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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  BMW Still Top Performer in Class - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By gneissgod - June 11 - 10:00 am

  The BMW 540i is still the best in class. As a luxury vehicle it has every amenity that anyone would want to have. As a sport sedan it has power and is as agile as a cat. The sound system is spectacular but you really dont need one because listening to the engine as you drive is music to a true drivers ears.

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  X5 is the best suv - 2002 BMW X5
  By scorvino - June 9 - 2:00 am

  i love this vehicle, cant think of anything bmw is lacking

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  Love it! - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By Fritzpaul - June 8 - 10:00 am

  Delivered by dealer as ordered, with sport package, leather seats, sunroof, power seats. Not a squeak, rattle or problem in the first month. Absolutely perfect! Cant wait to get past the break-in period to really drive it!

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  Awesome! - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By Cool - June 8 - 10:00 am

  Fun to drive, very good handling, and I can feel the road. This car is just awesome! Ive driven Mercedes Benz C340, Infiniti G35 Coupe, but BMW rides tight and corners well with its 17" low profile sport package tires. No complaints so far...

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  WHAT A VEHICLE!! - 2002 BMW M3
  By BIGDAV - June 8 - 2:00 am

  THIS HAS BEEN A PLEASURE TO EXPERIENCE. IT HAS ALL THE POWER ONE CAN HANDLE ON U.S. ROADS AND THEN SOME.

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  I really like this car! - 2002 BMW Z3
  By capttron - June 8 - 2:00 am

  I really, I mean REALLY like htis car! It is a drivers machine. It does everything you ask of it and more. Its FAST (expecially after getting it chipped = then its REALLY REEAALLLY fast) It corners like a dream. Gas mileage has been outstanding - on a recent trip to Las Vegas at an average speed of lets just say 90+ I got 24.5mpg. Contrary to the review above I think it is one of the greatest looking cars around. It has hints of some of the most classic sports cars of all time throughout its integrated styling scheme. As for comfort, I can drive the car comfortably longer than the capacity of my bladder and gas tank.

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  2001 BMW 325 Ci - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By DallasScott - June 6 - 10:00 am

  My experience with this car has been excellent. The fit and finish, along with the design, are top notch (as I would expect from a German manufacturer). Im sold on BMWs and will plan on upgrading to a 5-series for my next car.

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  Highly Recommend This Car - 1997 BMW 3-Series
  By Juliet Brumlik - June 6 - 2:00 am

  This is my second 318is - both incredible. I now also own a 540i, and when I get back into my 318is I marvel that it does NOT seem dinky/underpowered next to the 540. I tend to drive the 3 faster, as it feels zippy and theres such a feeling of control over the vehicle. It has the sports suspension, which I adore - it really does make a difference. I have the manual transmission, and the clutch is silky and wonderful. Visibility is phenomenal. Great gas mileage, reliability and safety w/this car. By the way, this car has the best cup holders EVER. Put a soda can in and drive like Mario Andretti? No problem here.

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  Still a great car - 1993 BMW 3-Series
  By kjmac - June 6 - 2:00 am

  Even after 10 years, this car is still fun to drive. The exterior of the car gets a lot of looks, and it has held up very well. The safety and performance of this car make it worth the extra expense of buying and maintaining a BMW.

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  we love it! - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By j and j - June 6 - 1:56 am

  The BMW has no comparison on the road when it comes to a driving machine! We have a dog, haul paintings, and soon to have a child ... this car does it all. I agree that its something everyone should drive.