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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  Audi TT problems (car is not a turbo) - 2000 Audi TT
  By kmiyara - September 10 - 2:00 am

  Within 5 months of purchasing this car I was left stranded on vacation. I was told the clutch was bad and I was not able to shift into any gear but 3rd. I had 2 clutches replaced and the transmission before it was finally repaired. In addition over the next 2 years the rear suspension was replaced, electronics for speedometer and the front windshield due to a stress crack. The low profile tires are terrible. Replaced a total of 8 tires before hitting 25000 miles. The wheels constantly get scratched since they protrude out from the tire. The area inside the gas cap gets plugged and when it rains the water is retained.

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  Audi Lemon - 2003 Audi A6
  By minime11 - September 7 - 2:00 am

  Had car 1 month in shop for complete electrical failure, windows, security system, rear warning system, sunroof, etc. Over the next 11 months, car was in shop for same problem for a total of 20 days out of service. Local dealer had no idea how to repair problem. Audi corp refused to acknowledge our existence. Finally found BBB Autoline arbitration. Met with arbitor and explained problem. Audi did not bother to show up for meeting, only faxed statement saying do not replace vehicle. Arbitor found in our favor and now awaiting Audi to repurchase vehicle so we can say goodbye to their product forever. Beware.

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  Stay Away! - 1998 Audi A4
  By LauraZV - July 28 - 2:00 am

  Bought this car in 98, thought I was buying the ultimate car. All the seals leaked, problems with exhaust. Tie rods went, radiator developed a leak, as well as water pump. Wheel bearings went in two wheels, all with less than 50 K miles in 5 years! Noise in rear of car that two car dealers could not find, then told that rear suspension needed replacing. Traded in for a Honda, very happy now, but experience with Audi, who did not compensate me for my expenses and agony, was miserable. Audi is a four letter word to me now. Dont buy an Audi.

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  Looks aint everything - 2003 Audi TT
  By ToplessDude - July 24 - 2:00 am

  Unreliable, poor gas milage, unsecure steering, cramped cockpit, lousy ride after a few hours...but WOW!!! It LOOKS GREAT!!

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  Fun car, but HORRIBLY unreliable - 1993 Audi 90
  By JDukakas - July 17 - 2:00 am

  This car has been nothing but a major problem. It was fun to drive for about 1,000 miles after I bought it, then the troubles began. In a span of about 6 weeks, I experienced a blown head gasket, ruptured CV joint, and an oil leak as well as problems with the alternator, fan belt, and coolant leaks. This car is appealing at first glance, but it has a history of these problems. BUYER BEWARE.

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  Never Again - 1998 Audi A4
  By badchoice - June 30 - 2:00 am

  I will never by another Audi. This vehicle has had several major mechanical issues, and the manufacturer has refused to cover them since it is out of warranty. A vehicle in this class with relatively low mileage should not have these issues (and our Infiniti doesnt). It is the most unreliable vehicle Ive ever purchased. I know several other owners who had similar experiences.

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  Please help me sell my lemon - 1998 Audi A4
  By Please buy my lemon - April 12 - 2:00 am

  Here I sit car-less again. My Audi A4 is in the shop. Last month it was the clutch. My car has only 60,000 miles! And yes, this is the FIRST time I have ever had to replace a clutch and its my fourth manual trans car. My computer has to be reset continuously. I have replaced my CD changer twice. And why is it they make you trade in the old one but STILL charge over $200 for the new one??? Also, why was Brake Check able to locate the oil leak in one visit when the dealer wasnt able to locate it in MULTIPLE visits? I wanted to wait a year before buying a new car, but I have recently determined that I cant afford to spend another dime on this lemon!

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  MOST DISAPOINTING CAR I EVER BOUGHT - 2003 Audi A6
  By NEIL - February 16 - 2:00 am

  GREAT ALL WHEEL DRIVE CAR - HANDLES SUPREME IN THE RAIN - TOO LIGHT FOR SNOW LACKS PEEP - EXCELLENT BOSE STEREO - POOR QUALITY HAD TO RETURN TO DEALER EVERY MONTH WITH A LIST OF FIXES FROM ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS TO WINDOWS , CATALICTIC CONVERTER, GAS GUAGES, WINDOW SWITCHES - MIRROR PROBLEMS WIPER PROBLEMS WATER PUMPS - LEAKY ENGINGE GASKETS - DEALERS OVERWORKED HARD TO GET APPTS OR EVEN CALL BACKS MOST DISAPOINTING CAR I EVER PURCHASED COMPARED TO BMS, LEXUS, PATHFINDERS AND TOYOTAS - BUYER BEWARE!!!!!!!!

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  Turbo Lagging - 2003 Audi A4
  By ReallyBad - January 11 - 10:00 am

  Very dangerous Turbo Lag. BEWARE the 1.8T with the Auto-trans. Step on the pedal, and nothing happens... then, count to 2, and the turbo kicks in. By that point, you could be in big trouble! The delay is very dangerous! Audi should be ashamed to offer a vehicle with this amount of turbo lag. I sold mine after 6 months of frustration.

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  Stay Away from Audi - 2001 Audi A4
  By MAG - December 21 - 2:00 am

  By 5000 miles enginge coils failed one by one. They were all replaced but failed again. Ground fault sensor was installed. Now they are misfiring.