Overview & Reviews

BMW is an acronym for Bayerische Motoren Werke AG -- or, in English, Bavarian Motor Works. Whatever you call it, the German-based company is one of the world's most respected automakers, renowned for crafting luxury cars and SUVs that offer superior levels of driving enjoyment.

Founded in Munich, the company began in the early 1910s as an aircraft manufacturer. BMW's current logo, designed to represent white propeller blades against a blue sky, reflects these origins; its blue-and-white color scheme also references Bavaria's blue-and-white checkered flag.

It wasn't until 1928 that production began on the first BMW automobile, the Dixi. The car proved tremendously popular, and its success helped the manufacturer weather the Depression. BMW's best-known pre-World War II vehicle was the Type 328 roadster, a supple two-seater that racked up more than 120 victories on the motorsport circuit between 1936 and 1940. Postwar BMW cars maintained this tradition, with several racing, rallying and hill climb victories.

The early 1950s saw the launch of the BMW 501, a roomy, voluptuous sedan that was resplendent with all of the hopefulness of that era. It was soon followed by the 502, which was powered by the world's first light-alloy V8, foreshadowing BMW's ongoing commitment to developing new technology. The best-selling BMW of that decade was the Isetta, a petite two-seat "microcar" typically powered by a 12- or 13-horsepower engine. The mid-'50s also saw the debut of the limited production and breathtakingly beautiful 507 sports car, which had an alloy body and used the 502's V8 for propulsion. In the 1960s, BMW sales strengthened significantly, thanks in part to the immense popularity of the 1500, a sporty family sedan.

By the 1970s, BMW was establishing itself as a full-fledged car company. It was a pioneer for many emerging technologies, including turbocharging and advanced vehicle electronics. BMW of North America was established at that time, and consumers who coveted both sports and luxury cars became loyal "Bimmer" owners. The '70s also saw the birth of BMW's three-tier sport sedan range consisting of the compact 3 Series, midsize 5 Series and large 7 Series cars and the creation of its performance M division. Though the 3 Series could be had with four-cylinder power, it was the company's inline-6 engines that developed BMW's reputation for spirited, yet highly refined performance. At decade's end, the limited production, short-lived M1 supercar debuted.

Throughout the 1980s, BMW became the unofficial poster car of yuppies, as the brand ostensibly signified one's financial success as well as a passion for driving. The elegant 6 Series coupe debuted, and the latter part of the decade saw the high-performance M division working its magic on various production models.

In the early 1990s, BMW replaced the 6 Series with the powerful (V12-powered at first) but heavy 8 Series grand touring coupe. A bit later, BMW introduced its popular Z3 roadster. The company also opened its first U.S. manufacturing plant in the latter half of the 1990s.

The 2000s brought a midsize SUV (the X5) as well as a compact SUV (the X3) as BMW joined the hot-selling segment. Since then, BMW has replaced the Z3 with the Z4, introduced the compact 1 Series, produced hybrid versions of a few models and debuted the X6 fastback crossover. The company has also expanded its empire to include Mini and Rolls-Royce and continues to build motorcycles, something it has done since the 1920s.

BMW's famous advertising slogan describes each of its vehicles as "the ultimate driving machine," and it's not mere hyperbole. Over the past couple of decades, BMWs have become the standard for performance and luxury in most of the "over $30,000" segments. With family-friendly wagons, crisp sedans, distinctive coupes, nimble sports cars and spacious SUVs offered, BMW's model roster is diverse. But its vehicles all share a common characteristic: the ability to make drivers feel gloriously connected to the road.

User Reviews:

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  Worth every penny and more! - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By asilvera4 - December 25 - 10:00 am

  This car is everything wonderful about a BMW taken to an incredible level. The driving experience alone is a value at this price, and its wrapped in what is finally a slam dunk iteration of the new Bangle styling. I can find a few ridiculously picky flaws with the interior, but what I cant find is any other car Id rather have south of a $60K Cayman S. Judging from the stares and attention this car garners Im not the only one.

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  Fun car! - 2003 BMW Z4
  By bb - December 25 - 12:35 am

  Ive had tons of fun in the car and its not even warm out yet. My wife was reluctant at first but she fell in love with the car too. Its just a ton of fun to drive!

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  outstanding - 2002 BMW M3
  By Doc - December 24 - 10:49 pm

  Pure performance not just speed, the best quality miles going to work or anywhere, it is daily fun all over, without sacrificing comfort, safety and practicality

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  great car - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By jc - December 24 - 10:00 am

  A bit pricey, but this is a great car. Once you get behind the wheel, there is no buyers remorse; there is no guilt about how much you spent on it. It drives and handles excellent. No real issues other than I have to check to coolant level every so often (never had to do that on my Acura), but everyone should do that everytime u fill up.

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  great car - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By JC - December 24 - 10:00 am

  A bit pricey, but this is a great car. Once you get behind the wheel, there is no buyers remorse; there is no guilt about how much you spent on it. It drives and handles excellent. No real issues other than I have to check to coolant level every so often (never had to do that on my Acura), but everyone should do that everytime u fill up.

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  oh yeeeeeaaah - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By monte - December 24 - 10:00 am

  bought for my wife, but i keep finding excuses to drive instead of my 5 series. considered x5 but we really liked the way this car drived, plus wanted to avoid putting another suv on the road.

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  Fun to Drive! - 2016 BMW 3-Series
  By Marc Walther - December 24 - 8:47 am

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  Best Vehicle I Have Owned - 2004 BMW X5
  By Roland - December 23 - 12:57 pm

  This is the car that you find a reason to drive it. Great looks and plenty of comfort features set this vehicle above others of its class. We have found the X5 to be a very safe vehicle ... my wife survied a front-end impact that resulted in severve damage to the vehicle, but without injury to herself.

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  Sophisticated, Fun, and FAST - 2017 BMW 5-Series
  By Matthew Randazzo - December 23 - 11:16 am

  Excellent vehicle with first class build quality. The six cylinder engine is exceptional and wont leave you wanting for any additional power.

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  Extremely Impressed - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By kvanriper - December 22 - 9:40 am

  Very impressed with this car. Handling, engine are excellent. Absolutely no complaints.