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2005 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Reviews, Ratings, Prices - Consumer Reports

Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Name: 2005 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Brand: Mercedes-Benz

RECALL ALERT: There are 5 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 5 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

RECALL ALERT: There are 5 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 5 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

Reliability Details

Owner Satisfaction Details

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Road Test

Smooth, comfortable, quiet and well equipped, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class provides good overall performance. But it suffers from frustrating ergonomic quirks, including some confusing and cumbersome controls.

2005 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

No Data Available

Crash and Rollover Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

Acceptable

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Crash and Rollover Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

Acceptable

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Mercedes-Benz vs. Other New Car Brands

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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

See How All Brands Stack up

Mercedes-Benz vs. Other New Car Brands

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Crash and Rollover Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

Acceptable

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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2005 Luxury compact cars Ratings

2005 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

$3,650 - $6,950

CR MPG:

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2005 Acura TSX

$5,475 - $5,525

CR MPG:

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2005 Audi A4

$3,225 - $5,775

CR MPG:

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2005 BMW 3 Series

$4,400 - $5,775

CR MPG:

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2005 Infiniti G

$4,850 - $5,625

CR MPG:

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2005 Lexus IS

$ NA

CR MPG:

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2005 Saab 9-3

$3,200 - $4,875

CR MPG:

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2005 Volvo S60

$3,950 - $5,375

CR MPG:

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

See All Luxury compact cars Ratings

Seating

2 front, 3 rear

Drive Wheels

AWD, Rear

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

wagon

sedan

5-speed Automatic
6-speed Manual

1.8-liter 4 supercharged (189 hp)
2.6-liter V6 (168 hp)
3.2-liter V6 (215 hp)
5.5-liter V8 (362 hp)

Model History

2022-

Current Generation

The redesigned C-Class builds on the sportiness of the previous version, with a polished powertrain and honed handling. But the overly-complicated controls and a spongy brake pedal mar what is otherwise a splendid-driving sedan. The C300's punchy, 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder and smooth-shifting 9-speed automatic give plenty of invigorating power anytime you need it. The powertrain benefits from a 48-volt mild-hybrid system that contributes to the car's commendable 29 mpg overall. Handling is sporty thanks to a tightly controlled chassis and sharp steering. The ride is steady and composed, but too stiff with the optional AMG sport suspension. The front seats are comfortable and supportive, and cabin fit and finish is impressive. The infotainment system is still distracting, and some new capacitive-touch controls add further frustrations. AEB with pedestrian and cyclist detection and BSW are standard. It's disappointing that reverse automatic emergency braking, and LDW are only optional.

2015-2021

2015 Redesign Year

This version of the Mercedes C-Class scored near the top of the compact sport sedan segment. Newcomers to the marque will appreciate the C300's comfort, quiet, agility and overall excellence. Buying used, we'd look for one with a rear camera, blind-spot assist and heated seats. Another desirable feature is the panoramic sunroof. The Multimedia package includes a larger center screen and navigation system, but opting for a car with the Garmin accessory navigation upgrade and the standard screen gives you an easier-to-use interface. It also allows you to skip the Premium package, which gets really pricey for LED headlights and an upgraded audio system. A broad array of the latest driver assistance technology is offered as standard equipment, including collision prevention.

2008-2014

2008 Redesign Year

The 2008 redesign made the rear seat a bit bigger, but the cabin remained snug. The 3.0-liter V6 provides strong performance and decent fuel economy in our tests. The C remains fun to drive, but the ride can be choppy with the sport suspension and the steering is overly light. We liked the improvements made to the C-Class when we tested a 2012 C250 with the smooth turbo four-cylinder. The Luxury trimmed car had a steady ride and agile handling, with comfortable front seats. Meanwhile, the Sport had even more cornering grip, but a stiffer ride. While better than those on most Mercedes models, some controls remain somewhat logical.

2001-2007

2001 Redesign Year

Just about every C-Class we've ever tested has been smooth, quick, quiet, and comfortable. Dynamic characteristics include agile handling, along with excellent steering and brakes. You can also usually count on a quiet and supple ride, as well as firm but very comfortable front seats. However, our 2001 model also demonstrated frustrating ergonomic quirks, including confusing and cumbersome controls. The audio and climate systems, for instance, are confusing (although audio switches on the steering wheel help). It's also easy to hit the cruise-control lever when you reach for the turn-signal lever.

1994-2000

1994 Redesign Year

The C-Class is Mercedes-Benz's entry-level car. It handles responsively and has a supple, quiet ride. The firm front seats are very comfortable. Early models were available with a choice of a supercharged four-cylinder, two V6s, or in 1998 and 1999, a powerful V8 in the C43 AMG.