Owners give this generation Mercedes-Benz E-Class (1996-2002) a 4.5 out of 5 rating, which is higher than most, and 90% recommend it. These figures are based on 538 consumer reviews, like these:
What Owners are Saying About the 1997 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
"Awesome Car: Most dependable"
"This Mercedes still is an eye catcher today. Incredibly comfortable on long trips. So solid, so safe and So dependable. Bullet proof engine."
"So much fun. So reliable. A classic!"
"Totally worth the money. We are hard on cars and our Mercedes E320 is lasting through all the wear and tear. The repair cost vs the mileage is remarkable. Our air is out and not worth fixing, but I would drive cross country on a cool day in a minute... No worries! I expect it to work past 300,000 miles just keep up with oil changes."
"Classy old friend"
"Bought at 19 years old - 1 owner - 62k on the clock. Have driven it daily for 2 years (admittedly not the best in the snow) and have just garaged her. No more winters!!! Highly reliable, stately, easy to drive and great on gas. I plan to keep this car “forever” now it’s no longer my daily driver. If you’re looking for a strong, capable, classy car for not much money, consider it. Any old car needs stuff (I’ve done steering rack, ac compressor, battery, etc) but the materials, fit and finish are better than most new cars. Get one or give one. But only if it will be appreciated!"
Overall 1997 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Quality
User sentiment suggests the overall quality of the 1997 Mercedes-Benz E-Class is above average for its class. Owners rated the 1997 Mercedes-Benz E-Class quality a 4.6 out of 5.
1997 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Reliability
The 1997 Mercedes-Benz E-Class receives an average consumer rating of 4.5 overall and a 4.6 for reliability, which means owners consider its reliability to be above average.
Favorite 1997 E-Class Features
According to drivers of the 1997 E-Class, here are some of its best features:
1997 E-Class E 320 Sedan 4D - city 18 MPG - hwy 25 MPG
1997 E-Class E 300D Sedan 4D - city 23 MPG - hwy 30 MPG
1997 E-Class E 420 Sedan 4D - city 16 MPG - hwy 23 MPG
1997 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Safety Features
Get 3.99% for 36 months on a new 2026 E 450 4MATIC Wagon.
Lease a new 2026 EQE 320 4MATIC SUV for $889 a month for 36 months with $6,503 due at signing.
Login or create a new account to see your vehicle depreciation forecast data.
Year | Vehicle Depreciation* | Resale Value | Trade-In Value | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2021 | - | $2,112 | $1,022 | ||
2022 | $169 | $1,943 | $690 | ||
2023 | $32 | $1,911 | $646 | ||
2024 | $13 | $1,898 | $718 |
Unlock Forecast
2-Year Forecasted Depreciation
*Depreciation for the last 12 months of the private party resale value.
Annual Depreciation is an estimation of what your vehicle's value might be over time based on an average of similar vehicles. Estimations are calculated by comparing Kelley Blue Book Private Party Values of vehicles similar to yours over time, as well as forecasts from Manheim Auction data comparing current and projected auction values against current Kelley Blue Book Private Party and Trade-In Values. This is not a guarantee of actual depreciation. Local weather conditions, market factors and driver performance will also impact your vehicle's actual depreciation.
Already Own This Car?
Curb Weight | 3605 lbs. | ||
|---|---|---|---|
EPA Passenger | 95.0 cu.ft. | ||
Fuel Capacity | 21.1 gallons | ||
Front Head Room | 37.6 inches | ||
Front Leg Room | 41.3 inches | ||
Max Seating Capacity | 5 | ||
Minimum Ground Clearance | 5.6 inches | ||
Overall Length | 189.4 inches | ||
Front Shoulder Room | 56.3 inches | ||
Trunk or Cargo Capacity | 15.3 cu.ft. | ||
Turning Diameter | 37.1 feet | ||
Wheel Base | 111.5 inches | ||
Width with mirrors | 70.8 inches |
Alloy Wheels | Available | ||
|---|---|---|---|
Moon Roof/Sun Roof | Available | ||
Number of Doors | 4 doors | ||
Rear Spoiler | Available |
City | 18 mpg | ||
|---|---|---|---|
Highway | 25 mpg | ||
Combined | 21 mpg |
Drivetrain | RWD | ||
|---|---|---|---|
Transmission Type | Automatic |
Horsepower | 217 @ 5500 RPM | ||
|---|---|---|---|
Torque | 232 @ 3850 rpm | ||
Engine | 6-Cyl, 3.2 Liter | ||
0 to 60 | 7.7 seconds | ||
Top Speed | 130 mph |
Basic | 4 years / 50000 miles | ||
|---|---|---|---|
Powertrain | 4 years / 50000 miles |
![]() Used 1997 Mercedes-Benz E-Class | ![]() New 2025 Audi RS 3 | ![]() New 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 6 | ![]() New 2026 Porsche Panamera | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | N/A | N/A | $39,095 | N/A | |
| KBB.com Rating | N/A | 4.6 | 4.6 | 4.5 | |
| Consumer Rating | 4.5 | 5.0 | 4.0 | N/A | |
| Fuel Economy | City 18/Hwy 25/Comb 21 MPG | City 20/Hwy 29/Comb 23 MPG | City 151/Hwy 120/Comb 135 MPGe | N/A | |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Electric | Gas | |
5 Year Cost To Own 5-Year Cost to Own includes out of pocket expenses like fuel and insurance, plus the car’s loss in value over time (depreciation). | N/A | N/A | $56,928 | N/A | |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | |
| Basic Warranty | 4 years or 50000 miles | 4 years or 50000 miles | 5 years or 60000 miles | 4 years or 50000 miles | |
| Horsepower | 217 @ 5500 RPM | 401 @ 6500 RPM | 149 HP | 348 @ 5400 RPM | |
| Engine | 6-Cyl, 3.2 Liter | 5-Cyl, Turbo, 2.5 Liter | Electric Motor | V6, Twin Turbo, 2.9 Liter | |
| Drivetrain | RWD | AWD | RWD | RWD |
In a week of testing, the 2025 Mercedes-Benz E 450 4Matic All-Terrain proves to be a near-perfect car in cargo short guise.
The iconic Mercedes E-Class sedan has seen a significant update for 2024, but it comes with a significant price boost.…
The classic station wagon is an endangered species in America; its natural habitat is mostly taken over by taller SUVs.…