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:

• 

  bmw - 2003 BMW X5
  By noor - September 19 - 2:00 am

  its a beautiful performance suv i like it aot

• 

  Cranking on the miles and loving it! - 2003 BMW X5
  By 60sChild - September 19 - 2:00 am

  Great vehicle -- lets not kid, does not ride like the BMW sedans, but it is the best ride (and performance) for its class.

• 

  4.6 il - 2003 BMW X5
  By Rick Foreman - September 19 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this vehicle after owning a 4.4 for a few months. I was very happy with the 4.4 but wanted the highest performance offered in the 4.6. I am delighted with both, but the 4.6 is definitely worth the extra money. There is nothing to complain about-- its a terrific machine!

• 

  BMW X5 - 2003 BMW X5
  By TANIA COMBOIANU - September 19 - 2:00 am

  BEST SUV IVE EVER OWNED

• 

  Fantastic - 2003 BMW X5
  By czdr - September 19 - 2:00 am

  Love it, always recommend it.

• 

  Awesome Truck - 2003 BMW X5
  By YaYo - September 19 - 2:00 am

  This is a great fast beautiful truck

• 

  X5 all the way - 2003 BMW X5
  By caseyp2222 - September 19 - 2:00 am

  best suv on the road

• 

  sportcar with suv advantages - 2003 BMW X5
  By jacob528e - September 19 - 2:00 am

  this vehicle is like driving a sportcar yet you can see above the traffic. has more power than youll ever need and has class to go along.

• 

  Best vehicle I have driven so far.. - 2003 BMW X5
  By Harry Bajaj - September 19 - 2:00 am

  I have owned this vehicle for a year now, and I cant praise it enough. I would like to step into the faster version next. Keep it up BMW!!! You have a definate future in the car industry...

• 

  Best SUV - 2003 BMW X5
  By bildgs - September 19 - 2:00 am

  This BMW X5 is the best SUV that I have ever owned and I have had 6 different ones. I will always drive a BMW in the future.