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First Take
The rear-wheel-drive C-Class is notably comfortable, competent, and costlyÑyou can easily drop $40,000 on a C280 by including just a few common options. Still, Mercedes' smallest sedan line is well built and provides a quiet driving experience. Handling is very capable, and the ride is taut but supple. The 2.8-liter V6 is smooth and powerful, and the five-speed automatic transmission is responsive. A supercharged 2.3-liter, 185-hp Four is the base engine in the C230; it's less refined than the V6-powered C280 but significantly less expensive. A major redesign for 2001 arrives this fall.
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2000 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

No Data Available

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap
NA
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver
NA
IIHS Side Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Side-Crash
NA

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap
NA
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver
NA
IIHS Side Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Side-Crash
NA

Mercedes-Benz vs. Other New Car Brands

Mercedes-Benz vs. Other New Car Brands

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap
NA
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver
NA
IIHS Side Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Side-Crash
NA

2000 Luxury compact cars Ratings

$3,075 - $4,725
economy-icon
EPA MPG NA
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$3,075 - $3,125
economy-icon
EPA MPG NA
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$3,200 - $3,700
economy-icon
EPA MPG NA
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$3,050 - $3,225
economy-icon
EPA MPG NA
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$2,975 - $4,550
economy-icon
EPA MPG NA
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
Features & Specs
Body Style
    sedan
Seating
2 front, 3 rear
Drive Wheels
Rear
Engines Available
  • 2.3-liter 4 supercharged (185 hp)
  • 2.8-liter V6 (194 hp)
Transmissions Available
  • 5-speed automatic
Warranty
Coverage varies among versions of this vehicle

In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

Read more about extended warranties
Model History
2022-
Current Generation

The redesigned C-Class builds on the sportiness of the previous version, with a polished powertrain and honed handling. But the overly-complicated controls and a spongy brake pedal mar what is otherwise a splendid-driving sedan. The C300's punchy, 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder and smooth-shifting 9-speed automatic give plenty of invigorating power anytime you need it. The powertrain benefits from a 48-volt mild-hybrid system that contributes to the car's commendable 29 mpg overall. Handling is sporty thanks to a tightly controlled chassis and sharp steering. The ride is steady and composed, but too stiff with the optional AMG sport suspension. The front seats are comfortable and supportive, and cabin fit and finish is impressive. The infotainment system is still distracting, and some new capacitive-touch controls add further frustrations. AEB with pedestrian and cyclist detection and BSW are standard. It's disappointing that reverse automatic emergency braking, and LDW are only optional.


2015-2021
2015 Redesign Year
This version of the Mercedes C-Class scored near the top of the compact sport sedan segment. Newcomers to the marque will appreciate the C300's comfort, quiet, agility and overall excellence. Buying used, we'd look for one with a rear camera, blind-spot assist and heated seats. Another desirable feature is the panoramic sunroof. The Multimedia package includes a larger center screen and navigation system, but opting for a car with the Garmin accessory navigation upgrade and the standard screen gives you an easier-to-use interface. It also allows you to skip the Premium package, which gets really pricey for LED headlights and an upgraded audio system. A broad array of the latest driver assistance technology is offered as standard equipment, including collision prevention.
2008-2014
2008 Redesign Year
The 2008 redesign made the rear seat a bit bigger, but the cabin remained snug. The 3.0-liter V6 provides strong performance and decent fuel economy in our tests. The C remains fun to drive, but the ride can be choppy with the sport suspension and the steering is overly light. We liked the improvements made to the C-Class when we tested a 2012 C250 with the smooth turbo four-cylinder. The Luxury trimmed car had a steady ride and agile handling, with comfortable front seats. Meanwhile, the Sport had even more cornering grip, but a stiffer ride. While better than those on most Mercedes models, some controls remain somewhat logical.
2001-2007
2001 Redesign Year
Just about every C-Class we've ever tested has been smooth, quick, quiet, and comfortable. Dynamic characteristics include agile handling, along with excellent steering and brakes. You can also usually count on a quiet and supple ride, as well as firm but very comfortable front seats. However, our 2001 model also demonstrated frustrating ergonomic quirks, including confusing and cumbersome controls. The audio and climate systems, for instance, are confusing (although audio switches on the steering wheel help). It's also easy to hit the cruise-control lever when you reach for the turn-signal lever.