Overview & Reviews

In business for more than 100 years, Audi is an automaker that builds luxury cars and SUVs. The company was started in Germany and has remained Deutschland-based to this day.

"Audi Automobile Works" entered the German car-manufacturing business in 1910 and remained independent until the Great Depression. Because Audi's founder, August Horch, had left a 10-year-old company bearing his own name, he chose a Latin form of his name -- Audi -- for his new company. Audi joined with three other auto manufacturers in 1932 to form Auto Union. Audi, the only surviving nameplate from that union, was purchased by Volkswagen in 1964.

During the 1970s, Audi started to get noticed in the U.S. with its 100LS luxury sedan and compact and sprightly Fox coupe and sedan. By the late '70s the brand had replaced the dated 100LS with its new 5000 luxury sedan.

Every manufacturer has its defining moments. For Audi, one such moment came in March 1980 at the Geneva Motor Show. The automaker unveiled the Audi Quattro, an all-wheel-drive sport coupe that was met with a wildly enthusiastic response on the show floor. The Quattro's all-wheel-drive system went on to help Audi win accolades in motorsports and it was eventually integrated into the entire model range.

That year also saw the Fox replaced by the 4000. Four years later, the range-topping 5000 was redesigned. Audi's sales shot up nearly 50 percent, thanks chiefly to that newly aerodynamic yet handsome flagship that featured what would become an Audi hallmark -- an elegantly stylish, high-quality cabin.

Sadly, Audi's fortunes turned for the worse when the carmaker's 5000 model was accused of unintended acceleration in a 60 Minutes television episode. A subsequent government investigation found Audi innocent of the charge, but the resulting drop in sales nearly put Audi out of business in the U.S.

The late '80s saw Audi redesign the 4000, renaming it the 80 and 90 (with the 90 having more equipment) and also rename the 5000, dubbing it the 100 or 200. The 200 featured a turbocharged five-cylinder with all-wheel drive as opposed to a non-turbo five and front-wheel drive, as on the 100. A Coupe also debuted, as did a new flagship, a V8-powered 200 sedan simply called the "V8".

The following decade saw the A4 and Cabriolet models, as well as the renaming of the 100 to A6. The stunning A8 was introduced as Audi's new flagship, boasting all-aluminum construction and a beefy V8. High-performance versions of the various models bowed, dubbed S4, S6 and S8.

The start of the new millennium brought the TT, Audi's low-slung sport coupe (and later roadster). It also introduced RS versions of the A4 and A6, providing even more performance than "S" variants. In addition to "S" and "RS" versions of the TT, Audi's more recent releases include the A3 hatchback, Q5 crossover SUV, slick A5 coupe, exotic R8 sports car and A7 luxury hatchback sedan.

Today, Audi continues its success in the prestige car marketplace by offering a wide range of vehicles that impressively combine luxury and sport.

User Reviews:

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  Sudden acceleration!!! - 2006 Audi A4
  By BG - March 6 - 10:23 am

  I was stopped by a light ready to make a left turn, foot on the brake-car in drive as always. Suddenly the engine started to re to what seemed like the redline. Brakes barely held so I immediately put the car into neutral and stepped on the accelerator to quiet the engine. It worked but I just missed hitting the car in front by about 2 feet. Had it flatbedded to Audi who (even after a technician came) couldnt find anything wrong. If it happened once it will happen again. No carpet issue. I love this car and wish they would have found something. Reported to nhtsa who will investigate. Happen to anyone else? This is a major accident waiting to happen. Be very careful my friends.

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  This car will cost you your sanity!! - 2007 Audi A4
  By Dee - March 6 - 9:26 am

  I loved the speed and the handling of this car. I say loved because I traded it in at a loss.The reliability of this car? Close to zero.Started with brake lights,replaced 3 times.The oil consumption is beyond ridiculous,to the point I had to carry extra oil in the trunk for every 1300- 1500 miles!4 ignition coils replaced. Then the fuel pump sensor stranded me on an exit ramp, car would rev but not move an inch!Prepare for $100+ oil changes in ADDITION to fixing the things they say are normal.This car will cost you your sanity,your money and possibly safety.I am so disappointed in Audi,if they cared they would address the issues,not say its normal! NEVER again would I buy AUDI! N-E-V-E-R!

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  Disappointed - 2010 Audi A4
  By jim373 - March 2 - 9:27 am

  Just bought a new 2010 A4 with A/T. Found the steering too light and steering doe not return to neutral after a turn at normal speed. This requires more attention and correction from driver making the car unpleasant if not unsafe to drive. Acceleration is acceptable, but fuel economy is bad. For 70% highway and 30% light local driving, I averaged only 21MPG. Thats what I get for my 05 V6 Accord. Also find the controls unfriendly and complicated to use.

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  Terrific CPO purchase - 2006 Audi A6
  By mperfct - March 2 - 8:51 am

  I had finally outgrown my e36 m3 and decided to get a more austere sedan. I shopped Infiniti, BMW and Audi. I picked up a CPO 2006 A6 and couldnt be happier with it. The car drives wonderfully, although the V8 is a little thirsty if you keep your foot in it. I expected that though. The car is built very solid, and offers 90% of the 5er performance, but with a bit more comfortable ride. I have non-sport suspension btw, and look to change that at some point, mainly to minimize the 3" wheel gap (Toyota?). Otherwise, the car is gorgeous, and I look forward to keeping it for quite awhile. I think an A6 is a terrific CPO purchase, the extended warranty could come in handy (hopefully not).

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  Best Sport Sedan Hands down. - 2010 Audi S4
  By Phil Ontko - February 28 - 10:32 pm

  This car was the most researched vehicle I have ever purchased. I test drove with my wife the I- G37, M-C350, L-GS 350, A-TL, BMW 335 and yes the Audi S4. All the cars were great but the S4 really stood out on the interior finish also the acceleration with the 7-speed automatic was powerful & seamless. The fact that it didn’t have much of an exhaust note I viewed as a plus. The ride when not pushed is very comfortable but make no mistake this car is a wolf in sheep clothing when you ask the car to perform it is an animal! The S4 we ordered and purchased is a red automatic, prestige, driver assist, red & black silk Napa leather, dark birch trim and Audi drive select.

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  Fun While It Lasted - 2002 Audi A6
  By BoilerUp - February 28 - 8:11 pm

  Loved the looks and performance of this car - both inside and out - but now shopping for a new car at only 90,000 miles. Extremely disappointed that this car didnt live up to the expected 200K miles. As soon as the extended warranty was up, the problems started, multiplied and some unable to fix. Inept and outrageously expensive dealer repairs and other folks just dont like working on Audis, will not take me down this path again - too bad for they have some beautiful new cars that I would love to own like the A5. However, this experience has totally soured me on Audi and taking a new direction.

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  Very nice with a few caveats... - 2010 Audi Q5
  By Audi Driver - February 28 - 10:13 am

  Overall, the Q5 is a wonderful driving experience. I live up north and it handles extremely well in the snow. Very comfortable and pleasant to drive. However, there are issues. The nav system, although nice looking, gives unreliable directions. I use my $180 portable instead. And the key. How do you screw up an ignition key? The MMI (multi media) system is nice but forgets your settings. Stupid things like always having to tell it to "shuffle" the music - every time you use it it requires 4 clicks. It also forgets your seat heater settings. Also, with the MMI buttons on the middle console, its very easy to accidentally touch one. Why doesnt it have a touch screen???!!

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  Wow, really the best car! - 2010 Audi Q5
  By G - February 28 - 8:45 am

  WOW, what a terrific vehicle. I read a review before buying it that claimed it was the only SUV that truly drove like a car unlike others who claim the same, and I agree. It is very fun to drive, got hit with many snow storms this winter and I just drove right through everything with no problem, passing other struggling cars. Handles great, comfortable ride, technology is convenient. I have the Prestige package, fully loaded, and I dont regret spending the extra money. Its a beautiful car and I feel good about myself when being seen with it (as shallow as that sounds) I have the Luxury package with the Milano Leather and ventilated seats, which I cant wait to try in the summer! BEST CAR

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  fun - 2003 Audi A6
  By patapotamus - February 27 - 12:25 pm

  fun to drive, especially in sport mode, had water leakage problem (battery holder overflow into passenger footwell ruining a $1700 transmission control cpu, catalytic converter failure, CV boots needed replacing, easily breakable cupholders quattro goes through tires, not as reliable as a japanese sedan but way more fun to drive

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  Great car - 2010 Audi S4
  By dan - February 26 - 10:51 pm

  I love this car !!! I have had 3 beemers. an Audi A8L and an Acura in the last 7-8 yrs. This car is the bomb. Not too flashy but just the right amount of class. handles like a sports cars with a comfortable ride. The features in the car are topnotch. quality,Quality, Quality!!!