2002 Mercedes-Benz G-Class Review
Price Estimate: $2,298 - $3,709

Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Go-anywhere capability, luxurious cabin.
Cons
- Confusing audio and navigation controls, some may view the design as dated.
What’s new
This vehicle is officially new to the U.S. market, though its basic design dates back over 20 years.
Edmunds says
Those who require their sport-ute to be as rugged as it is luxurious will want to consider this classic yet eminently capable Benz.
For sale near Columbus, OH
14 listings
- 184,514 miles
- 1 accident, 7 owners, personal use only
- 8cyl automatic
- CarNation LLC (337 mi away)
- AWD/4WD
- Heated seats
- Navigation
- Leather Seats
- Sunroof/Moonroof
Close
Located in Richmond, VA
This Mercedes-Benz G500 G63 AMG Brabus is ready to roll today and is the perfect car for you. We have confirmed that the previous owner was not a smok...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: No
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
12 Combined MPG (11 City/13 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: WDCYR49E92X133486
Stock: XB133486-G63-AMG
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 11-16-2023- 42,242 miles
- No accidents, 9 owners, personal use only
- 8cyl automatic
- Kelly Motorcars (399 mi away)
- AWD/4WD
- Heated seats
- Navigation
- Leather Seats
- Sunroof/Moonroof
Close
Located in Hatfield, PA
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
12 Combined MPG (11 City/13 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: WDCYR49E02X131125
Stock: 1125
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 04-05-2024
Vehicle overview
Finally! Over 20 years after its introduction in Europe, the Mercedes-Benz Gelaendewagen comes to America. Translated, Gelaendewagen (ga-lin-di-va-gon) means "tough terrain vehicle." Those familiar with this rig usually call it by its nickname, G-wagen.
Born out of a joint venture in 1979 between Mercedes-Benz and two other companies, Steyr and Puch of Austria, the Steyr-Daimler-Puch G-wagen was (and is) virtually hand-built in Austria and was first and foremost a heavy-duty off-road vehicle favored by various military groups and safari zealots. Usually propelled by a diesel engine, the G-wagen was not luxurious by any stretch, but developed a reputation for being able to get through most anything, no matter how treacherous or steep the terrain.
As the years went on, G-wagens were brought into the States via the gray market, that is, by companies that brought European-spec vehicles over to the States and modified them to meet our government's safety and emissions standards. But this year marks the first time the vehicle is officially imported into the U.S.
To cater to spoiled American tastes, Mercedes-Benz brings over the premium version of the G, the G500, in a four-door hardtop body style. Every luxury feature that any sane person could possibly desire is standard in the G500. A navigation system, heated seats front and rear, a nine-speaker audio system with six-disc CD changer, power everything, sunroof and enough leather and wood to make one think that they're sitting in an S-Class sedan all come standard. Unfortunately, the stereo and navigation systems are operated via Mercedes' confusing all-in-one "COMAND" interface. Of course, as with all Mercedes vehicles, there is the option of a fully integrated hands-free cell phone that can be worked via voice commands.
Built on a 112.2-inch wheelbase, the G500 is so called because of its 5.0-liter gasoline V8 engine that pumps out 292 horsepower and 336 pound-feet of torque. Peak torque arrives before 3,000 rpm, promising brisk acceleration and stout off-road grunt. Using two spark plugs and three valves per cylinder, the V8 operates cleanly, allowing it to meet even California's strict emissions require-ments. A five-speed automatic gearbox with Touch Shift automanual control transfers the power to all four wheels.
Other vital stats for the G500 include rigid axles front and rear (preferred for heavy-duty use, as they are stronger than independent designs), suspension by coil springs and gas shocks at each wheel, four-wheel disc brakes with ABS and 18-inch alloy wheels wearing meaty 265/60R18 rubber. Towing capacity is rated at 7000 pounds.
Greatly aiding the G-wagen's off-road capability are aggressive approach and departure angles (of 36 and 27 degrees, respectively), a low range that can be selected on the fly (up to 15 mph) and locking differentials for the front axle, center differential and rear axle. The triple locking differentials are unique and are meant for extreme off-road conditions. Switching on all three diff locks is done simply via three push buttons on the dash.
On the blacktop, the G500 is surprisingly civilized. With the V8 working in tandem with the smooth and alert automatic gearbox, brisk acceleration is available whether it be from a stop or when swift passing response is needed. Strong and linear braking performance is at the ready to quickly bring the massive G to a halt. In the curves, it's no sport sedan, but neither is there excessive body roll. And in spite of the primitive live-axle setup fore and aft, the ride is compliant over broken pavement.
Priced at around $73,000, the G500 competes at the upper echelon of luxury SUVs that includes rigs such as the Range Rover 4.6 HSE and Lexus LX 470.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2002 Mercedes-Benz G-Class G500 4WD 4dr SUV (5.0L 8cyl 5A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.08 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$429/mo for G-Class G500
G-Class G500
vs
$176/mo
Avg. Midsize SUV
See Edmunds pricing data
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Mercedes-Benz G-Class Reviews
Owner Reviews
5(72%)
4(15%)
3(8%)
2(2%)
1(3%)
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
A Tank
5 out of 5 starsmangliyo, 11/18/2011
2002 Mercedes-Benz G-Class G500 4WD 4dr SUV (5.0L 8cyl 5A)
No Question, this vehicle is not for everybody. It's rough, strong, and at the same time a beautiful piece of art. Even though MPG is very low that doesn't keep me from driving it daily.
LOVE LOVE LOVE OUR G
5 out of 5 starsGreg Smith, 03/03/2016
2002 Mercedes-Benz G-Class G500 4WD 4dr SUV (5.0L 8cyl 5A)
We love our G-wagen. They stay classic and hold their value like no other vehicle. Our 2002 looks almost exactly like the brand new ones. It drives fantastic and our mechanical costs have been quite minimal considering it has over 170,000 miles. Please, repairs for this vehicle are pretty straight forward and therefore labor costs stay low. We love the heated rear seats and the huge … cargo area. We couldn't ask for a safer vehicle for our family. We get so many compliments every time we drive it and people are constantly asking us if they can look at the inside. We plan on keeping our G500 forever and just fixing it as we need to. There's not another car out there that we like better. There are several G-wagen owner websites and they all say the same thing- these are the coolest and best SUVs out there and are timeless classics!
excellent vehicle
5 out of 5 starsfhgfj ghckhjyk, 03/02/2002
2002 Mercedes-Benz G-Class G500 4WD 4dr SUV (5.0L 8cyl 5A)
this is the best car ever. period.
Heavy Duty Fagility
3.63 out of 5 starsDevon, 11/19/2002
2002 Mercedes-Benz G-Class G500 4WD 4dr SUV (5.0L 8cyl 5A)
The G500 is a great eye catcher and off-
road performer. The materials and and
weight are reminiscent of the Mercedes
of yesteryear. When you close the
door... it CLOSES. All the major
problems come from the advanced
electronic systems. Seems as though
Mercedes rushed it into production
before bringing it to the States. It'll
be better in 2003 or 2004, hopefully.
2002 G-Class Highlights
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $72,500 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 12 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $429/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 45.2 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | four wheel drive |
Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the G-Class include:
- Alarm
- Stability Control
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