1999 Mercedes C-Class Review: Complete Analysis

3.6/5
Overall Rating
Performance 3.5/5
Interior 3.7/5
Technology 3.5/5
Safety 3.4/5
Value 3.6/5

The 1999 Mercedes C-Class continues to establish itself as a strong competitor in the luxury vehicle segment with its blend of practicality, reliability, and everyday usability. This comprehensive review covers every aspect that matters to potential buyers, from performance and interior space to technology features and ownership costs.

What's New for 1999

The 1999 Mercedes C-Class brings several important updates that address customer feedback and maintain its competitive edge:

Engine and Performance

Engine Options

Engine Horsepower Torque Transmission 0-60 MPH Fuel Economy
2.0L 4-cylinder 136 hp 133 lb-ft 5-speed manual, 4-speed automatic 8.5-10.5 seconds 19/28/22 mpg
2.3L 4-cylinder 148 hp 162 lb-ft 5-speed manual, 4-speed automatic 8.5-10.5 seconds 18/26/21 mpg
2.8L V6 201 hp 191 lb-ft 5-speed manual, 4-speed automatic 8.5-10.5 seconds 16/23/19 mpg

Driving Experience

The 1999 Mercedes-Benz C-Class offers refined German luxury performance with sophisticated rear-wheel drive engineering that exemplified Mercedes-Benz's commitment to driving excellence and build quality. The smooth inline-six and V6 engines provided the refined power delivery and sophisticated character that established Mercedes as the global luxury standard.

With a curb weight of 3,200-3,600 lbs, the C-Class strikes an impressive balance of performance and refinement. The suspension tuning provides a refined, comfortable ride quality that absorbs road imperfections well, making it ideal for daily commuting and family transportation.

Interior Design and Comfort

Seating and Space

Measurement Front Rear
Legroom 42.0 inches 40.4 inches
Headroom 39.2 inches 39.1 inches
Shoulder Room 57.9 inches 56.9 inches
Hip Room 55.7 inches 55.1 inches

The C-Class's interior delivers practical functionality for both front and rear passengers. The 12.9 cu ft of cargo space provides practical storage for daily needs. Interior materials have evolved to provide and improved fit and finish that enhance the premium feel.

Technology and Features

The 1999 C-Class offers practical features designed to enhance convenience and connectivity:

Safety Features

The C-Class comes equipped with standard safety features:

Pricing and Value

The 1999 Mercedes C-Class offers excellent value with a starting price of $$32,500. The vehicle provides a strong combination of luxury features and performance that typically exceeds similarly priced competitors.

Trim Level Starting Price Key Features

Pros and Cons

✅ What We Like

  • Comfortable and spacious interior
  • Solid build quality
  • Practical feature set
  • Exceptional German luxury refinement and build quality
  • User-friendly controls and ergonomics
  • Strong dealer network and service

❌ Areas for Improvement

  • Some electrical issues
  • Transmission concerns
  • Rust issues in certain climates
  • Interior wear

Should You Buy the 1999 Mercedes C-Class?

🎯 Who Should Buy

The 1999 Mercedes C-Class represents a solid option for buyers seeking refinement and prestige in the premium vehicle class. Its combination of solid performance and everyday usability continues to make it a strong competitor in its segment.

💡 Key Takeaway

The 1999 C-Class provides luxury with practicality. While not the most exciting vehicle to drive, it excels at the transportation duties that most buyers actually need.

Ownership Experience

Reliability

With a solid reliability rating of 4.2/5, the 1999 C-Class provides solid ownership experience. Common issues are typically manageable with proper maintenance, with good long-term reliability for vehicles that are properly maintained.

Maintenance Costs

Maintenance costs for the C-Class are reasonable for the luxury segment, thanks to straightforward mechanical design. Routine service and the widespread service availability contribute to reasonable ownership costs.

Resale Value

The C-Class provides good resale value, performing well in the used market. This solid resale performance makes it a good option for buyers who plan to trade or sell their vehicle within a few years.

Comparison and Alternatives

The luxury vehicle segment offers several strong alternatives to the 1999 Mercedes C-Class:

Direct Competitors

Final Verdict

🏆 Overall Rating: 3.6/5 Stars

The 1999 Mercedes C-Class earns our recommendation for buyers seeking refinement and prestige in the premium vehicle class.

Best For:

Not Ideal For:

💰 Value Assessment

The 1999 C-Class offers good value with its combination of features, performance, and ownership costs. While individual needs vary, the C-Class consistently provides good value for its price point in the segment.

Next Steps for Buyers

Test Drive Checklist

Negotiation Tips

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