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1996 Mercedes-Benz C-Class User Reviews

1996 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Review Ratings

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Average Ratings from 15 reviews

  • Performance:3.7 out of 5 stars3.7 out of 5 stars3.7 out of 5 stars3.7 out of 5 stars3.7 out of 5 stars 3.7 / 5
  • Appearance:4.3 out of 5 stars4.3 out of 5 stars4.3 out of 5 stars4.3 out of 5 stars4.3 out of 5 stars 4.3 / 5
  • Build Quality:4.7 out of 5 stars4.7 out of 5 stars4.7 out of 5 stars4.7 out of 5 stars4.7 out of 5 stars 4.7 / 5
  • Overall:4.3 out of 5 stars4.3 out of 5 stars4.3 out of 5 stars4.3 out of 5 stars4.3 out of 5 stars 4.3 / 5

Review Highlights Click to filter reviews below

PROS
"power" 9 reviews
"comfortable car" 5 reviews
"fuel economy" 5 reviews
"brakes" 3 reviews
"handling" 3 reviews
CONS
"power" 4 reviews
"fuel economy" 4 reviews
"expensive car" 2 reviews

User Reviews

Displaying 1 - 10 of 15 reviews 12 Next
Lance writes:
1996 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C280 Review
Appearance:
Performance:
Quality:
Overall:

Pros

Handling, Midrange, High speed stability, braking power

Cons

0-60, gas mileage, no anti-knock system (won't tolerate low octane), no steering feedback (good for some, bad for others)

95

Late 90's Compact German Luxury — This was my first mercedes. This isn't a particularly fun car but it does handle very well for what it looks like. Most of this because its german and was designed for constant daily high speed and also accounting for the possibility of emergency maneuvers at its governed speed of 130mph. Acceleration is crap but once it gets up to highway speed the midrange is surprising (191hp). Gas mileage sucked, and it ran bad on anything but premium. the only problem it ever gave me was misfires because of badly worn/aged spark plugs. After new plugs it ran flawlessly at 100+mph with nearly 160k miles on it. The 4 wheel independent suspension in this thing coupled with RWD and traction control make this thing NUMB at 130mph. The steering feels like the car is at a dead stop and it glides from lane to lane even over bumps at those speed like its floating. The brakes are fantastic and will make the needle fall sharply with only a small tap of the foot. I miss this car and might someday buy another, hopefully a C36 or C43, somehow i love this older boxy body-style more than the one that came after it.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Frank writes:
1996 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C280 Review
Appearance:
Performance:
Quality:
Overall:

Pros

Good on gas, handles well,  comfortable, great trunk capacity, peppy engine, driver friendly, advanced premium sound system

Cons

Takes high octane gasoline, expensive to maintain, only 2 power down windows :(

85

I Love It — Quietly tuned engine that is good on fuel. High Revolutions add that performance sound and feel that you would expect from a race car. roomy interior and comfortable seats. Fantastic BOSE sound system with BOSE subs. The cars over all appearance shows the great engineering feats made by Mercedes-Benz. The boxy look is classic and is sure to draw attention where ever you go.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Heigo writes:
1996 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C220 Review
Back Seats:
Cargo Capacity:
Family Car:
Fuel Economy:
Front Seats:
Handling:
Maintenance Cost:
Price:
Power:
Reliability:
Ride Comfort:
Looks/Style:
Weight:
Overall:

Pros

Its a Mercedes

Cons

High-preassure pump

35

Nice — Sporty, but not as comfort to ride as an e-class. Has loads of power. Looks and feels really new. Great interior design. A bit low. Has oversteer. Fast drive-by. 3rd gear to 120km/h. This is all about this car, really good car. But would reccomend E-class 124 more.

Primary Use: Commuting to work

1 of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Graham writes:
1996 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Review
Appearance:
Performance:
Quality:
Overall:

Pros

everything

Cons

nothing

45

Nice Car — Total quality, the drive is second to none, sports mode is awsome. Fuel consumption is brill, average 31 mpg, Insurance is low, Auto box is smooth, the growl is very comforting along with the very responsive engine. Alot of car for little money......I will next get an avantgard.

Primary Use: Family transportation

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Robert67 writes:
1996 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C220 Review
Appearance:
Performance:
Quality:
Overall:

Pros

Low fuel usage, good looks, good space

Cons

Not as much street cred as an E Class

45

C200 - Better That Anything From The Asia Auto Makers. — Just look at this cute, medium sized thing. Its what every family needs, not to big, not too small, its just right. It has enough power to overtake and scramble up hills, but at the same time it has wallet-friendly fuel usage. Lots of little extras make driving more fun, and as always, Mercedes build quality leaves nothing to be desired.

Primary Use: Commuting to work

1 of 1 people found this review helpful.
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jessedeefy writes:
1996 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C280 Review
Back Seats:
Cargo Capacity:
Family Car:
Fuel Economy:
Front Seats:
Handling:
Maintenance Cost:
Price:
Power:
Reliability:
Looks/Style:
Overall:

Pros

Aesthetically pleasing, comfortable seats, good storage space.

Cons

Low MPG, breaks are tough, expensive repairs.

jessedeefy
25

Love My C280 — I love my 96 C280. It really is a beautiful car and I love driving it around. It accelerates very well and, while the breaks are a little on the weak side, it gets me where I need to go and I enjoy getting there! I wouldn't want to have any other car.

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Matt writes:
1996 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C280 Review
Appearance:
Performance:
Quality:
Overall:

Pros

It's a Mercedes!

Cons

some have wire harness deterioration issues

1,035

It Would Be Great With A 5 Speed Manual Option — Excellent car. I like the W202 styling and performance. The interior, as almost all Mercedes, is very durable and comfortable. Great performance out of the 2.8 straight six. Various trim options, mine was the sport model and an upgrade CD player from a Lotus.

Primary Use: Sport/fun (spirited driving, track racing, off-roading, etc.)

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stoli2266 writes:
1996 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C280 Review
Appearance:
Performance:
Quality:
Overall:

Pros

comfort

Cons

gas mileage

stoli2266
25

Looks Like A Grandma Car But Drives Like A Sport Car. — Great performance but it does not get the best gas mileage. I have owned my 1996 for two year and have only had to add a Water Pump. The car is east to drive. At 13 years old get ready.

Primary Use: Commuting to work

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Mario writes:
1996 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C220 Review
Appearance:
Performance:
Quality:
Overall:

Pros

Technical simply, but with all important modern such as ABS, 2 airbags...

Cons

Lacks power on hills and on european highways, specially fully loaded.

55

Workhorse For City Or Plain Land. — It was 70kW diesel with 16 valves without turbocharging. With 18" wheels looks far sportier than it was. But it was used for traveling to work. Needed some reapirs due oldness, interior in ATP Tour Esprit looks great. Consumes average 7,2L dieselfuel pro 100km.

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Ian writes:
1996 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C280 Review
Appearance:
Performance:
Quality:
Overall:

Pros

Build Quality & Performance

Cons

High Running costs

75

Mercedes C280 Elegance 1996 — Great performance from an auto, fantastic build quality, probably the last good one before the rot set in.High maintenance costs but worth it for that feeling you get when driving a Mercedes.Not the best looking car in the world but not ugly by any means. It`ll be a C43 next.....can`t wait!

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Displaying 1 - 10 of 15 reviews 12 Next
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Similar Cars Compared to a 1996 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

1996 Mercedes-Benz C-Class 1996 Mercedes-Benz E-Class 1996 BMW 3 Series
1996 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C280, Picture of 1999 Mercedes-Benz C280 6 Sport Package, exterior
1996 Mercedes-Benz E-Class picture, exterior
1996 BMW 3 Series picture, exterior
Cost $6,028 Average Instant Market Value $5,339 Average Instant Market Value $5,329 Average Instant Market Value
Gas Mileage (highway) 27 32 29
Horsepower 148 134 138
Crash Test Rating 4 4
Front Leg Room (inches) 41.5 41.3 41.1

Reviews From Other Years

2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Reviews

2012 Mercedes C-350 Coupe By bobkat

This is the first time Mercedes offers a Coupe in the C Class car. Previously you had to get a larger Series and pay a lot more money. Most dealers tend to stock the C-250 Coupe because of its lower c... Read More

Overall A Great Buy By Alannnicholas

It's a great car, what you can expect from a Mercedes-Benz, has great handling, if you get the premium Hardon/Kardon speakers, they're amazing. It;s a great car with many safety features, but if you'r... Read More

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2011 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Reviews

Great Noise, But It Comes At A Cost By Simon

Fantastic noise, great straight line performance. Superb brakes. The best seats of any production car. Needs a limited slip diff and 10 litres additional fuel tank capacity to be perfect car. Eats tyr... Read More

Great Buy! By richardp_1906

I like the beauty and elegance that Mercedes brings to the table. The get up and go this car has is second to none: 0 - 60 in under 7 seconds! This car is breath-taking. The comfort and multi medi... Read More

Read all 4 2011 Mercedes-Benz C-Class reviews

2010 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Reviews

This Is An Extremely Nice Daily Driver. By wjperdue

This car is a jewel. It has an really nice profile, delivers on the Mercedes quality and comfort and can move when necessary. I was surprised by how smooth the ride is for a small luxury sporty sedan.... Read More

Cool Ride By smccants1984

While stationed in Germany for 3 years, I had this car custom built on the last leg of my tour. It took 9 weeks to build and receive my car at the Mercedes-Benz Factory in Sindelfingen, Germany. It al... Read More

Read all 13 2010 Mercedes-Benz C-Class reviews

2009 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Reviews

Nice Car By yonniesimon

i like this car i think it could make a perfect car for anyone who is starting or already currently has a family and is seeking a car to purchase for family use i would reccomend this car to people Read More

Thrilled By Diane

I never thought I would want to own a "luxury car" But this car is sporty and luxurious at the same time. It has plenty of techno bells and whistles to keep me satisfied (MP3 player for my Ipod, steer... Read More

Read all 25 2009 Mercedes-Benz C-Class reviews

2008 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Reviews

Exceptional Entry Level Mercedes By lapoints

The looks are great -- the absolute best design yet for the C Class. With the 7spd trans and 268HP V6, there is plenty of power -- and the handling characteristics makes this a very sporty and fun ca... Read More

Great Car! By cincyguy

The Mercedes Dealership in West Chester, Ohio has done a great job servicing my car and has recommended needed service before it became a problem. I really liked my sales person, Ron Brown. He knows ... Read More

Read all 35 2008 Mercedes-Benz C-Class reviews
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