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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  Fun car... but not with all the probs!!! - 1999 Audi A4
  By EncinoMan2 - December 1 - 2:00 am

  These are great cars, but mine was in the shop more than my garage! From 50k to 60k miles it needed over $8000 in repairs, thank god for the extended warranty

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  Be careful what ya dream about - 2002 Audi A4
  By sarge1 - December 1 - 2:00 am

  Car has all options .Never again!!!For a car in this price range to have so many problems.Coil pack failure (stranded),brake failure(stranded)horn failure(needed for inspection,took 7 months to get)and many other problems.Dealer acts like Im bothering him with my problems(they left fog light trim off and wouldnt return my calls)so Audi USA says to drive 60 miles to the next nearest dealer for future service.Like many others, Im leary about taking this car on an extended trip.Glad I kept my old 1999 Olds Intrigue.Its my daily driver and has never let me down.

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  Audi Convertible - 2004 Audi A4
  By mls0902 - December 1 - 2:00 am

  Great ride, however I am having an ongoing problem with the Turbo Intake Hose, I have been back to the dealer 4 times in 4 months!

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  Too bad they dont make an A8 wagon! - 1998 Audi A6
  By mrburb - November 22 - 2:00 am

  Weve had gasket and seal issues, but they seem to have been resolved. Electrical is not the greatest, and rear seat legroom is tight - especially for a bunch of tall people. Those things aside, this is the most balanced, smoothest, most well- engineered car weve owned. It is a joy to drive - even if it is a wagon - though a little more power would be nice. If only it were a little bigger...

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  Same Story - 2000 Audi A4
  By CrazyBear - November 20 - 2:00 am

  I bought this Audi for the Style, Fuel Economy, and how it handles with the Tiptronic transmission. I liked the idea of free scheduled maintenance for 50k. Then, like many others, I have lived at the dealership. Cruise control, blinking console lights, rough idle, and 5 new headlights. Too many problems for a former Honda Accord owner. Back to Honda!!!!

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  Unreliable - 2001 Audi A4
  By AudiArt - November 19 - 2:00 am

  Great handling, but it breaks down and the dealers cant fix it or get parts. Or, they fix it incorrectly and it has to be towed back.

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  Pretty Disappointed - 2004 Audi A8
  By formulalu - November 17 - 2:00 am

  Aside from the "tyre" pressure monitor not indicating which tire is low, the main problem is jolting acceleration. Powerful engines can still have smooth acceleration. The rear seat headrests are so ill-designed that it is just a matter of time before fatalities occur during lane changes due to an unnacceptably wide blind spot that requires the driver to contort his neck to see if the coast is clear. And what is the deal with the coat hooks which are the size of thumbtacks? Dont bring more than one hanger when you travel or your clothes will be all over the floor. Dont buy this Audi on looks alone. Test drive it first with my comments in mind.

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  We love our Audi. - 2000 Audi A4
  By audiGirl - November 14 - 2:00 am

  Its been a pretty reliable car only needing a couple minor repairs just outside warranty. Despite its seemingly low HP, its a blast to drive. The sport package is worth the money, it handles incredibly well-- quattro is the only way to go. We will buy another Audi.

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  read the good AND bad!!!! BE OBJECTIVE! - 2002 Audi A4
  By rdjames261 - November 14 - 2:00 am

  so ive owned my A4 for about a year and a half, and now im on edmunds shopping for a decent used one. i consider myself a demanding driver and as a performance vehicle, its a great ride. but in the shop 14 times over the past year is insane! clutch, suspension issues, ignition coils... the worst was being a center console (electronics) flake out that left me using a loner for a week. CONSIDERING aftermarket chip? risk screwing that powertrain warranty and youll have the sweetest looking lawn ornament in town. i wanted this thing to work cause its sweet looking package. but ive learned much more about cars than i cared to through this headache.

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  My A6 - 2003 Audi A6
  By kbstets - November 13 - 2:00 am

  Ive only had my A6 for 3 months, but so far, so good. It is very comfortable, rides very nice. Sporty, but wish I had gotten the 2.7L Turbo for more HP & torque. The "Sport" transmission & tiptronic help that a bit. Passengers have commented on how roomy the car is, more room inside than you would think. Classy interior, like with the wood-grain and leather. Im anxious to see how the Quattro handles Nebraska winters. Only glitch has been a small electrical problem with the remote door locks, but easily fixed.