1994 - 2000 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Sedan Pre-Owned

Considering its smooth ride and big-car feel, the C-Class is surprisingly agile when the road begins to wind. Still it was, and

Considering its smooth ride and big-car feel, the C-Class is surprisingly agile when the road begins to wind. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

still is most comfortable motoring down the freeway at high-speed, securely planted on all fours. It provides excellent road feel and superb stability in almost any circumstance.

Just the same, Mercedes-Benz engineered its smallest car to provide many of the passive safety benefits of its larger sedans. Its standard ABS brakes were phenomenal, stopping the 1,429 kg (3,150 lb) C220 in a mere 36.9 m (121 ft). Dual front airbags were also standard. Mercedes even went so far to conduct its own crash tests, a practice it continues to this day.

A first-aid kit hidden under a lidded compartment on the rear shelf is useful for minor cuts and scrapes, while storage bins are conveniently placed throughout the cabin for odds and ends. The relatively staid C-Class interior was designed with function taking precedence over form, even though authentic rich wood, quality plastics and luxurious leather permeate every inch of visible space. While a power sunroof came

The relatively staid C-Class interior was designed with function taking precedence over form. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

standard I especially appreciated the rear head restraints that fold flat for improved visibility when a switch on the dash is pressed. Other standard features included climate controlled air-conditioning, alloy wheels, AM/FM stereo cassette, cruise control, fog lights, halogen headlights, heated power mirrors, leather steering wheel, power antenna, power brakes, power door locks, power drivers seat, power steering, power windows, and velour cloth seats. The seating itself was comfortable with a generous amount of space inside overall, adequate shoulder room and 833 mm (32.8 in) of rear legroom, good enough for all but extremely tall passengers.