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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  i love my x5 - 2003 BMW X5
  By nicolenort - September 19 - 2:00 am

  its an amazing ride. its safe, comfortable and its glued to the ground u never feel like when ur making a sharp turn its going to flip over on you. I defiently reccomend the x5 especially if your in it for safety, along with looks and comfort.

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  BMW X5 3.0i - 2003 BMW X5
  By Mr. amd Mrs. Cox - September 19 - 2:00 am

  Excellecent total driving experience. All the room of an SUV with the handling of a car (a BMW car!).

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  BMW - 2003 BMW X5
  By mariel - September 19 - 2:00 am

  Its te best SUV

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  Fun & Great - 2003 BMW X5
  By Catire16 - September 19 - 2:00 am

  Great Performance , Fun Car, Nice Lines and Style

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  The Best SAV overall !!!! - 2003 BMW X5
  By Nunzi0044 - September 19 - 2:00 am

  Fun to drive. Very response with sport package. Its German quality and handling of a BMW with a better view of the road. Interior is beautiful and its not to trendy whereas many new cars interior get boring after a while.

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  fun to drive - 2003 BMW X5
  By toyboxx - September 19 - 2:00 am

  this suv has met my expectations and then some.. i love it i have owned almost every brand on the market..i will always keep this model in the garage:) it has taken me fun places,from drivng in dc(horrid road conditons), to the north woods of minnesota pulling a boat.....and the fun continues...alot more "open roads" to explore!!!!!

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  Best Performance Car Around - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Brent - September 18 - 6:06 pm

  The car performs like a dream. Highly recommended. All wheel drive is awesome in the rain. Larger interior space a big plus this year.

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  The ultimate standard! - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By George T. - September 17 - 9:36 am

  Having had three BMW 5 Series, I had to experience the 2006 325I to understand how much of an improvement BMW made to the 3 Series to nearly challenge the 5! It has everything my 528i and 525is had, plus more HP and size. Only 7 inches shorter that the 5 Series and with an increased trunk space, the extra 20 horsepower makes all the difference. Plus, my 325i doesnt have the infamous I-drive!

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  Ultimate Driving Machine - 2000 BMW 7-Series
  By kh - September 17 - 2:00 am

  It is certainly a great car. The handling is superb -- acceleration, steering, and braking. Its exterior design is beautiful -- far better than the new 745. The ride is comfortable, but you can "feel the road", unlike some other luxury cars which are cushiony. I highly recommend this car.

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  Just fantastic - 2005 BMW X3
  By Happy BMW Owner - September 16 - 9:26 pm

  I love this vehicle. If you like the squishy soft ride of a Cadillac or Merc and like lots of interior clutter marketed as "luxury", this is NOT the vehicle for you. The X3 has a clean, elegant, uncluttered look inside and out. It is so fun to drive! It handles like a sports car but is great! in the rain & snow. Just superior as far as engineering and performance. I never thought Id own a BMW... but I will be hard pressed to go back. It is a little pricey, but so are the American tanks cleverly disguised as SUVs. Nothing against American cars. The RX is simply for a different market. I looked at the Japanese SUVs as well and really like them too, but I fell in love with the X3.