2003 Mercedes-Benz G-Class in San Jose

Mercedes-Benz began importing its long-running, European-market off-roader, the Gelandewagen, here as the G500 for the 2002 model year, and the first time I took the wheel, in September 2001, I was utterly enchanted. Here was a REAL Mercedes-Benz, with doors that shut like those on bank vaults, lock buttons that sunk into the doors with a steel-on-steel THUNK, and an overall feeling of uncompromising solidity and build quality. Impressive, too, was the 24-valve, 5.0-liter SOHC V-8, whose 292 horsepower and 336 pound-feet of torque propel this 5423-pound silver brick with surprising verve. I was also taken by the fact that, even with the aerodynamics of a house, the G500 suffers less wind and road noise than many a more svelte automobile. And, of course, anybody who's ever ventured off the pavement will appreciate the G500's unparalleled off-roading abilities, aided by three locking differentials—front, center, and rear. For the U.S. market, Mercedes has lined the previously austere G-wagen's interior with leather seats, a quality headliner fabric, wood trim, navigation, and lots of other toys from the corporate parts bin. Lest anyone forget what they're driving, there are blue-lit "Mercedes-Benz" badges on the stainless scuff plates when you open the front doors, a huge three-pointed-star medallion on the grille, and a large badge on the cover for the spare tire, which is mounted on the rear cargo door.

But last night, I drove our G500 on a variety of errands around Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti, Michigan, hauling my dog, my niece, her boyfriend, and my friend Charley, and I was soon very tired. Tired of the effort needed to turn the steering wheel, which is akin to steering a ship, even if it's quite precise and has good feel.... Read full article