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:

• 

  Perfection - 2007 Audi A6
  By Dani - January 23 - 12:37 pm

  This is my favorite car yet. I have had other German cars and they dont compare. I have put 10,000 miles on my Audi and not a single problem. The car handles really well in the rain and is perfect for defensive driving with all these other crazy Florida drivers. It is beautiful on the outside and ultimate luxury on the inside. I even left my purse with my cell in the trunk and I was able to still make calls with the built-in bluetooth. I am so satisfied with this car I want to keep it another 3 years and continue with Audi.

• 

  Best of the best - 2010 Audi A4
  By JSK - January 22 - 9:33 pm

  Premium Plus 2.0T Quattro 6 sp manual- Love at first drive-or maybe even before that! I switched from a Subaru Outback 2.5XT which I loved, but this takes all prizes hands down. My requirements- AWD, safe, solid & responsive handling. Shopped Sub, MB,BMW,Inf- Results: Best value. no contest. Incredible performance in sun, rain and snow, the manual shifts with control and grace. Exceptional braking and handling, seats have tireless support and comfort without confining. Comfortable for a family of four, but styled for a single executive. love the B&O upgrade- highly recommended! I wish everyone could own one...the world would be a happier, safer place! Drive it, youll understand.

• 

  Das Ist Audi - 2010 Audi A4
  By Audi - January 21 - 9:14 pm

  The A4 quattro drives like it is on rails. The car reacts well and the road can be pleasingly felt. The A4 is appropriate to take business clients and passengers due to the large size and interior.

• 

  3.2 Prestige - Fully Loaded, FTW! - 2010 Audi A5
  By TX_GRAN2R - January 20 - 9:20 pm

  Ive had my car for almost 3 months now. Had been wanting one for almost 24 months prior to purchase. By far, this car is nothing short of first class elegance and sportiness. Lots of stares, thumbs-up, and vehicle inquiries wherever you go. Ordered mine in Quartz Gray with Light Gray interior with Prestige and 19" Sports Package. I checked all of the options boxes with the exception of the adaptive cruise control. Drive Select makes this a totally different vehicle. This car is definitely built for long haul journeys. I live in Texas and have already driven it to SoCal and back just recently with no complaints and nothing but smiles. Gorgeous car that will make any owner proud!

• 

  Money Burner - 2003 Audi A4
  By kroberts - January 20 - 1:03 pm

  If you are getting a warranty than its a nice car, but without a warranty you may be getting into something you can not afford in the long run. My car has the infamous sludge build up and my engine is now seized. Either pay 6,000 to replace it or get into an upside down loan for another 5 years.With that being said minus the sludge and the bad engine I did have some good time in this car.

• 

  Audi 3.0 FWD - 2004 Audi A6
  By Audi Owner - January 20 - 10:48 am

  I purchased my audi 3.0 FWD two years ago used (had 25K miles on it at the time). I was surprised with the average gas mileage(averaged 26.4 mpg) over the past two years. On the down side, I spent a lot of time in the shop for small items (some covered by warranty). Repairs included new battery, 4 cv boots, head light, two tail lights. On average I spent $1,200 per year in repairs not including oil changes, brakes and tires/rotations. Overall interior quality was less than I expected. The seats showed significant wear, the radio/heating buttons writing wore off and the wood (plastic) cracked during my two years of ownership. I previously owned a saab 9-5 and had none of these problems.

• 

  Just Plain Fun to Drive - 2010 Audi Q5
  By Rob - January 19 - 1:33 pm

  I purchased the prestige S-line model, and love it. I was looking at the RX350, RDX, XC60,etc.. and this beats them out of the race. The car is awesome looking from the outside and has all the gadgets to keep you happy. It is more masculine so guys can drive this feeling good and I get alot of looks But best of all it does not feel like you are driving an SUV but more like a car. Space is just right, but if needing to hall more stuff in the hatch, then this may not be for you, but if your getting around town, taking kids and going to work this is perfect.

• 

  first 1000 miles - 2010 Audi A6
  By ed - January 17 - 10:58 am

  So far, very fun to drive. Rock solid build quality with responsive supercharged performance. Fine blend of luxury and speed.

• 

  still runs perfect - 1995 Audi A6
  By audi a6 2.8 - January 16 - 5:46 pm

  I own an 1995 audi a6 and it has 210,000 miles i bought this car with 190,000 miles on it for 1600 and i got really lucky that this car gave me absolutely no problems. Its a great car pushes hard and has awesome handling and comfort. The cons are gas mileage and repairs tend to be expensive and complicated.

• 

  Keeping my A4 Cab! - 2004 Audi A4
  By Rich - January 16 - 9:44 am

  Ive now had Audis (3 of them) for 14 years. Historically problems, but this gorgeous green A4 3.0L 2004 cab has been great! Oh yeah, a minor electrical things telling me my satellite radio isnt working (although it does just fine!), but thats nothing. The car is so great to drive. Lacking a little on comfort for long trips, but thats no surprise. I have only 67K miles (about 5 years) and have no thoughts of looking for anything else. Cant come up with anything Id enjoy driving more than this. And the wind screen is great, allowing me to put top down (windows and heater up) when sunny and 45 when dressed appropriately. I love this car!!!