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:

• 

  bet your life on it - 2001 Audi A4
  By Carey B. - November 11 - 2:00 am

  Let me start by saying that I was in a head-on collision just 2 weeks ago and my 2001 A4 performed just as it should have, safely. It is an incredibly solid and safe automobile. All the minor complaints (lame cupholder and small back-seat) I once had about the car have receded into the past. To be able to walk away from a bad accident is the best testament anyone can give for a car.

• 

  Great Car - 2000 Audi A6
  By Rick Traskos - November 10 - 2:00 am

  The 2.7 is a fun car to drive. Plenty of pep and holds the road like a tiger. Now if they could just get that wonderful Bose radio system to get better reception, that would make the car just about perfect.

• 

  Pers[ective audi - 2003 Audi TT
  By jason r x speed - November 10 - 2:00 am

  My audi TT is quite reliable.needibg no excuses for poor exterior design it features many admirable qualities

• 

  Dont do it! - 1999 Audi A4
  By madowner - November 6 - 2:00 am

  Everything was fine for three years. The honeymoon is over. After maintaining the car to the letter and taking it to the dealer for regularly scheduled maintenance, the engine light came on. As a fluke I took it to a reputable independent mechanic who said the car looked like it had 150K on it when it barely has 50K - catalytic converter, control arm bushings, engine mounts, rear disc differentials, oxygen sensor and more. He recommended I take it back to the dealer. The dealer said it wasnt their problem. Audi refuses to cover everything except the catalytic converter. Im now looking at $4K worth of maintenance.

• 

  not too bad - 2002 Audi A4
  By shukri sharabi - November 5 - 2:00 am

  I purchesed the A4 AWD auto in december 2002 in florida $3,000 below sticker price, knowing that I am relocating to washington, where awd would be usefull and dealers will not budge $500.00, it sure serves the purpose during rainy days, had to replace the master cylinder so far (warranty), the car looks great without even the 17" wheels and sports package.

• 

  Pathetic Reliability - 2002 Audi A6
  By demoralized - November 4 - 2:00 am

  Great car if you want to know your service dealer really well as car is in shop over 35 days/15 months for a variety of mechanical problems, some of which can not be fixed even after 5 attempts.

• 

  Buy at own risk - 1998 Audi A6
  By g123 - November 2 - 2:00 am

  Bought this car new, and it spent more time in service or waiting for service than it did on the road. Had ~30K in warentee work done over the 3 years I had it, finally traded in for a new Honda. It was bearly running when it was traded. Really expect more from Audi, never again. It even straded me 3 times.

• 

  Always buy Audi or BMW or Honda - 2004 Audi A6
  By Geoge Farell - November 1 - 2:00 am

  My 7 month year old Audi rocks. With Awd it is the best car in its class. My Ford lasted 7 months. My Wifes old Audi lasted 7 years or more. I hope mine will last 25 years. Me and my wife both have the brand New Audi A6. We also have a 2 year old Ford Taurus which we bought for $25,000 and spent $45,974 fixing. Ford is the worst, and Audi is the best. I would always recomend The Audi A6 To any one!!!!!!

• 

  Euro - 2004 Audi A4
  By JayN - October 31 - 10:00 am

  I think it looks better then other cars in its class. besides everyone and their mothers owns a BMW. I like to be a little differant

• 

  Solid, sporty, and fun to tinker with - 2001 Audi A4
  By catchme - October 26 - 1:00 am

  Bought this car brand new, and now have about 33k miles. No major problems a few burnt out headlights, the ashtray is stuck, and coffee stickiness has made the cupholder stick sometimes. Replaced the stock goodyears at 27k with sticky Yokohamas and "chipped" the ECU with Neuspeed at 24k for 30 more horsepower. Other enhancements include a K&N air filter. Got a check engine light due to busted vacuum hose, and noisy cam tensioner, but all replaced under warranty. Car is noisier now, rattles, etc. but still solid. Plan to keep for a few more years.