What's New for the 2004 Mercedes-Benz C-Class?
Sport coupe and sport sedan versions of the 2004 Mercedes-Benz C-Class are significantly updated this year. On the outside, C-Class sport sedans receive new 17-inch alloy wheels; four-piston front brakes with cross-drilled rotors; a modified exhaust note with polished outlet tip; and a stiffer, lowered sport suspension as standard equipment. Inside, there’s a new three-spoke steering wheel, stainless steel pedals with rubber studs, and a new short-throw six-speed manual transmission for a sportier feel and reduced travel between gears. Sport coupes receive redesigned 17-inch alloy wheels, a larger chrome exhaust tip, body-colored door handles, leather shift knob and patterned aluminum doorsills. Like the sport sedan, the C-Class sport coupe has a three-spoke steering wheel and rubber-studded aluminum pedals. Standard Mercedes-Benz C-Class models equipped with the 4Matic all-wheel drive system include heated seats for 2004, resulting in a steep discount from last year.

Advantages of the 2004 Mercedes-Benz C-Class:

• Low entry price expands Mercedes ownership to the middle class
• Germanic ride and handling
• Available all-wheel-drive
• Wide variety of models from which to choose

Objections to the 2004 Mercedes-Benz C-Class:

• Prices can climb to dizzying heights with options
• Noticeably cheap interior trim pieces
• Small back seat
• Not as luxurious as the Audi A4
• Not as athletic as the BMW 3-Series
• Not as refined as the Acura TL
• Not as comfortable as the Lexus ES 330

Editor's Advice:
Looking for a foothold from which to achieve Mercedes-Benz ownership? Here we have the C-Class, the baby Benz by which you can proudly display the three-pointed star on your key fob without having to yank equity out of the house or submit your children to indentured servitude in an effort to make the monthly payments. Anchoring the bottom of the 2004 Mercedes-Benz C-Class lineup is the C230 Kompressor sport coupe, a well-executed hatchback that starts just north of $26,000. At the top-end of the range are well-mannered C320 sedan and wagon variants that can close in on $50,000 with a liberal sprinkling of options. Our chief complaint about the 2004 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is that the interior materials and the quality of construction is not befitting of a car that requires a premium over its competitors. Couple that to the fact that the Audi A4 feels more luxurious from the driver’s seat, the BMW 3-Series is a much better dance partner on any kind of road, the Acura TL is more refined inside and offers a much smarter value proposition, and the Lexus ES 330 is far more comfortable – we can’t help but be left with the feeling that the 2004 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is all about that shiny, chrome three-pointed star hood ornament.