One-Year Tests - 2001 Montero, PT Cruiser, S500
2001 Mercedes-Benz S500 SportOur Sport Package-equipped Mercedes S500 continues to impress us as one of the world's best luxury sedans. Big Benz delivers impressive handling with a minimum of body roll, yet serves up a soothing ride with no harshness. It has tons of room front and rear, yet doesn't feel like a parade float. We've grown accustomed to the somewhat cumbersome HVAC and audio-system controls, and the seats continue to coddle: super comfortable and supportive, heating and cooling functions, and door-mounted pictogram switches that make them a snap to adjust. Perfect for 700-mile travel days. As is typical with a Mercedes, performance continues to improve as time goes on; these engines aren't fully broken in until at least 5000 miles, and it'll deliver better than 20 mpg if driven moderately. We've had a couple bulbs go out: the brake-light warning indicator in the dash and one of the rear running lights. Both were replaced under warranty. Otherwise, we're waiting for the computer to tell us when service is required.
Logbook Quote"What an amazing alchemy of luxury and performance."-C. Van Tune
| Base price | $78,950 |
| Price as tested | $91,945 |
| Vehicle layout | Front engine, RWD,
4-door, 5-pass |
| Engine | 5.0L V-8, SOHC,
3 valves/cyl |
| Hp @ rpm | 302 @ 5550 |
| Torque @ rpm | 339 @ 3000 |
| Transmission | 5-speed automatic |
| 0-60 mph, sec | 6.5 |
| EPA mpg | 16 city/23 highway |
| Total mileage | 8407 |
| Avg test mpg. | 18.8 |
| Problem areas | Blown bulbs |
| Non-warr cost | $0 |