The Mercedes ML 430's power packs a punch. While its interior gives it such elegance. The navigation is a plus, the timeport phone holder was a plus, and the safety ratings were also a big plus.

There isn't that much. I would have liked firmer turning and I got it by chaging the suspension software.

I would recommend this SUV for its luxury, performance and overall price value in comparison to the other SUV's on the market.

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I have been in the RX 300, BMW X5 4.4, Jeep Grand Cherokee and they all do not size up in value nor in strength. The BMW X5 doesn't have that as luxury items as the ML and was too too much for the price I paid for the ML.

Very smooth, torquey and race-car sounding 24V- V8 engine. Strong brakes, EPS system works flawlessly. ML 430 wheel design is very nice, so are the body colour mirrors and bumpers. 5-Speed auto gearbox is excellent, superb kickdown response. Drives like a car! Very good value for money...the ML 430 is thousands of $$ less than the E 320 4 Matic, for example.

Sound system (even with the standard Bose system) sounds cheap, lacks features. Cheap climate control. Very cheap feeling plastics used, particularly the door panels. Terrible, user-unfriendly cupholders, which, being a german car enthusiast, shouldn't be in a car in the first place. Head and fog lights not very effective. Cruise control system dates back to the 1970's!!!! No memory driver seat. Even my VW Jetta GLX has this feature, and it costs half the price.

The 2000 year model has a much upgraded interior - which was the only major drawback of this vehicle.

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Jeep Grand Cherokee V8 Ltd
BMW X 5 4.4i - it's a better vehicle, but overpriced.
ML 55 AMG - again, better car, but $$$$.

Handles great. Fantastic on snow and ice. Feels like a Mercedes. Great front seats. Sound system is top notch (BOSE)

Chincy interior. Back seat for children only. Lack of creature features. Absolutley horrific experience with the MB dealership - poor service - no response from MB.

Buy this vehicle if you do alot of winter driving and do not carry alot of cargo or passengers.

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None

I'm a big guy (6'3"). I place a big premium on comfort. This is the only SUV that I can truly get comfortable in. I've driven the RX300, Pathfinder, 4runner and none provide as much seating room. The only other mid sized SUV that I had enough leg room in was the BMW X5, but no way I'm shelling out that much! I also considered Full Size (Expedition/Yukon) but these drive more like a boat than a car.
Didn't drive the 430 because the 320 gave more than adequate acceleration. This is a completely different drive when you pop it into the gear selector. Dropping down to 2nd from 3rd is like putting on the after burners.
The Ml320 offers a great ride: it has low interior noise even at high speeds and soaks up the bumps. I would say it is not quite as quiet as the RX300.
Other strengths are great firm seats, huge moon roof, plenty of room in the back. I have ridden in the back and it was very comfortable.

The back end is plain ugly (a small concession given the rest of this truck is pure muscle bound handsom)
I'm 50/50 on the wierd cruise control which is like using a turn signal.
For a vehicle costing this much there should be a whole host of steering wheel controls (cruise/radio etc)The ML offers no such ammenities.

Only had it a few weeks, but I enjoy driving it more every day.I have read several commercial reviews which are quick to mention the last model's poor reliability. I hope that this will not become a problem. There is comfort in that MB offers free scheduled mantainance for the first 3 years and all repairs are covered.

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See above

-Good acceleration and handling
-excellent highway car especially at high speeds
-low wind noise in cabin
-good hauler, lots of space for cargo in back

-rear seats difficult to put down for additional cargo space.
-front wheels need constant cleaning from brake dust
-fuel guage/trip computer doesn't always register correct amount.
-uses premium gas, now about $60 (Cdn) to fill
-rear window glass doesnt open independantly

-My vehicle experienced some quality problems early on such as:
Oil (gasket) leak, rear latch rattle, CD changer wouldn't work, and rusty wheel bolts. Although an inconvenience, the dealer rectified all of these issues at no cost and to my satisfaction. To this date I have not had to pay for any service work to the car, other than an oil change which I insisted on prior to the FFS (flexible Service System) recommended interval. I've now started noticing a clicking noise when braking, and the fuel guage's accuracy is in question. Time to book a service appointment.
Overall, I would highly recommend this vehicle, and I understand that quality has improved since the 199 model year.

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94 Ford Explorer XLT
99 Jeep Grand Cherokee
-No comparison to either. Previous vehicles felt/sounded/performed like
trucks. ML has the cargo and people carrying capacity, and off road ability of other SUV's but it's car like ride and handling is much more enjoyable and satisfying.

Feels solid, pretty good power, good room, good SUV abilities

Looks! the more I look at it the more it looks like a minivan. I wanted to go with the X5 and in hindsight I should have. When you spend 80% of the price to get what you want you might as well get the better product and spend the last 20%. I'm going to get rid of it and get what I wanted!

I can't recommend stopping short by 20% and excepting so much less.

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Lexus - both models and the X5.

Excellent engine, upgraded interior from '99.
Excellent navigation unit once I learned how to use it.
3rd seat option, great for kids!!!

Cup holders, located right in front of the vent. Hard to find
cups that fit.
Phone WAY too expensive... Nice feature with the Command Module, however
make sure you get the latest StarTach, first one's had problems.

I would recommend a ML430. Not sure about the 320 seemed a little
under powered.

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Jeep
Lexus RX300

The 430 looks and drives rock solid and is quick and comfortable. I look forward to driving it. It is the most comfortable car for my wife so far on long rides and she enjoys driving it too. The 430 has a towing capability that is as good or better than our last V8 SUV. The braking is excellent. I like the 430's real wide and low profile tires, its feel of the road. The insurance industry's highest safety rating for frontal offset crash protection is reassuring--even my passengers have side airbags. When the back seat is down, I can lay a bicycle down flat in the cargo area without its front or back wheels touching.

The wide tires throw guck on the ML's sides, however, factory installed mud guards took care of mess 100%, and the 430 looks great with guards ... the 430 should come with guards and adjustable steering as standard equipment.

I would recommend the ML for an excellent combination good driving for work or vacation and towing-- try to beat $3K under MSRP

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'90 Cherokee I-6 & '99 JGC V8

Great ride.... very smooth and extremely comfortable seats with room. Braking and acceleration is exceptional. The ETS (traction control) system makes this SUV really stand out from others in terms of handling. CD changer compartment is good.

Clumsy Driving console - the cruise control lever is right over the turning signal lever. Easily to get confused when switching from lever to lever. CD track knob seems weak and not sturdy. The LCD console seems a bit fragile for a SUV capable of off-road handling( especially opening of the cassette compartment). The audio is good - a bit european in terms of sound but the speaker placement really sucks. The speakers should of been raised to more of an ear level instead of at the door panel to improve the overall sound quality. Sounds are tweaky in the passenger seats. The arm rest feels like a thin fold up chair cushion - very cheap.

This is my first Mercedes so I didn't really know what to expect in terms of amenities but it would have beem nice to have exceptional interior appointnments as seen with BMW's. Like express window roll up using the key in the door sunroof express roll up.. dual auto climate control. That heavy solid sturdy european drive and feel. standard trip console etc. Having said all of this I would still recommend this SUV to anyone looking.
The greatest assets to this SUV are depreciation value, ride and handling quality..... and the fact that it is a Mercedes Benz! The rating of 5 is in relative terms based on it being the best in which the SUV market has to offer. If I had ot rate this compared to my ideal SUV it would definetly be a 3.5.

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BMW 525i. The ML build quality seems more american than European - not the sturdiness I'm use to found in european cars.

Great looking vehicle, great colour packages. Best ride of any SUV or North American car. Lots of power. This is my second Mercedes Benz and there is no auto maker even close to making a vehicle in any Benz class.

Unsure as of yet. I do agree that maybe the coffee holders are cheep looking but they will hold a pop can or coffee cup. Some are commenting on the hard seats, If you have back problems these seats are for you having tons of support. Have heard people state because the ML is built in the USA as opposed to Germany, the same touch will not go into the vehicle, I have yet to see that.

Paid $63,000 in Canada. If you are an SUV lover this is the one for you. Spend the extra money to get the best !

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Nothing on the market. Road & Sport called ML series "the best SUV's period". The BMW X-5 has a great engine but is a car under a nice body. Lacks the balls of many SUV's. Same with Navagator.