Peugeot Make Overview

Based in France, Peugeot has been producing automobiles longer than any other company in the world, with the exception of Benz/Daimler/Mercedes, which introduced the first automobile in 1885. Four years later, in 1889, Peugeot started producing motorized vehicles after having established itself as a manufacturer of bicycles, and before that as a producer of tools, utensils, sewing machines, coffee grinders, and other items. In fact, Peugeot can trace its roots as a manufacturer back to the 15th century, when it built windmills and operated weaving and milling businesses.

Although Peugeot's first vehicle was a steam-powered tricycle, the company quickly advanced in the manufacture of gas-powered vehicles (thanks to help from Gottlieb Daimler of Daimler-Benz fame), producing light vans as well as motorcycles by the early 20th century. Following World War I, representives of Peugeot visited the U.S. to learn about mass production, and in 1929 Peugeot introduced the 201, the first car with independent front wheels, and the first to use the company's three-digit naming system. For the 201, the numeral 2 designated the family and size of the vehicle, while the 1 designated the generation. The zero served as a placeholder. That naming system continues to this day, so the 207 is the seventh generation of the 200 series, while the 505 is the fifth generation of the 500 series, and so forth. The numbering system is so sacred to Peugeot that the automaker has had it trademarked. A double-zero on some models enables Peugeot to extend its automotive line with such vehicles as the 4007 SUV, which debuted in Europe in July 2007.

Peugeot rolled out the 202 in 1938, and debuted the 203 a decade later, in 1948. The 203 would remain in production until 1960. When the 204 debuted in 1965, it was Peugeot's first car with front-wheel drive. The popular 205 hatchback, which appeared in 1983, bore a resemblance to early VW Rabbits. Currently, Peugeot produces both the 206 and the 207, available in sedan (saloon), convertible, and wagon (estate) trims, as well as in specialty coupe trims, such as the 207 GTi, which is sold in the United Kingdom.

New families of Peugeot vehicles, such as the 300 series and the 400 series, were introduced in the 1930s, and new generations of those series debuted through the decades. Current versions include the 307, available in sedan, convertible, and wagon trims, and the 308, which comes in coupe and sedan trims. The 407, a mid-size family car, debuted in 2004 and is available as a coupe, sedan, or station wagon.

The 500 series debuted in 1968 with the 504, and was followed by the 505 in 1979, although Peugeot currently does not produce a 500 series vehicle. Peugeot also has produced 600, 800, and 900 series vehicles. Current versions include the mid-size 607 sedan, which debuted in 1999, and the 807 minivan.

Today, Peugeot sells its vehicles in more than 140 countries, including the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand, as well as countries in Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Central America, and South America. Peugeot sold vehicles in the United States from 1959 until 1992. Models available in the U.S. included the 304, 403, 404, 405, 504, 505, and 604. Sales were discontinued because, as Peugeot states, its vehicles do not "conform to current United States regulations," which refers primarily to emissions standards. The automaker notes that it is "unfortunately impossible" to import Peugeot cars into the U.S. and has no plans to resume sales in the U.S. or Canada. However, through Peugeot Motors of America, the automaker maintains an inventory of replacement parts and documentation for maintenance and repair of cars sold in the U.S. and provides technical support through service points in the U.S. and Canada.