800-31,600 $22,400-23,800
2003
G500 $37,500-39,500 $34,900-36,700 $26,600-28,000
G55 AMG $46,500-48,500 $43,700-45,600 $34,400-35,900
2004
G500 $43,000-45,000 $40,400-42,300 $31,400-32,900
G55 AMG $54,500-57,000 $51,200-53,600 $40,900-42,800
2005
G500 $49,000-51,500 $46,100-48,400 $36,300-38,100
G55 AMG $64,000-67,000 $60,800-63,700 $48,000-50,300
2006
G500 $55,500-58,000 $52,700-55,100 $41,600-43,500
G55 AMG $74,000-77,000 $70,300-73,200 $56,200-58,500
This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings; engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo, etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from region to region.
2002-2006 Mercedes-Benz G-Class Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
Specification 4-door wagon
Wheelbase, in. 112.0
Overall Length, in. 183.5
Overall Width, in. 69.3
Overall Height, in. 72.3
Curb Weight, lbs. 5423
Cargo Volume, cu. ft. 79.5
Standard Payload, lbs. --
Fuel Capacity, gals. 25.4
Seating Capacity 5
Front Head Room, in. 42.4
Max. Front Leg Room, in. 52.5
Rear Head Room, in. 40.0
Max. Rear Leg Room, in. 42.0
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Powertrain Options and Availability
In the regular G500, a 5.0-liter V8 engine produced 292 horsepower, mated to a five-speed automatic transmission. A 349-horsepower, 5.4-liter V8 powered the G55 model, which debuted for 2003. Every G-Class model had all-wheel drive. The G55 from Mercedes' AMG performance division has a 469-hp supercharged 5.4-liter V8. The previous G55 had 349 hp.
Engines Size liters /
cu. in
Horse- power Torque Transmission:
EPA city/hgwy
Consumer Guide Observed
ohc V8 5.0 / 303 292 336 5-speed automatic: 12/14 5-speed automatic: 13
ohc V8 5.4 / 332 349-469 387 5-speed automatic: 14/15 5-speed automatic: --
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
Vehicle crash test information not available at this time.
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%.
Built In: Austria
Drive Wheels: longitudinal front-engine/all-wheel drive
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