Mercedes-Benz ML430

When Mercedes-Benz introduced its ML320 sport utility vehicle (officially a "light truck") in 1998, many reviewers and drivers were impressed, though some questioned whether a 3.2-liter, 215-hp V6 was powerful enough for an off-road vehicle. So in 1999, Mercedes responded with the ML430, which came equipped with a beefed-up 4.3-liter, 268-hp V8 engine that made the vehicle quicker from zero to 60 and gave it some additional "umph" when towing a trailer or just dashing down the highway to grandmother's house.

The ML430 also came with a wide range of standard and luxury features, including heated leather seats, burl walnut trim, a leather-trimmed steering wheel and shift knob, GPS navigation system, trip computer, and much more.

Throughout its model run, Mercedes continued to upgrade the vehicle, adding features like a Touch Shift transmission, a downhill traction control system, a crawling mode for steep ascents, dual-stage front airbags, and the Tele Aid emergency calling system.

Generally, drivers were impressed with the ML430's off-road capabilities, affordability, luxury appointments, roominess, and turn ratio, though complaints about the quality and reliability of some of its components plagued the vehicle in its early years.