Name: 2004 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
Brand: Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz M-Class

RECALL ALERT: There is 1 recall on this vehicle. Learn More.

There is 1 recall on this vehicle. Learn More.

Owner Reports

Worse Better

Owner Satisfaction Owner Satisfaction

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

Mercedes-Benz vs. Other New Car Brands

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2004 Midsized SUVs Ratings

2004 Mercedes-Benz M-Class

$4,275 - $4,325

CR MPG:

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

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$3,375 - $4,350

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$3,075 - $3,375

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2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee

$4,175 - $5,075

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2004 Jeep Wrangler

$6,275 - $9,250

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2004 Mercury Mountaineer

$3,425 - $3,750

CR MPG:

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2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor

$3,050 - $3,575

CR MPG:

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2004 Nissan Murano

$3,500 - $3,850

CR MPG:

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2004 Subaru Outback

$3,500 - $5,050

CR MPG:

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2004 Volkswagen Touareg

$3,225 - $4,525

CR MPG:

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See All Midsized SUVs Ratings

Seating

2 front, 3 rear, 2 third

Drive Wheels

4WD

Warranty

Coverage varies among versions of this vehicle

In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

Read more about extended warranties

4-door SUV

5-speed Automatic

3.7-liter V6 (232 hp)
5-liter V8 (288 hp)

Model History

2012-

Current Generation

The 2012 redesign was a significant improvement. The SUV became quick and very refined, in addition to quiet and well finished. Handling is responsive, but steering is a little vague at the ML's cornering limits. Towing capacity is impressive. A turbodiesel V6 is also available, as is a high-performance AMG version. Some controls are improved, but others are still complicated. As of 2015, available safety equipment for all versions include crosswind assist, collision prevention assist, cross-traffic alert, blind-spot detection and lane-keeping assist. The 2016 models got a nomenclature change to GLE.

2006-2011

2006 Redesign Year

The M-Class has a roomy interior with seating for five and lots of cargo room. You could always count on the ML to ride and handle relatively well, but some interior materials were flimsy. The 2006 redesign brought more powerful V6 and V8 engines, a much better interior, and a seven-speed automatic -- one that sometimes hesitated to shift. Controls are confusing. Some drivers consistently mistook the cruise-control lever with the turn-signal stalk. Other ergonomic gripes include dash illumination controls that require reaching through the steering wheel.

1998-2005

1998 Redesign Year

Introduced for 1998, the M-Class is built in Alabama. The initial model was the ML320, powered by a 3.2-liter V6. A V8-powered ML430 debuted for 1999, and a high-performance ML55 was introduced for 2000. The M-Class has a fully independent suspension and a full-time 4WD system. The ML320 we tested in 1998 rode and handled well. It has unusually roomy seating for five and lots of cargo room. Six-cylinder fuel economy is good for a vehicle of this size and weight. The V8s are stronger but thirsty.

Mercedes-Benz M-Class

2004 SUVs Reliability

Crash and Rollover Tests

Crash and Rollover Tests

Mercedes-Benz vs. Other New Car Brands

Owner Reports

Mercedes-Benz vs. Other New Car Brands

Mercedes-Benz vs. Other New Car Brands

Crash and Rollover Tests

2004 Midsized SUVs Ratings