A status report on development of the direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) and relevant fundamental and applied electrochemistry is the objective of this review paper. Emphasis is put on strategies and approaches rather than on individual results. The state-of-the-art in the fields of methodology, catalysis, catalyst characterization, polymer electrolytes as well as assessment and interpretation of cell and electrode performance is described. Today's-cell performances are regarded critically. Problems and successes are analyzed. Directions and novel approaches for further work are also suggested.