New 2008 Mercedes-Benz C Class Reliability Review [ 2009 , 2007 ]
Reliability
The 2008 Mercedes-Benz C Class reliability score of 9.0 out of 10 is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS).
The C-Class is covered by a four-year/50,000-mile warranty. While quality issues have plagued Mercedes-Benz in recent years, many reviewers see the 2008 C-Class as a positive step in reclaiming the brand's tarnished reputation.
- "Last year, Mercedes and Consumer Reports went all pistols-at-dawn when the magazine listed many MB models as least reliable in their respective categories. And the company has fared no better with J.D. Power's pivotal dependability ratings. All of this, I'm sure, has occasioned a calm and orderly procession of engineers and executives off the rooftops at Unterturkheim." -- Los Angeles Times
- "It's no secret that Mercedes had a couple of bad years earlier this decade, with embarrassing below-average scores in owner surveys by J.D. Power and Associates and Consumer Reports that measure vehicle quality and dealer service. Scores lower than Hyundai's or Ford's are unacceptable in Mercedes' price range. Consumer Reports called the last generation of C-Class below average in reliability. Lately, though, things have been looking better." -- Newsday
- "Given Mercedes-Benz's still lingering wounds over discomfiting quality issues, the company is going to some lengths to set things right. Build quality both inside and out is a tangible and visible step above the last C-class, while also, temporarily at least, giving the 3-series a little catch-up homework to do." -- Winding Road
- "Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of DaimlerChrysler and Head of the Mercedes Group, has made restoring the legendary quality of Mercedes-Benz his number one priority. … Time will tell if dealers have listened to Zetsche's decree, but after driving the all-new 2008 C-Class, it's quite clear that everyone on the design, engineering, and manufacturing teams have listened well." -- Roadfly
J.D.Power Ratings
Initial Quality Ratings
These scores come from consumer ratings of their vehicles after the first few months of ownership.
Dependability Ratings
These scores come from consumer ratings of their vehicles after three years of ownership.
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J.D. Power and Associates Power Circles Ratings do not include all information used to determine J.D. Power and Associates awards. See JDPower.com for more information on Power Circles Ratings. Since driving styles and conditions are unique to each owner, your experience may vary. Furthermore, any Power Circle Ratings based on historic data of past years studies may also reflect different results if current users were again measured.
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