Mercedes-Benz C-Class Saloon (00-07) - Review

Review by Simon Harris on
The 2000 C-Class tried to knock the BMW 3-Series off its perch as the most desired car in this class, and comes close. Original four-cylinder petrol engines are too thirsty, though, and the interior quality was perhaps not quite up to the standard of other Mercedes-Benzes. Supercharged 1.8-litre engines replaced the two smallest petrol engines in 2002 bringing huge improvements in fuel consumption, while a major update in summer 2004 made the C-Class a more rewarding car to drive.
4 out of 5

Other Mercedes-Benz reviews

3.5 out of 5

Safety

The C-Class has a decent score in official crash tests and comes with plenty of safety kit as standard. However, you'd pay extra for rear side airbags and Isofix child seat mounting points. Other safety features available include a fire extinguisher and since 2004 tyre pressure sensors.

NCAP Test

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  • Adult Occupant Rating

    5 out of 5

  • Pedestrian Test Rating

    2 out of 5
3.5 out of 5

Reliability

The C-Class arrived at a time when some Mercedes-Benz models had suffered below average reliability. However, the majority of C-Class models have not suffered any major problems.

Car check problem points

Body

Needs to be spotless.

Engine/Gearbox

No major problems reported, but check the engine for any signs of starting difficulties.

Other

A handful of recalls. One to correct the possible loss of steering control, another to fix seatbelts that may not engage properly and third in 2003 to stop the engine mistakenly reverting into a ‘limp home’ mode. Check for faulty door locks, too.

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