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:

• 

  I would buy it over and over again - 2008 Audi A3
  By Joseph Gutman - December 21 - 3:19 pm

  After the fuel crunch I decided to get rid of my Mercedes E-500 AMG. I looked for fun, reliability, some luxury, good dealer service and a car that was practical. And I found all of it in the A3. Tried the 3.2 version and it ws not much better. I love driving and commuting on my A3. Nothing fails and if you go on-line you can find a few "easter-eggs" that Audi engineers left as a gift in hiding. It handles like a sports sedan and hums like a sprts car. It is just the perfect car for the person with a few bucks, without the need to be a show-off.

• 

  Timeless Quality and Performance - 2008 Audi A8
  By Chod - December 19 - 8:46 pm

  Ive owned Lexus LS and SC430s, a MB E500, and test driven every BMW and MB over the past decade. The Audi A8 exudes a quiet confidence and athletic ability that places this sedan among the best in the world. Im always amazed by the incredible 26 MPG highway even though Im usually pushing 70-75mph in a serenely quiet yet totally responsive car. The MMI provides an intuitive control of audio, nav, car settings, and telephone that is simple yet sophisticated in performance. Handling is a dream with precise steering and a totally compliant suspension that seems to anticipate the movement of the car, rather than the bucking and fitfull suspensions that typically accoompanies a 2 ton sedan.

• 

  No more need for BMW. - 2009 Audi A4
  By jfinsure - December 18 - 4:19 pm

  My 550i lease just expired and I wanted to downsize the car but not the features. The A4 2.0 with Prestige seemed like just the answer. I have never heard a better car stereo than the B&O system that comes with the Prestige package. The daytime LEDs are very cool and this design really hit the target! I was also used to keyless go so this option is now a must have for me. Finally, the side alert is a great feature and my mirrors tell me if someone is in my blind spot with a flashing light. Except for power I actually like this car a lot more than my 550i.

• 

  Bigger than it appears. And it Rocks! - 2007 Audi A3
  By Mark, VA - December 16 - 1:22 pm

  The car seems pricey for an A3 sized chassis, but the car seats everyone comfortably. The hatchback also can fit a lot. I bought a big grill at Home Depot and the sales associate looked at me like I was crazy for thinking the grill in its box would fit in my car. It did. Hatchback closed. The car accelerates and handles great. I do seem to go through tires a bit, and Ive been told that by mechanics that the A3 does seem to chew up the front three tires faster than normal.

• 

  boldovs review - 2003 Audi A4
  By boldov - December 15 - 10:00 am

  mu car is a sleek powerfull, yet nice sized car... not only can it move around quickly... but i also have the room for 2 bikes and 2 people... i have a car... it is my dream to get this car that i have only in a color they dont make..

• 

  Best Auto Ive Ever Owned - 2003 Audi A4
  By stanton - December 15 - 10:00 am

  I am am currently very satisfied with my Audi A4 1.8T Quattro sedan. The handling is precise, especially in foul weather, and gives an overall feeling of confidence. Quattro is what sealed the deal. The cabin is well appointed and comfortable. Also love my dolphin gray metallic paint. There are only two other Audi owners in my small city, so my A4 gets a lot of looks... even from teens. My family is proud that we own an Audi.

• 

  Extra Performance is Easy! - 2004 Audi A6
  By LuckyAZ - December 14 - 4:45 pm

  This is a great car for any family. The added bonus (for dad or mom) is the easy modification. I have added a GIAC perfromance chip, cold air intake and better turbo valves. This car easily outruns a Mustang GT in the straight line and on the track. It is fun to pass so-called "sports cars" with my sons car-seat in the back.

• 

  Exceptional Automobile - 2004 Audi A6
  By Mars - December 12 - 9:33 am

  Have owned Volvos, Benz, Bimmers, you name it our 2004 S-line A6 has been the best handling, most reliable auto ever. Chicago winters, no problem. Many x-country trips in every season. The car has never once let us down. Minor electronic nuisance with turn signal relay, but thats it. Developed outside water leak in front passenger floor area which we still havent tracked down, but what the hey...shopping for a nice all road with the same mechanicals as we need more room to carry stuff with a new business. Highly recommend this vehicle to anyone in the market.

• 

  That darn sunroof - 2009 Audi S5
  By Big John - December 11 - 8:31 pm

  Ive only had my car for a few months but heres my take. There has to be something they can do to the roof to help me have a open air feeling to that car. The city mileage is terrible, highway with cruise 23 to 24 not bad. But I dont know why they cant do better, my E500 averaged 21 and I saw a high of 27 in a car that had over 300 hp and was bigger. I wish the transmission helped with the city driving. Yes the car is fast, but am I the only one who thinks this car want to go ballistic on the highway. Not that Im complaining I just wish the 0-60 matched the height a bit more.

• 

  On my Second!!! - 2009 Audi A8
  By billyjo - December 10 - 4:04 pm

  After two 7 series BMWs, I am now on my 2nd A8L after trading in my 06!Few people noticed that I have a new car! Looked at S550, LS460L,750Li but nothing compared to the materials, ergonomics and ease of use as the Audi. Now have USB connection for flash drive with MP3s and somewhat improved dash display. I prefer the MMI to the Mercedes iCommand or the Lexus touch screen currently available. The previous MMI display had matte finish which matched the other materials and looked much nicer then the glossy bezel now used. Parktronic now has a camera in addition to the great graphic display. My previous proved very reliable with the Sirius Module being the only item which failed in 3 years.