2001 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Review
Price Estimate: $900 - $1,459





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Mercedes-Benz S-Class model years
Mercedes-Benz S-Class types
- Sedan
- S55 AMG
Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Stylish exterior design, spacious interior, nimble demeanor, powerful engine offerings, high-tech features.
Cons
- Complicated COMAND system, some cheap-feeling interior bits, BMW 7 Series is more fun to drive.
What’s new
One new model debuts this year with the S600. The S600 gets a powerful 12-cylinder engine along with standard Active Body Control and Internet access to keep up with life in the techno-savvy 21st century.
Edmunds says
Fast, luxurious and technically advanced, the S-Class should continue to be a favorite of movers and shakers.
For sale nearby
16 listings
- 82,650 miles
- No accidents, 2 owners, personal use only
- 16 City / 23 Hwy MPG
- AJ's Motors (342 mi away)
- Navigation
- Leather Seats
- Sunroof/Moonroof
- Power Driver Seat
- Multi-Zone Climate C...
Close
Located in Omaha, NE
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:
18 Combined MPG (16 City/23 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: WDBNG70J91A188224
Stock: 188224
Certified Pre-Owned: No- 87,632 miles
- No accidents, 3 owners, corporate fleet vehicle
- 14 City / 20 Hwy MPG
- Car Connect (1,149 mi away)
- Navigation
- Leather Seats
- Sunroof/Moonroof
- Upgraded Headlights
- Power Driver Seat
Close
Located in Stafford, VA
All Car Connect Vehicles Come With A Complementary 3 Month/3,000 Mile Powertrain Warranty, Great Upfront Pricing, Passed VA Inspection, A Free History...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: No
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:
17 Combined MPG (14 City/20 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: WDBNG73J11A194160
Stock: CC4160
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 08-04-2024
Vehicle overview
Large Mercedes sedans have always been sought-after by the elite. They scream success, are engineered to be driven hard and make a powerful statement about the owner's financial security. The current S-Class projects confidence, prestige and good taste. For 2001, Mercedes bumps performance and amenities in the 12-cylinder-equipped S600 and offers the sporty S55.
Sporting a coupe-like profile and a traditional oval-headlight face, the 2001 S-Class looks lean and sleek while weighing nearly 500 pounds less than the previous-generation model. Careful attention to interior packaging gives the current version a roomy cabin and a large 15.4 cubic foot trunk.
Four models are available: the 275-horspower S430, which comes with a 4.3-liter V8 engine, the 302-horsepower S500, which boasts a 5.0-liter V8 under the hood, the new-for-2001 S55 with a 5.5-liter V8 and 354 horsepower, and the newly introduced S600, sporting a 362-horsepower V12.
All models are suited up with a fully independent four-link front and five-link rear suspension, ABS and brake assist (which reduces braking distance in panic stops), Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and BabySmart child-seat protection. Eight airbags are standard, including two head-protection curtain airbags and a passenger airbag that deploys with partial or full force, depending on the car's speed at impact. Active Body Control (ABC), which debuted on the 2000 CL500, is standard on the 2001 S600 and S55 (S430 and S500 buyers can get it as an option).
Also standard on the S-Class is the controversial COMAND (Cockpit Management And Data) system, which can be directed by voice commands, steering-wheel controls or buttons near the display screen. The system controls the navigation program, hands-free cellular phone and stereo/CD controls. Another advanced feature is Mercedes' TeleAid function, which puts a driver in touch with a Protection One representative for help in emergencies, roadside assistance or general information. A smart cruise control system, called Distronic, utilizes radar sensors to keep the car at a specified distance from the car in front of it. When the car you are following slows down, the S-Class automatically cuts power and can even apply up to 20 percent maximum braking to maintain the specific distances you have set. Distronic is standard on the S600 and is optional on V8 models.
Serious performance buffs will want to check out the S55 from Mercedes-Benz tuner AMG. Non-S55 buyers can still add some sport to their S-Class by ordering the S-Class Sport package, which includes an aggressive body kit with an AMG-designed front spoiler, sculpted rocker panels and a new rear apron. AMG Monoblock 18-inch alloy wheels are also part of the package.
Other S-Class features include a Bose Beta sound system, five-speed automatic transmission, optional ventilated seats that circulate air through the cushion, and, new this year, Internet access for e-mail junkies on the go.
Feature- and luxury-laden, the S-Class makes for an attractive executive conveyance.
Cost to Drive
Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota
$255/mo for S-Class S430
S-Class S430
vs
$194/mo
Avg. Large Car
See Edmunds pricing data
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Mercedes-Benz S-Class Owner Reviews
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
Beware of Dealers
3.5 out of 5 starsjgbecker, 02/09/2011
2001 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S500 4dr Sedan (5.0L 8cyl 5A)
I bought my 2001 S500 with 8,000 miles back in 2004, and it presently has 110,000 miles on it. I have been generally happy with the vehicle. My worst experience in owning this vehicle is having to deal with Mercedes Benz Dealers/Dealerships/Service Departments. Once your Mercedes warranty runs out, the
service departments at Mercedes dealers are forever trying to recommend unnecessary … repairs to the vehicle. The dealers are constantly looking to fabricate repairs to bill to the extended warranty company. Most, if not all of these repairs are unnecessary. The Mercedes dealers make the ownership experience miserable. Stay away from them and you'll do fine.
Super automobile
4.88 out of 5 starsbillyq, 09/07/2012
2001 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S500 4dr Sedan (5.0L 8cyl 5A)
I have owned my car since 2003, it currently has 212,000 mile runs as new, everything works. Maintenance is a must- after warranty never never take to a MB dealer - find an independant shop that work on MB's. The car drives better than the new S550, just missing the technology of the newer car, but rides and handles much better. take care of the car and it will take care of you in … comfort.
No other car compares....
5 out of 5 starsadrockj, 08/08/2011
2001 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S500 4dr Sedan (5.0L 8cyl 5A)
i purchased my 2001 s500 with 86K miles on it for $12K. i now have 188K miles and it still drives like new. i am still amazed that people still bring their cars to the dealership for repairs??!! ANY vw mechanic can work on your benz. it is not rocket science. i needed to have my water pump replaced and it cost me $500.00 out the door including parts and labor. other than that, i just … bring it to jiffy lube for the fluids and oil changes. this car has cost less in repairs than any other car i have owned and gets about 20 mpg.
2001 S500
4.63 out of 5 starsSWilliams, 02/09/2009
2001 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S500 4dr Sedan (5.0L 8cyl 5A)
I purchased this vehicle used in October of 08. So far, it has been expensive to maintain but it has been well worth it. This is truly an outstanding car. I've owned Porsche, Lexus, Audi, Infiniti and this is by far the best. The ride quality is superb and it doesn't compromise handling. The car is eerily quiet even at 90+ mph. The navigation system works well, but it only has major … roads mapped in smaller towns or suburbs. I also really wish the CD player was in the dash. This car's size and countless safety features make you feel very secure. The command system takes some getting used to but isn't overly complicated. The interior is huge and very comfortable.
2001 S-Class Highlights
Sedan
S430
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $70,800 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 18 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $255/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the S-Class include:
- Alarm
- Stability Control
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintGood
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