2002 Mercedes-Benz G-Class Overview, Reviews, Ratings & Specs

Anthony on October 26, 2023

I purchased my 2002 two years ago with 83K miles. It came with full service records. It is amazing off road in desert sand and I have had no problems. Fuel mpg is poor (15mpg average) but fun to drive and solid.

Niki on August 16, 2019

This car is in excellent condition. If I sell the vehicle is because I did not used it much time. But is perfect and comfortable.

yesitsme11 on August 2, 2018

It is Great vehicle but it is a gas guzzler. Very fun. Love the ride. Lots of options. I personally would by it. Though I don't car about gas mileage.

Casper on July 10, 2017

The 2002 G 500 was the first year of importation by MBUSA. I have had mine since 2006, initially as daily driver now just for fun, it now has 105k miles, 40k when I got it. Even used, they're expensive to buy and not very practical, but the car has barely lost value or appeal, considering it's 40th anniversary is 2019. On the highways, the right tires on the huge 18inch 265R60 wheels make for a smooth ride. The V8 allows for agility, but the thing moves like a light tank and weighs as much. While everyone else's bumpers are made of plastic, there's real metal here, with matching industrial-grade frame, suspension and steering, resulting in about 14 mpg (premium gas, bitte). Annual maintenance costs me between $300-600 a year without major repairs. So far. The car tells me when it's time for oil change and maintenance. I have not had serious rust issues. Parts are easily available but expensive. The view down on the other cars is superior, but the dark tinting of the rear quarters make backing-up after dark a nightmare, since you can't see anything and there is no back-up camera or parking sensors. Which might as well, since, speaking of sensors, ABS/BAS/etc sensors are finicky and failure-prone. Same for various buttons such as power window and power seat controls, which I had replaced once only to find out that quality of the replacements matched the old ones. The front seats are very comfortable, the back is comfortable for two adults, three is cramped. A Honda Pilot is roomier. There are reading lights and seat warmers for the four outside seats. Leather is standard. It feels classy, anno 2002. The low range gears and differential locks add a sense of adventure and invincibility. The 5 inch navigation screen with its CD-ROM -it takes a set of 6 CD-ROMs to cover the whole US- and the trunk-positioned 6-CD-changer of 15 years ago reminds us how far automotive infotainment has come. The independent MB mechanic and I don't know of a way to connect my smart phone to the stereo that does not involve major surgery. It's been fun to search the on-line world for tasteful affordable OEM accessories such as mud flaps or jump seats, and there is a delightful G-wagen community out there.

Roddy Rod on June 7, 2017

This vehicle is absolutely the most dependable, and durable vehicle that I have ever owned. It's constructed like a tank, and it's cool , slick, sleek, exterior turns heads everywhere I go.

Car Guy on September 1, 2012

The perfect balance of luxury and ruggedness. It's a truck for those looking for excellent off road and excellent styling...in the city or the country it turns heads

TrustfundBaby on February 24, 2011

I love the classic look of this vehicle. Another trait is the heavy duty parts used to make the G Wagen. My mechanic said in 30 yrs he's never seen axles that thick! A real tank! Slow as a tank. if you like attention, get a G Wagen unlike any other SUV.

nvh on September 15, 2010

I bought my 2003 G-Class and replaced it in 2007 with a Lexus LX470. There is an unbelievable difference in the ride, the Lexus is more of a comfort machine and G-Class drives rough like a truck. The vehicle sits on a truck chasis. Off road is a true experience, you will not have any troubles whatsoever! I love the way the g-wagon looks and love the roomy interior. The front passenger door required fixing several times, the rear passenger window also had to be repaired several times. The vehicle is so heavy the tires wear out much quicker and they are expensive.

GWagen on April 8, 2010

Regardless of what is said about the earlier G-wagens of 2002 and early 2003, if they have a good amount of mileage on them (75,000+) then they have most likely had all the typical issues resolved with "updates" released by Mercedes. I would look for a higher mileage older G500 and would look to see that the alternator and front window regulators have been changed, the various software updates made, and that its seen regular maintenance. If the the necessary updates have been made the vehicle is no different than the new ones for all intensive purposes. A "cheap" G will end up costing way more than a properly maintained G that costs more. Finally, try to buy from an enthusiast seller who knows what is necessary to maintain the vehicle (usually better than the dealer) and has kept up with all the little fluid changes that don't cost much to do but keep the vehicle running practically forever.

JerryK on July 26, 2009

Had an '02 which I enjoyed. Traded in at 100k miles for a BMW. the G5 started having constant mech. issues after 90k miles. Now waiting for a Tesla electric...wave of the future.