2003 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Reviews, Pricing & Specs

As the age of the car goes, the engine becomes more performing, fuel efficient and very reliant. Braking, handling and cornering is excellent. Feel very safe. despite being the RWD, this car is very stable and offer high standard traction in the snow. Less maintenance (Once in every 10000 miles). Once driven this series car, we will be addicted to this and will generate a dislike for all 4 cylinder engine cars. This car is so satisfactory that I am not able to find another replacement for this series car.Apr 29, 2015

performanc is great for a 4 door sedan i love the car there is allot of tuning option i wanted a a nice quick car 800 dollars get you in the 400+ bhp without affecting comfort. I personaly have take this car to 177mph with no problem there are a few things that like that went out like the intercooler pump at 100k miles and the intercooler itself. those were pricy but beside that i love tihis car i have the rear folding seat and it helps allot when i have to pick up some things from home depot for the house i considered bying a trunck to haul litle stuff around but the i think about it i can do pretty much anything with my C32 amg 145000 miltes driven on this car and counting. Nov 12, 2011

Overall, it's a great car. It seems a little low on power, but it has a strong engine, nice acceleration, great handling, and is extremely comfortable. It seems to be built fairly well, though there are some minor quality issues and electric problems, though nothing that has kept me from trusting the car. I absolutely adore how this car looks and I don't know that I've been happier with any other car I've owned.Feb 20, 2010

After driving my C240 for more than 70,000 miles it still handles like a new car, with a solid ride and excellent handling and cornering. The only problem was the catalytic converter failure at 60,000, which was covered under the federal warranty. It was replaced by the dealer and shortly after the other one failed (ditto warranty coverage). More than 30 mpg on the interstate, in the low to mid 20s in town. Styling conservative with no squeaks or rattles. A good, solid, reliable car that exhudes luxury to the extent I want or need. Jul 22, 2009

Fast and comfortable, but the handling suffers. The biggest issue I have with it is the persistent electrical problems. I bought it at a time that I thought I needed a "grown up" car, but still wanted the performance. Now I miss my '93 RX-7. With the automatic transmission, and cushy ride, the only thing that keeps me from getting bored is its ability to accelerate.Nov 11, 2008

Despite most models eventhough the 230 takes high octane it gets around 30mpg. Changing the oil and gerneral inpspection every 10k miles it conveniant opposed to every 3k miles stadard with most cars. For being the lowest end model MB makes its 1.8L superchardged 4 cyclinder its pretty quick, and has excellent handling. Overall I am pleased with the cars looks and features. Aug 13, 2008

I bought mine used in 2007 with 29k miles on it. I haven't regretted my purchase at all. Compared to the 2006 BMW 325i my brother has, the handling on the road is much more grippier and has an excellent stock sports suspension. The supercharger really makes a difference, and the fuel economy is great. I only wish I had a model with a glass roof. The only downside of this car is the limited modding capabilities. You can only do so much with the 1.8L supercharged '03. If you want to spend some extra bucks to mod your car and you're interested in purchasing a used C230, go for the '02 model or just dish out a couple thousand more for the C320. Otherwise, this is excellent for the budget sports car enthusiast who is not interested in modding.Jan 16, 2008

I leased this vehicle new in 2003 and gladly turned it back in 2006. I've since found out that those first turn of the century vehicles were plagued with low quality components, the result of Mercedes failing to police its parts providers more closely. If everything was going well, this was an awesome car. It felt much larger and stable on the road than its size would imply. But if you did anything out of just driving it on a flat perfect road, you'd end up paying for something. I live in Los Angeles, and like most large cities, the roads suck. Pot holes and the like are unavoidable. I bent two rims and blew out 5 tires over the 3 years I had it. I also rubbed to close to the curb once, which caused the entire rear right arm to bend, rendering the vehicle undriveable. Cost to fix: $3,200. The traction control computer short circuited once (fortunately covered under the warranty). Maybe the roads in Europe are better, but this car was way to delicate for real life driving in L.A. Its my understanding that the new C classes have corrected these failings.Jan 01, 2008