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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  true stealth - 2001 Audi S4
  By sforza - December 14 - 2:00 am

  fast but some turbo lag almost no one knows how fast this car really is my 4th audi and not my last

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  Perfect handling and power - 2000 Audi A6
  By Nik - December 10 - 2:00 am

  The perfect car but unreliable, 30K mi, breaks (rotors and pads), engine and transmission seals leak, secondary cooling pump leaks, mass air flow sensor failed... the service department is slow, unresponsive and expensive.

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  it good but... - 2004 Audi TT
  By crazy2004 - December 8 - 2:00 am

  Pickup is good but a sports car witout stick shift is nothing....those shifter peddles are useless

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  Keep my fingers crossed - 1996 Audi A4
  By Sharonay - December 6 - 2:00 am

  Ive been only owning this vehicle since Sep 2003. 2 months after I bought it, the thermostat broke down and it made the coolant temp boiling. Luckily I got it fixed at a minimal cost at $147Cdn at a friends garage. I hope it keep away from problems.

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  2003 Audi TT roadster - 2003 Audi TT
  By mhagy - December 6 - 2:00 am

  I selected this vehicle because of its unique design and available performance upgrade options. In my opinion, audi is one of the most innovative automakers and I respect their innovation in producing vehicles such as the TT and the Lemans concept.

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  As expected - 2002 Audi A4
  By Nuella - December 6 - 2:00 am

  I work for an VW/Audi dealer so the maintenance "issues" are taken care of immediately, however I did not appreciate the coil going at 3000 miles. I was told the "vender" was having trouble with the new design. I see many more Audis come in on flatbeds than VWs. One thing I can definitely say is its the best car ever in snow which it why I bought the car and also for safety. I have seen many a customer who has literally walked away from accidents that in any other cars would not have. Quattro is a very good system and please do not let anyone tell you that the BMW is the same, it is not ask any mechanic theyll tell you the difference.

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  A real runner - 1996 Audi A6
  By d.fuz - December 5 - 2:00 am

  Purchased this car with 96,000 miles. Now with nearly 225,000 it still runs very dependably, handles mountain roads daily, and produces not a single rattle nor squeak anywhere in this car. Yes, it is getting long in the tooth and some shocks were repalced as well as a transmission seal and a few interior switches have broken but the engine has been flawless. It drives comfortably, firmly & with authority on mountain roads. Climate control system is needing work again electricals. I spend 6-10 hours a day in the car as it serves as my office. I got a good one!

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  2000 A4 1.8TQ - Problems after 50K mi - 2000 Audi A4
  By JGM - December 5 - 2:00 am

  In months 0-36, Audi replaced the front brakes, a CV boot, numerous headlights & the dash instrument cluster. In months 37-44 (SINCE THE WARRANTY HAS EXPIRED), I have had numerous problems, including: vacuum hoses, AC Clutch, radio, hazard flasher, drivers inner door assembly - about $1,300 out-of-pocket. The dealer suggested an extended warranty. Should a $30K+ car be breaking down less than six months out of warranty? Consumer Reports rates this car as a "Car to Avoid" for reliability. As an entry level car, its not good PR. I may try Acura RL/TL, BMW 3-Series, Lexus IS300 or Mercedes C-Class for the same money.

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  Should be illegal in US - 1998 Audi A8
  By pjbrady - December 3 - 2:00 am

  Ive had this car since 2002 and its amazing. FUN, FUN, FUN to drive for such a large car. The engine is so powerful, it should be illegal in the United States (Im glad its not). For a car of this size, the space frame makes it feel incredible light and nimble, but solid as a rock. I live in the mountains of Utah and the Quattro is a must have. I forsee myself buying A8s for many years to come.

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  My car is junk - 1998 Audi A4
  By financeman1440 - December 3 - 2:00 am

  I bought the car with 39k last October, since then I have replaced all front control arms, brakes all around, now it is the shop apparently needs a new rear differential and possible wheel bearings. The front of the car keeps falling off, when I park too close to a curb. Cup holders dont work, my 850 volvo gets better gas mileage. Love the looks, hate the car. Local dealer sucks.