2003 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Review
Fuel Economy
15 - 20 mpg
Summary
What Edmunds.com says
Without messing with the car's traditional strengths, Mercedes has improved the E-Class in the areas of performance and technology.
Pros
Legendary solidity, effortless performance, state-of-the-art safety features.
Cons
Firm ride for a luxury sedan, touchy brakes.
What's New for 2003
The E-Class sedan is completely redesigned this year. A more elegant body, along with more power for the V8 model and more luxury (including four-zone climate control and an optional massaging driver seat), bring the latest midsize Benz up to date. Last year's E-Class station wagon, however, carries over into 2003 virtually unchanged.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
A Superb Automobile!
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Mercedes-Benz E-Class E320 Rwd 4dr Sedan (3.2L 6cyl 5A)
Review
I purchased the 2003 E320 from an independent service shop I've been dealing with for more than 15 years. My wife fell in love with how it handled, so I bought it without even a taking it on a test drive. My wife's intuition was right (once again). The E320 is superb! With 39,500 miles at purchase date, I still had over one year factory warranty and 10,000 miles remaining. I immediately took the E320 in the local MB dealership and ensured all factory warranty work and improvements were installed. No cost to me. A year later, at 50,000 miles/4 years, I again took it in to MB dealership. No cost to me. Last year I had the 60K service done by my independent dealer. An absolutely superb auto!
Favorite Features
Superb style, quality, safety, and gas mileage. Excellent German engineering.
Suggested Improvements
Driver's seat is not up to par. After 3 years of driving, I still have not found a truly comfortable position that adequately supports my long legs.
First Mercedes (and won't be my last)
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 8 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 8 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Mercedes-Benz E-Class E320 Rwd 4dr Wagon (3.2L 6cyl 5A)
Review
My wife and I test drove a new one in 2001 and came away impressed but plumped for a (cheaper) Volvo Cross Country (since sold) instead. In the summer of 2008 I began searching for a clean used 2001-2003 E320 wagon I could park at our vacation home. Eventually I found a pre-CPO car in the rare Pewter/Oyster combination (only available in 2003) which I wasn't entirely sure about at first but have since grown to love. I have now owned the car for 9 months and I'm very satisfied with my purchase and should I ever decide to sell I expect to recoup most of my (not considerable) outlay for this unexpected headturner.
Favorite Features
Elegant and timeless styling inside and out. 3rd row seat. Room and comfort. Fuel economy and extended service intervals. Trip computer. Power seats and steering column. Auto wipers and HID lights.
Suggested Improvements
Less coarse sounding engine. Less wooden chassis.
Heave Ho It must Go
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 6 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 7 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 2 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Mercedes-Benz E-Class E320 Rwd 4dr Sedan (3.2L 6cyl 5A)
Review
Bought it brand new, first Benz! Platinum Blue, beautiful to look at.....if you drove by the dealership...cause that is where it was most of the time. Horrible reliability, bordering on lemon! Never again, the dream is over!
Favorite Features
the look
Suggested Improvements
Don't sell garbage!
a lifesaver
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 7 | Build Quality: | 8 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 7 | Reliability: | 5 |
| Fuel Economy: | 5 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Mercedes-Benz E-Class E320 Rwd 4dr Sedan (3.2L 6cyl 5A)
Review
Bought this brand new. Within 6 mo. Had the steering rack replaced and several other minor problems. Radio is possessed and they've never been able to fix it. Car has only 48,000 miles after 6 years and a number of expensive nuisance repairs have had to be made. Shouldn't happen for the price and marque. It's a beautiful car: rides and drives wonderfully. Has also been a lifesaver for me......... Was taken out by a western star dump truck on the highway and only needed two doors replaced. She's a keeper ..... For now.
Favorite Features
it's a classy car.
Suggested Improvements
reliability needs improvement. for the $$ it should do better.
Best Car I've Ever Driven
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 7 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 8 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 8 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Mercedes-Benz E-Class E320 Rwd 4dr Sedan (3.2L 6cyl 5A)
Review
We purchased this vehicle over 3 years ago with reservations based on negative reviews from consumer reports. After purchasing and over 3 years of ownership, I can confidently say that this is the best car I've ever owned or driven, especially for highway driving. We've had a few issues..., new brake pads, and battery, but, overall the car has proven to be very reliable. The comfort level is like no other and I'm almost certain, when the time comes, we'll be purchasing another one.
Favorite Features
CD/Stero System and key fob activated power windows. The on board computer is nice as well.
Suggested Improvements
More horse pwer, more pronounced between comfort and sport mode,tighter handling
View Pricing for Other Years
Research the 2003 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Buying & Selling
Vehicle Details
Multimedia
Ratings & Reviews
- Model Review
- Road Test Ratings
- Road Test Reviews
- Consumer Reviews
- Awards History
- Reliability
- Consumer Discussions
Payment Calculators
Helpful Tools
