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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  Great Wagon - 1996 Audi A6
  By only1sam - July 17 - 2:00 am

  Exceptional deal at 10,000 cash and 31,000 miles on odometer. Receiving poor gas mileage, but rest of vehicle is fantastic. A tad bit slow for todays driving.

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  Too fun to drive - 2002 Audi TT
  By bertram31 - July 9 - 2:00 am

  I traded a 1999 A4 in for this car and my first impression was wow what a difference. The car tracks as if its on rails. No problems in 16K miles. The 225 HP turbocharged engine pulls like a raped ape! There is some turbo lag but you get used to it quickly. My wife and I constantly fight over who gets to drive it too work. Talk about a head turner, too bad Im not single again.

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  Different - 2003 Audi A6
  By Brett C - July 4 - 2:00 am

  The design, quality and feel of this vehicle is excellent. They thought of almost everything. However, the seat is uncomfortable and no matter what I do, I cant seem to adjust it right. I have also noticed that the vehicle skids, lunges forward when accelerating, esp into corners. Not sure why this is.

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  2001 Audi A4 2.8 - 2001 Audi A4
  By snookyanne - June 30 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car a week ago and 1 day later the radio buttons went out, a headlight wire was loose and the cupholder needed to be replaced because it stuck. The radio was also replaced. I wonder what is next and am afraid to take it on a long trip for fear something will stop working.

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  Great Audi If taken care of. - 1997 Audi A4
  By trevor - June 27 - 2:00 am

  This car was my first Audi. I am very pleased that the car was taken care of by the first owner, which made it a whole lot better looking. I love the quattro. The only problem is that for a v6 there is not a whole lot of power, but then again your powering all 4 wheels. The traction and handling are GREAT. VERY PLEASED. But the Germans forgot that some Americans live in the heat and not in the snow so It has a tough time cooling itself down. The only thing that I did not like were the strips of plastic/metal on each door. They rot away easily and are a $100 to replace. But a great car.

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  Lil Blue Thing - 2012 Audi TT
  By Herb stern - June 22 - 5:47 pm

  This is my 2nd TT. First one didnt have quattro and the car needs it to get the power to the ground. Good power, fairly good handling, not so good steering. Too boosted, most of the electric steering car now being made just cant compare to a good hydraulic system. For its size, it has good trunk space. I can fit my bike after taking off the front wheel. While I miss a manual, I am getting spoiled by the DSG box. Just work those floppy paddles. Car is reasonably priced if you dont load it up. I prefer the stock alcantrara suede. I had to order my car as all dealer stock came with many options.

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  Great Car Bad Dealership - 2003 Audi TT
  By Bboy - June 21 - 2:00 am

  I love the car but dont by from Rusnak Pasadena. The customere service is horrible. Okay back to the car. Great to drive and really fun. A little small at first, but you get used to it. Overall very satisfied with the car.

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  so far so good - 2001 Audi A4
  By Eric 1 - June 21 - 2:00 am

  I am a guy who keeps his cars for over 10 years if possible, I was concerned that the Audi would not hold up. It is a bit early to say, but it is going well so far. I will have to replace the tires as there is a slow leak and I had to change the CD player (at no cost) but otherwise all is well. The car seems to be somewhat noiser that it use to be. I hope it holds up for a another 8 years !!! Eric

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  The worst car ever created - 1999 Audi A6
  By Stevenam - June 18 - 2:00 am

  For the $40k this car cost, it should be reliable. Its not. 16 major problems and 22 minor ones in 4 years. I wish Id bought two $20k Mazdas instead. Ill never buy another Audi. EVER.

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  Q7 redesign is missing simple options - 2017 Audi Q7
  By happy-go-lucky - June 16 - 1:00 pm

  I just bought the 2017 Q7. Its disturbing that the skimped on some of the features found on lesser vehicles. Heres my bucket list of the features that this car should have came with: 1. Remote start from key fob. 2. Convex overhead mirror (to watch the kiddos in the back) 3. Wireless charging the cockpit (they missed it, even with all the technology), vents in the 3rd row (this is standard on all 3rd row vehicles. this is a huge mistake.) 4. Drivers key pad for vehicle entry (Ford may be the only company doing this). 5. Sunglass holder (pretty simple option). 6. Basic Tire Pressure monitoring system (they have some formula with the sensors to tell you if the tire pressure changes. Just use a standard TPMS valve). Im happy with the car, but at this price point the car should have these basic features. I would also have to agree with the comment about the run flats. Run flats are a huge disadvantage all around. I havent got into the maintenance phase yet, but Ill update my post at that time.