Mercedes-Benz C-Class Saloon (93-00) - Review

Review by Parkers on
Last Updated: 17 November 2006
This excellent compact executive saloon and estate range is many people's introduction to Mercedes-Benz ownership. High standards of engineering, finish and driver satisfaction don't come cheaply, but C-Class has become common, with prices as low as £5000 for early models. Whether it merits paying a premium over German rivals such as Audi and BMW is really a question of how one values prestige.
1.5 out of 5

Safety

All get ABS and a driver airbag and the passenger gets one from '95 onwards. Side bags were fitted from '97. The body didn't perform tremendously well in crash tests only scoring two out of four.

NCAP Test

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  • Adult Occupant Rating

    2 out of 5
  • Pedestrian Test Rating

    2 out of 5
5 out of 5

Reliability

Reliability is extremely impressive with very few problems reported. As cars get older, continued faultless performance will depend upon correct servicing being maintained.

Car check problem points

Body

Panel repairs are costly. Paint seems to chip easily and then corrode.

Engine/Gearbox

Should be faultless.

Other

Faulty bonnet release on some early cars.