2007 BMW 3-Series [ 2008 , 2008 ]
BMW 3-Series
Overall Score - 9.6 (Excellent)
The 3-Series offers world-class performance and luxury in a midsize sedan.
Auto reviewers say the 2007 BMW 3-Series offers one of the most exhilarating driving experiences available, combined with excellent safety and reliability. Edmunds says, "Whether your priority is an engaging driving experience, an elegant cabin environment or simply curbside prestige, this car delivers in spades." Many reviewers find fault with confusing electronics, but for BMW buyers these are small concerns next to the pleasure of putting the car through its paces. The Washington Post sums it up well when it says that the 2007 3-Series offers "ride and handling so smooth, so wonderfully responsive, you wind up driving the car for the sheer joy of driving it. Destination becomes a secondary concern."
The 2007 3-Series is part of a generation of cars that BMW redesigned in 2006, adding cleaner lines and more powerful engines. However, the 3-series' history of stellar performance goes back much further. Introduced in 1975, the 3-Series is BMW's most popular model, and like its predecessors, the 2007 BMW 3-Series is an award-winning car. Car and Driver gave the 3-Series one of its 10 Best Car awards for 2007, further claiming that "constant upgrades have kept the 3-series on our 10 Best list for a record 16 consecutive years." Edmunds named it "Most Wanted Sedan under $35,000" and Consumer Guide calls it a "Best Buy." The 3-Series also won the "World Car of the Year" award at the 2006 New York Auto Show.
The 3-Series is one of the pricier cars in the upscale midsize class, but for many buyers it's worth the extra cost. "Fully deserving of its popularity, the 2007 BMW 3-Series sets the standard for overall driving enjoyment, luxury and refinement in an entry-level luxury car. Only its high price will give you pause," explains Edmunds. Though an expensive car within its class, the BMW is not necessarily a bad investment.
IntelliChoice projects that the 328i will achieve "excellent" cost of ownership and that the 335i will achieve "better than average" cost of ownership over five years compared to others in their class. IntelliChoice also gives the sedan versions of the 328i, 328xi and 335i its "Smart Choice" award for their high retained value. The BMW 3-Series is also available as a convertible.
3-Series Performance - 8.9 (Very Good)
Reviewers cite the 2007 BMW 3-Series' performance as its finest trait, and most say it's the best the luxury midsize car class has to offer. "A BMW isn't meant for everyone. It's a performance machine for those who consider driving an art," says the Chicago Tribune. continue
3-Series Exterior - 9.0 (Excellent)
The 2007 BMW 3-Series is generally regarded as a very attractive car, with a look Motor Week characterizes as "streamlined aggression." MSN praises the car for a "crisp, angled style and a feeling of forward motion." It is available as a coupe, sedan or hardtop convertible. continue
3-Series Interior - 7.6 (Good)
Most reviewers agree with Automobile Magazine's assessment that the interior is comprised of "high-quality materials and a very modern design," but some complain that the car's cockpit is filled with quirky, and sometimes frustrating, technologies. continue
3-Series Safety - 9.2 (Excellent)
The 2007 3-Series is an extremely safe car, with a long list of active safety systems to help avoid an accident and passive safety systems to help survive one. It has performed well on all crash tests performed on vehicles in the United States. continue
3-Series Reliability - 8.0 (Very Good)
The 2007 BMW 3-Series reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). All BMWs are covered by a four-year/50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty. continue
