Used 2007 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

The C-Class offers young drivers a way to join the exclusive Mercedes-Benz family without spending an arm and a leg. Although priced slightly higher than similarly equipped models from Audi, Infiniti, Saab, Cadillac and Lexus, the C-Class can certainly match these vehicles in the areas of luxury, performance and value. The availability of a slick-shifting six-speed manual with the C230 and C350 Sport trims is a must for the driving enthusiast and is offered as a no-charge alternative to the seven-speed automatic. Those not concerned by such matters will find much to like in the C-Class, including a number of desirable features such as the 4MATIC all-wheel drive and a new Flex-Fuel V6 capable of running on E85 or gasoline.

The top-of-the-line C350 definitely feels tighter and more in touch with the road than most of its luxury counterparts. Yes, the ride is a bit firm and can even be rough over broken pavement and untended expansion joints, but it’s a small price to pay for the benefits a taut suspension yields.

The C350’s six-speed manual is a vast improvement over previous Mercedes-Benz manuals, with much tighter gates facilitating shorter shifts. The 3.5-liter V6 engine is an absolute dream. It responds willingly to the slightest throttle input, calling upon its ample low-end torque to shoot you across busy intersections or to overtake slower-moving traffic.

Inside you’ll find a comfortable set of sport bucket seats complete with fore and aft adjustable headrest and controls for the seat-bottom angle and seat height adjustment. From the driver’s seat, you’ll find a logically appointed instrument panel, devoid of overly complicated touch-screen menus and confusing switchgear. The instrument cluster features a digital trip computer neatly tucked between the speedometer and tachometer. Steering wheel-mounted controls regulate the audio and information screens.

The C-Class is a Mercedes-Benz product through and through. With overtones of E- and S-Class clearly visible in the design, the C-Class fits right into the Mercedes family and should more than satisfy any entry-level buyer. The Sport models offer a more distinct look than their Luxury counterparts, with sporty six-spoke alloy wheels and numerous details borrowed from Mercedes-Benz’s AMG performance division.

Panoramic Glass Sunroof
The C-Class’s panoramic glass sunroof covers the entire interior and includes an electric sunshade for both the front and rear panels.

Quality Interior
The C230, C280 and C350 models offer a Mercedes-quality interior at a surprisingly affordable price.

The C230 Sport features a six-speed manual transmission, dual-zone automatic air conditioning, four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes (ABS), front and rear fog lights, dual heated power mirrors with turn signals, AM/FM/CD stereo, front and rear side-impact and head-curtain airbags, stability control, cruise control, sport suspension, 17-inch alloy wheels and heated windshield wipers. The C280 and C350 Luxury models add more powerful V6 engines, 16-inch wheels and more standard equipment plus the choice of rear-wheel or all-wheel drive.

Popular C-Class options, which are typically grouped into packages, include a panoramic glass sunroof, rain-sensing wipers, in-dash six-disc CD changer, audio upgrades, COMAND navigation system, heated front seats and a power rear sunshade.

The C230’s new 2.5-liter powerplant is a definite improvement over the old supercharged four-cylinder and its Flex-Fuel versatility makes it ideal for areas that supply E85. The more powerful V6s found in the C280 and C350 suit this car’s image, but buyers will pay a price, first at the dealership and then at the gas pump.

2.5-liter V6
201 horsepower @ 6200 rpm
181 lb.-ft. of torque @ 2700-5000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 14/18 (E85), 19/25 (Gasoline)

3.0-liter V6
228 horsepower @ 6000 rpm
221 lb.-ft. of torque @ 2700-5000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 22/28 (RWD), 19/26 (AWD),

3.5-liter V6
268 horsepower @ 6000 rpm
258 lb.-ft. of torque @ 2400-5000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 20/28 (RWD manual), 20/29 (RWD automatic), 19/24 (AWD automatic)

Our Expert Ratings come from hours of both driving and number crunching to make sure that you choose the best car for you. We comprehensively experience and analyze every new SUV, car, truck, or minivan for sale in the U.S. and compare it to its competitors. When all that dust settles, we have our ratings.

We require new ratings every time an all-new vehicle or a new generation of an existing vehicle comes out. Additionally, we reassess those ratings when a new-generation vehicle receives a mid-cycle refresh — basically, sprucing up a car in the middle of its product cycle (typically, around the 2-3 years mark) with a minor facelift, often with updates to features and technology.

Rather than pulling random numbers out of the air or off some meaningless checklist, KBB’s editors rank a vehicle to where it belongs in its class. Before any car earns its KBB rating, it must prove itself to be better (or worse) than the other cars it’s competing against as it tries to get you to spend your money buying or leasing.

Our editors drive and live with a given vehicle. We ask all the right questions about the interior, the exterior, the engine and powertrain, the ride and handling, the features, the comfort, and of course, about the price. Does it serve the purpose for which it was built? (Whether that purpose is commuting efficiently to and from work in the city, keeping your family safe, making you feel like you’ve made it to the top — or that you’re on your way — or making you feel like you’ve finally found just the right partner for your lifestyle.)

We take each vehicle we test through the mundane — parking, lane-changing, backing up, cargo space and loading — as well as the essential — acceleration, braking, handling, interior quiet and comfort, build quality, materials quality, reliability.