Vehicle History Report
Get a CARFAX Vehicle History... the first step to protecting yourself from costly hidden problems.
- • New Cars
2003 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Full Review
Date Published: 5/03/08
Also in the 2003 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Mercedes-Benz C-Class Full Review
7.
8.
2003 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Review
Available all-wheel drive, revised engine choices, and new sport models make 2003 news for Mercedes' least-expensive line. The C-Class offers sedan, wagon, and hatchback-coupe body styles. C230 models come as coupes or the new Sport Sedan. They use a supercharged 4 cyl, a 189-hp 1.8 liter in place of last year's 192-hp 2.3. The C240 has a 168-hp V6 and comes as a sedan or wagon. C320 models have a 215-hp V6 and come in all three body styles after adding coupe and Sport Sedan versions for '03. The high-performance C32 AMG sedan has a supercharged 349-hp V6, sport suspension, and 5-speed automatic transmission. On other C-Class models, a 6-speed manual transmission is standard and a 5-speed automatic is optional. Mercedes' 4Matic all-wheel drive is newly available for any automatic-transmission C-class sedan or wagon, except the C32. Sport versions come with sport-tuned suspension, body cladding, and aluminum interior trim. Sports and the C32 have 17-inch wheels, other models use 16s. Every C-Class has ABS, antiskid/traction control, front/rear side airbags, head-protecting curtain side airbags, and Mercedes' BabySmart child-seat recognition system. A unique coupe option is the large Panorama sunroof that teams with a fixed-glass panel over the rear seat; each has a power sunshade. Mercedes' TeleAid assistance system is standard on the C32, available for other models. A navigation system also is available, and high- and low-beam xenon headlamps are a new linewide option replacing low beams only.
Competition
This hotly contested segment has its benchmark in the Lexus ES 300. It blends comfort, style, luxury, and sport into an efficient package at an affordable price. ES 300 manages to offer a little more luxury than others in the class.
We Recommend the Acura TL, Audi A4, and new Infiniti G35. All offer comfort, speed, and nimble handling at attractive prices. The sporty and Euro-flavored BMW 3-Series is Recommended as a rear-drive alternative. The "3" has enough bodystyles and engine choices to suit anyone. At the other end of the near-luxury spectrum is the posh and comfortable Buick Park Avenue--an old-school luxo-cruiser from Detroit.
We Recommend the Acura TL, Audi A4, and new Infiniti G35. All offer comfort, speed, and nimble handling at attractive prices. The sporty and Euro-flavored BMW 3-Series is Recommended as a rear-drive alternative. The "3" has enough bodystyles and engine choices to suit anyone. At the other end of the near-luxury spectrum is the posh and comfortable Buick Park Avenue--an old-school luxo-cruiser from Detroit.
News
Industry know-it-alls see revised cosmetics and a few new features for the 2004 C-Class. A full redesign is reportedly on for 2006. By that time, though, Mercedes should be selling a smaller car called A-Class, which has been available in Europe for several years but never officially imported here. We'll be getting a redesigned A-Class, though it's expected to be another high-profile "one-box" 4-dr hatchback with small 4-cyl engines driving the front wheels. It should also retain a unique bi-level floorpan sandwiching exhaust system and other underbody components. Length and width should again approximate Ford Focus dimensions, but may grow a couple of inches.
Mercedes has also been hinting at Stateside sale of its European Smart (badged "smart"), a front-drive 2-seat minicar with a sub-1.0-liter turbocharged engine, tall "phone booth" styling, easily interchanged plastic body panels over a lightweight metal skeleton, and an overall length of just 8 feet. A longer, much lower coupe-convertible was recently added, and we think this the more likely model to come here. Regardless, one source says Smart sales would be limited to metro areas like New York, Miami and L.A., where it would make sense as a thrifty, easy-to-park city runabout. We'll be interested to see what develops.
But back to the C-Class, whose recent redesign seems to be paying big sales dividends. How big? On a year-to-year basis, deliveries jumped a healthy 48 percent in calendar 2001 and another 38.9 percent in the first nine months of 2002, impressive gains in the current difficult market.
Mercedes has also been hinting at Stateside sale of its European Smart (badged "smart"), a front-drive 2-seat minicar with a sub-1.0-liter turbocharged engine, tall "phone booth" styling, easily interchanged plastic body panels over a lightweight metal skeleton, and an overall length of just 8 feet. A longer, much lower coupe-convertible was recently added, and we think this the more likely model to come here. Regardless, one source says Smart sales would be limited to metro areas like New York, Miami and L.A., where it would make sense as a thrifty, easy-to-park city runabout. We'll be interested to see what develops.
But back to the C-Class, whose recent redesign seems to be paying big sales dividends. How big? On a year-to-year basis, deliveries jumped a healthy 48 percent in calendar 2001 and another 38.9 percent in the first nine months of 2002, impressive gains in the current difficult market.
2003 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Acceleration (C320, C32) | Rear visibility (coupe) |
| Steering/handling | Rear-seat entry/exit (coupe) |
| Available AWD | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
C320s the best all-around. C320 sedan did 7.2 sec 0-60 mph, coupe 6.9; both had automatic transmission. Test automatic-transmission C230 sedan took 8.1 sec. Manual-transmission C240 sedan took 9.2 sec, weak for this class. Test C32 took just 5.1 sec, but supercharger-related throttle lag tempers midrange response. 4Matic adds about 200 lb, but AWD models feel little different than rear-drive counterparts.
| C240 sdn, auto. | C320 sdn w/nav. sys., auto. | C320 wgn w/4Matic, auto. | C320 cpe, auto. | Class Average |
| 4 | 6 | 6 | 7 | 6.1 |
C320s the best all-around. C320 sedan did 7.2 sec 0-60 mph, coupe 6.9; both had automatic transmission. Test automatic-transmission C230 sedan took 8.1 sec. Manual-transmission C240 sedan took 9.2 sec, weak for this class. Test C32 took just 5.1 sec, but supercharger-related throttle lag tempers midrange response. 4Matic adds about 200 lb, but AWD models feel little different than rear-drive counterparts.
Fuel Economy
Test C320 sedans and wagons averaged 15.7-19.2 mpg, depending on driving conditions. Test C320 4Matic sedan averaged 21.1 mpg. Test C230 automatic sedan averaged 23.4 mpg. C240 sedans averaged 19.3-22.2 mpg with automatic transmission, 18.4 with manual. Test C32 averaged 20.3 in mostly highway travel. Automatic-transmission C320 coupe averaged 17.6. All engines require premium fuel.
| C240 sdn, auto. | C320 sdn w/nav. sys., auto. | C320 wgn w/4Matic, auto. | C320 cpe, auto. | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 5.1 |
Test C320 sedans and wagons averaged 15.7-19.2 mpg, depending on driving conditions. Test C320 4Matic sedan averaged 21.1 mpg. Test C230 automatic sedan averaged 23.4 mpg. C240 sedans averaged 19.3-22.2 mpg with automatic transmission, 18.4 with manual. Test C32 averaged 20.3 in mostly highway travel. Automatic-transmission C320 coupe averaged 17.6. All engines require premium fuel.
Ride Quality
Supple, composed on most surfaces with base suspension; a bit stiffer and more fidgety on models with 17-inch tires and C32, but still comfortable. AWD does not affect ride quality.
| C240 sdn, auto. | C320 sdn w/nav. sys., auto. | C320 wgn w/4Matic, auto. | C320 cpe, auto. | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.4 |
Supple, composed on most surfaces with base suspension; a bit stiffer and more fidgety on models with 17-inch tires and C32, but still comfortable. AWD does not affect ride quality.
Steering/Handling/Braking
Assured and highly capable, especially C32. Coupe and Sport Sedan 17-inch wheel setup enhances base chassis' already good grip and steering response. Coupe has slightly sharper moves than sedans, but isn't quite sports-car nimble. Standard antiskid/traction control a security plus for any rear-drive C-Class; get 4Matic for impressive all-season roadholding. Brakes deliver short, undramatic stops, but pedal action slightly touchy on some test cars.
| C240 sdn, auto. | C320 sdn w/nav. sys., auto. | C320 wgn w/4Matic, auto. | C320 cpe, auto. | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 |
Assured and highly capable, especially C32. Coupe and Sport Sedan 17-inch wheel setup enhances base chassis' already good grip and steering response. Coupe has slightly sharper moves than sedans, but isn't quite sports-car nimble. Standard antiskid/traction control a security plus for any rear-drive C-Class; get 4Matic for impressive all-season roadholding. Brakes deliver short, undramatic stops, but pedal action slightly touchy on some test cars.
Quietness
Impressively low wind rush. All engines quiet and refined. Road noise relatively high in C32, sedans with 17-inch tires, and coupe with Panorama sunroof.
| C240 sdn, auto. | C320 sdn w/nav. sys., auto. | C320 wgn w/4Matic, auto. | C320 cpe, auto. | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.1 |
Impressively low wind rush. All engines quiet and refined. Road noise relatively high in C32, sedans with 17-inch tires, and coupe with Panorama sunroof.
Controls
Typical Mercedes, with sober design, a few cryptic controls. Steering-wheel switches for accessing vehicle and trip data take time to sort out, as does navigation system. Power-window switches should be lighted. Cabin materials and finish generally satisfy, except for some plastics and assembly details, especially on coupe.
| C240 sdn, auto. | C320 sdn w/nav. sys., auto. | C320 wgn w/4Matic, auto. | C320 cpe, auto. | Class Average |
| 7 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 6.4 |
Typical Mercedes, with sober design, a few cryptic controls. Steering-wheel switches for accessing vehicle and trip data take time to sort out, as does navigation system. Power-window switches should be lighted. Cabin materials and finish generally satisfy, except for some plastics and assembly details, especially on coupe.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
A bit cozy-feeling, but 6-footers have plenty of space. Some testers find firm seats lack sufficient lumbar support. Standard tilt/telescopic steering wheel helps tailor good basic driving stance. Tail design hampers coupe visibility astern and over-the-shoulder, but tinted glass panel below hatch window aids parking.
| C240 sdn, auto. | C320 sdn w/nav. sys., auto. | C320 wgn w/4Matic, auto. | C320 cpe, auto. | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6.1 |
A bit cozy-feeling, but 6-footers have plenty of space. Some testers find firm seats lack sufficient lumbar support. Standard tilt/telescopic steering wheel helps tailor good basic driving stance. Tail design hampers coupe visibility astern and over-the-shoulder, but tinted glass panel below hatch window aids parking.
Room/Comfort (rear)
Riders sit knees-up if front seats are more than halfway back. Under-seat foot room also at a premium. Coupe's rear seat not as cramped as in most rivals; medium-size adults ride in relative comfort, but entry/exit still a chore.
| C240 sdn, auto. | C320 sdn w/nav. sys., auto. | C320 wgn w/4Matic, auto. | C320 cpe, auto. | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 3.8 |
Riders sit knees-up if front seats are more than halfway back. Under-seat foot room also at a premium. Coupe's rear seat not as cramped as in most rivals; medium-size adults ride in relative comfort, but entry/exit still a chore.
Cargo Room
Sedan's usefully shaped trunk holds more than its 12.0-cu-ft volume implies. Wagon beats Audi A4 and especially BMW 3-Series rivals for volume. Coupe has good luggage space even with rear seat up. Split fold rear seats enhance versatility, but are sedan options.
| C240 sdn, auto. | C320 sdn w/nav. sys., auto. | C320 wgn w/4Matic, auto. | C320 cpe, auto. | Class Average |
| 3 | 3 | 7 | 6 | 4.1 |
Sedan's usefully shaped trunk holds more than its 12.0-cu-ft volume implies. Wagon beats Audi A4 and especially BMW 3-Series rivals for volume. Coupe has good luggage space even with rear seat up. Split fold rear seats enhance versatility, but are sedan options.
Value within Class
C320 sedans and wagons are desirable near-luxury cars. Some interior details disappoint, but they vie with the best in class for driving composure, features, and long-term value. 4Matic versions match AWD rivals from BMW and Audi for all-season security. Less accommodating than the sedans, C-Class coupes are slow sellers.
| C240 sdn, auto. | C320 sdn w/nav. sys., auto. | C320 wgn w/4Matic, auto. | C320 cpe, auto. | Class Average |
| 4 | 7 | 7 | 5 | 4.8 |
C320 sedans and wagons are desirable near-luxury cars. Some interior details disappoint, but they vie with the best in class for driving composure, features, and long-term value. 4Matic versions match AWD rivals from BMW and Audi for all-season security. Less accommodating than the sedans, C-Class coupes are slow sellers.
Total Score
| C240 sdn, auto. | C320 sdn w/nav. sys., auto. | C320 wgn w/4Matic, auto. | C320 cpe, auto. | Class Average |
| 54 | 58 | 63 | 59 | 55.9 |
Scores for all Premium Compact Cars
| Low Score | 46 | |
| Average Score | 55 | |
| High Score | 63 |
2003 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 03/24/2003
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
|
|
|||
| C230 Sports Coupe 2-door hatchback | $24,950 | $23,204 | $720 |
|
|
|||
| C320 Sports Coupe 2-door hatchback | $27,300 | $25,389 | $720 |
|
|
|||
| C230 Sport Sedan 4-door sedan | $27,990 | $26,031 | $720 |
|
|
|||
| C240 4-door sedan | $29,900 | $27,807 | $720 |
|
|
|||
| C240 4-door wagon | $31,400 | $29,202 | $720 |
|
|
|||
| C320 4-door sedan | $35,200 | $32,736 | $720 |
|
|
|||
| C320 Sport Sedan 4-door sedan | $35,200 | $32,736 | $720 |
|
|
|||
| C320 4-door wagon | $36,700 | $34,131 | $720 |
|
|
|||
| C32 4-door sedan | $50,400 | $46,782 | $720 |
Price note: C32 adds $1000 Gas-Guzzler Tax.
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
C230/C320 Sports Coupe
Powertrain
1.8-liter dohc 4-cylinder supercharged engine (C230), 3.2-liter V6 engine (C320), 6-speed manual transmission, traction control.
Safety
Dual front airbags w/automatic child-seat recognition system, front and rear side airbags, curtain side airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, brake assist, antiskid system, daytime running lights, emergency inside trunk release.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Power steering, tilt/telescoping leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio and additional controls, cruise control, air conditioning w/dual-zone automatic climate controls, interior air filter, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, center console, cupholders, split folding rear seat, heated power mirrors w/turn signals, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/weatherband/cassette, digital clock, tachometer, outside-temperature indicator, trip computer, map lights, rear defogger, cargo cover, heated intermittent wipers, illuminated visor mirrors, universal garage-door opener, automatic headlights, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, front and rear fog lights, sport suspension, full-size spare tire, 205/55HR16 tires, alloy wheels.
C230 Sport Sedan adds to C230/C320 Sports Coupe:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather/vinyl upholstery.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Deletes: cargo cover.
225/45ZR17 tires.
C240 adds to C230/C320 Sports Coupe:
Powertrain
2.6-liter V6 engine.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather/vinyl upholstery, driver-seat power height adjustment and recliner, wood interior trim, heated intermittent rear wiper/washer (wagon).
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Deletes: split folding rear seat (sedan), cargo cover (sedan), sport suspension.
Roof rack (wagon).
C320 adds to C240:
Powertrain
3.2-liter V6 engine.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Power tilt/telescoping steering wheel, 10-way power front seats, memory system (driver seat, mirrors, steering wheel, climate control), Bose sound system.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Deletes: wood interior trim (Sport Sedan).
Sport suspension (Sport Sedan), 225/45ZR17 tires (Sport Sedan).
C32 adds to C320:
Powertrain
3.2-liter V6 supercharged engine, 5-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability.
Safety
TeleAid emergency assistance.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Full leather upholstery, heated front seats, split folding rear seat, power sunroof.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Sport suspension, 225/45ZR17 front tires, 245/40ZR17 rear tires, polished alloy wheels.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
|
Option Pkg. C1
|
||
|
C230, C240, C320 Sports Coupe
|
$1,250
|
$1,163
|
|
10-way power front seats; power tilt/telescoping steering wheel; memory system for driver seat, steering wheel, mirrors, and climate control.
|
||
|
Option Pkg. C2
|
||
|
C230 Sport Sedan, C240/C320 sedan
|
$1,600
|
$1,488
|
|
C240/C320 wagon
|
$1,475
|
$1,372
|
|
C230/C320 Sports Coupe
|
$1,215
|
$1,130
|
|
Power sunroof (C240, C320 sedan/wagon, C320 Sport Sedan), power Panorama sunroof (C230/C320 Sports Coupe), automatic day/night rearview and driver-side mirrors, power rear sunshade (sedan), rain-sensing wipers.
|
||
|
Option Pkg. C3
|
||
|
sedans
|
$450
|
$419
|
|
Split folding rear seat, ski sack. NA C32.
|
||
|
Option Pkg. C4
|
||
|
C230 Sport Sedan, C230/C320 Sports Coupe, C240, C32, C320
|
$750
|
$698
|
|
Xenon headlights w/heated washers.
|
||
|
Premium Option Pkg. C5
|
||
|
C230/C320 Sports Coupe
|
$2,750
|
$2,558
|
|
Leather upholstery, power Panorama sunroof, Bose sound system, rain-sensing wipers.
|
||
|
Wheel Option Pkg. C7
|
||
|
C230/C320 Sports Coupe
|
$750
|
$698
|
|
Aluminum pedals and door sills, leather shift knob, 225/45ZR17 tires.
|
||
|
|
||
Powertrain |
||
|
5-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability
|
||
|
C230, C240, C320
|
$1,325
|
$1,232
|
|
4Matic AWD
|
||
|
C240, C320 sedan/wagon, C320 Sport Sedan
|
$1,800
|
$1,674
|
|
All-wheel drive. Requires 5-speed automatic transmission. C320 Sport Sedan deletes sport suspension.
|
||
|
|
||
Safety |
||
|
TeleAid emergency-assistance system
|
||
|
C230, 240, C320
|
$775
|
$721
|
|
|
||
Comfort and Convenience Features |
||
|
Power sunroof
|
||
|
C240, C320 sedan
|
$1,185
|
$1,102
|
|
COMAND navigation system
|
||
|
C230 Sport Sedan, C230/C320 Sports Coupe, C240, C32, C320
|
$2,125
|
$1,976
|
|
Navigation CD collection
|
||
|
C230 Sport Sedan, C230/C320 Sports Coupe, C240, C32, C320
|
$145
|
$135
|
|
Requires COMAND navigation system.
|
||
|
Full leather upholstery
|
||
|
C230, C240, C320
|
$1,440
|
$1,339
|
|
Heated front seats
|
||
|
C230, C240, C320
|
$650
|
$605
|
|
Multicontour driver seat
|
||
|
C240, C320
|
$480
|
$446
|
|
NA C320 Sports Coupe, C320 Sport Sedan.
|
||
|
Ski sack
|
||
|
C32
|
$210
|
$195
|
|
Wood interior trim
|
||
|
C230/C320 Sports Coupe
|
$350
|
$326
|
|
Bose sound system
|
||
|
C230, C240, C320 Sports Coupe
|
$625
|
$581
|
|
6-disc CD changer
|
||
|
C230 Sport Sedan, C230/C320 Sports Coupe, C240, C32, C320
|
$400
|
$372
|
|
Cellular telephone
|
||
|
C230, C240, C320 Sports Coupe, C32
|
$1,595
|
$1,065
|
|
C320 sedan/wagon
|
$1,595
|
$1,483
|
|
Voice-activated cellular telephone
|
||
|
C230, C240, C320 Sports Coupe, C32
|
$1,995
|
$1,437
|
|
C320 sedan/wagon
|
$1,995
|
$1,855
|
|
Power rear sunshade
|
||
|
C32
|
$450
|
$419
|
|
Rain-sensing wipers
|
||
|
C32
|
$205
|
$191
|
|
|
||
Appearance and Miscellaneous |
||
|
Special paint
|
||
|
C230 Sport Sedan, C230/C320 Sports Coupe, C240, C32, C320
|
$655
|
$609
|
|
Some colors requires special order charge.
|
||
|
Special order charge
|
||
|
C230 Sport Sedan, C230/C320 Sports Coupe, C240, C32, C320
|
$1,150
|
$1,150
|
|
Fee for car ordered with one or more options requiring special order charge.
|
||
|
|
||
2003 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Mercedes-Benz C-Class 2-door hatchback | Mercedes-Benz C-Class 4-door sedan | Mercedes-Benz C-Class 4-door wagon |
| Wheelbase, in. | 106.9 | 106.9 | 106.9 |
| Overall Length, in. | 171.0 | 178.3 | 178.3 |
| Overall Width, in. | 68.0 | 68.0 | 68.0 |
| Overall Height, in. | 54.3 | 55.2 | 55.2 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3250 | 3310 | 3415 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 38.1 | 12.2 | 63.6 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | -- | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 16.4 | 16.4 | 16.4 |
| Seating Capacity | 4 | 5 | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 38.5 | 38.9 | 38.9 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 42.0 | 41.7 | 41.7 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 36.3 | 37.3 | 37.3 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 33.0 | 33.0 | 33.0 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| Supercharged dohc I4 | sohc V6 | sohc V6 | Supercharged sohc V6 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 1.8 /110 | 2.6 /159 | 3.2 /195 | 3.2 /195 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 189 @ 5800 | 168 @ 5500 | 215 @ 5700 | 349 @ 6100 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 192 @ 3500 | 177 @ 4500 | 221 @ 3000 | 332 @ 3000 |
| Availability | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
||||
| 6-speed manual | 21/31 | 17/26 | 17/25 | --/-- |
| 5-speed automatic | 23/32 | 19/25 | 20/26 | 17/21 |
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 C-Class 2-door hatchback | Mercedes-Benz C-Class 4-door sedan | Mercedes-Benz C-Class 4-door wagon |
| Front Impact, Driver | NA | 4 | NA |
| Front Impact, Passenger | NA | 4 | NA |
| Rollover Resistance | NA | 4 | NA |
| Side Impact, Driver | NA | 5 | NA |
| Side Impact, Rear Passenger | NA | 5 | NA |
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:
Germany
Drivewheels:
all-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive
Also in the 2003 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Mercedes-Benz C-Class Full Review
7.
8.
Car Buying Resources
Vehicle History Report
Sell Your Car
Powered by:
-
MAKE -
CATEGORY
Acura