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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  Initial Assessment - 2002 Audi A4
  By Aegil - June 16 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned the car for less than a month, but right away some things are apparent. Biggest issue is lack of low- end power - get a manual and this thing will DIE starting on an uphill incline unless youre a master with the clutch. You cant go above 5mph in first gear ridiculous. Silver lining though - increased fuel efficiency, and once you have momentum the turbo can really kick in. Also, Audis start to fall apart after 30,000 miles... particularly with all the extra gadgetry that it comes equipped with. No surprises here - just buy the extended warranty.

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  best Euro SUV on market - 2013 Audi Q7
  By SCVolunteer - June 16 - 12:21 am

  Bought Q7 TDI 3.0 used in 2014 with 25k miles. Exterior styling is very Euro-slique. LED headlight design is very eye-catching and bright. Crisp ride with almost no vibration or wind noise but a little harsh. I traded out tires for Pirelli scorpions and dropped recommended psi and that has helped. Still rides less cushy than Tahoe or Yukon and especially our Escalade which we traded. The interior is scandanavian like minimalist with easy buttons but lacks a factory DVD player option and any rear factory monitors for entertainment and rear seat climate control that is worth a darn. Thats a fail for Volkswagen/audi in my opinion since the Tahoe, Suburban and Escalade have a movie theatre quality rear entertainment system and rear heated and colled seats now. What you get with Audi is impeccable materials. Fit and finish is exceptional. Eveything in cabin is tied down, no rattles like US SUVs. Also, they use REAL leather in seats, not "pleather" like US brands. That means the seats actually last and wear over time and dont crack and lose tanning like our Cadillac did. Rear luggage space with 6 people is inadequate. Third row seats only big enough for 7 year old. Cant get two pieces of luggage behind 3rd row seats. Had to buy $800 roof rack. All that said here are the pros...acceleration with turbo diesel is nasty! Once it revs up it just goes like a stabbed rat. 0-60 in close to 5.5! At 75-80 highway it sips fuel. We have seen actual Mpg of 36 and close to 550 miles between fill ups. This engine is superior to any US diesel even in the Fords! I know they may have "fudged" on emission reports but I have to say (california tree huggers) worth it!! We have 100k on vehicle now and maintenance has been a problem. It has developed bladder control issues like all my prior Germans and leaks oil all over garage. Dealership said they could replace gasket between engine and trans to fix for a meer $7k. Ill get a drip pan...tnx. It also chews up tires like a 5th grader goes through tennis shoes. The Quattro does not allow a slip like other US AWDs and it takes 2mm of tread off every tight turn. It also consumes brakes like a teenage boy goes through food. Two complete sets of brakes (dealer will not turn rotors?!) in 3 years at $2200 a pop!!! No bueno...volkswagen needs to abandon Bosch and talk to Raybestos or Brembo. Overall amazing engine and impeccable attention to detail with interior finish, but add 10% to sticker price for post warranty and all maintenance. Its a pricey ride. Update on Q7: the car has now crossed 120k miles. We have had more engine problems and it has been back to dealer twice. We are considering buy-back with VW/Bosch class action for the emissions fraud. We love the gas mileage with the 3.0T diesel and the interior and exterior are holding up very well with little signs of wear. But the vehicle maintenance and reliability is starting to become a problem. Unfortunately, it seems to be following the tradition of my other German autos after 100k where they start to break frequently and the out of warranty repair bills become astronomical. Seeing at least $1100 per visit or more with $120/hour labor charges. We have friends with identical vehicle and they are at the same conclusion. Disappointed with overall experience of ownership with this vehicle, hoped it would hold up better than BMWs. VW needs to work with dealers to drop labor charges and high ownership maintenance costs and build them with more reliable parts.

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  Great Fun - 2003 Audi TT
  By dbh - June 15 - 2:00 am

  Great sytle, great handling, better than average power, more cargo space than a sports car, good sound system, I can drive it every day of the year, and its a head turner. Whats not to like? Well, the blind spots caused by the body style, but you get use to them.

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  Fun to Drive, but full of problems - 1993 Audi 90
  By Schradog3 - June 8 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my 90cs with about 60,000 miles on it and had problems from the start. Within a couple months, the oxygen sensors and catalytic convertors went and were the first of many problems to come. The list of replaced parts includes: cat. convertors, oxygen sensors, clutch master cylinder, starter(2) , ignition, brake caliper, water pump, thermostat. The mileage now stands at 112,000 and the car is finally on the selling block. Several other problems have developed including the roof fabric sagging, the drivers side interior door handle no longer working, and a constant clicking noise that occurs when accelerating during turning, supposedly from the heat shields.

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  2003 A6T missing features - 2003 Audi A6
  By shanenolan2 - June 8 - 2:00 am

  Just a note to thise considering the 2003 Audi A6T. First , the multi function steering wheel that let you control the audio system is no longer offered on the Turbo A6T anymore. I guess safety is no longer important to Audi when it comes to driver distractions. I had this on the 2000 AT that I replaced and having seen it in all the brochures expected it in the 03 model.Quite disappointing. In addition, if you want a valet key for your luxury A6T you will have to order it for $65 and then take your car back to get it programmed. No longer standard equipment. Nice way to aggravate your loyal customers Audi!

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  Waiting for the Other Shoe to Drop - 1999 Audi A6
  By Pmontero - May 30 - 2:00 am

  Relatively pain-free an absolute joy to drive. Originally a SoCal car, now in Michigan, the quattro has impressed. Fuel sending unit recall early on, expecting more trouble never had it. Only other odd thing: Rear pads lasting about half as long as fronts and the rotors not being "turn-able" despite catching pads early. My Jetta VR6 is MUCH more problematic Doubt Ill buy A6 after lease is up 7/03 just for fear of what Ill be up for. Oh, yeah. Leatherette interior, no seat heaters, no BOSE, no moonroof makes this cars residual a joke (but original deal bettered V70).

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  Buyer Beware - 2001 Audi A4
  By evilpettingzoo27 - May 30 - 2:00 am

  Ive only owned the car for a few months and have had it die on me twice. All 2001 Audis have faulty engine coils, mine have broken twice already and supposedely have now all been replaced with new non-faulty coils. In the process a tow truck ripped off my front spoiler and I fought with them for over two moths for replacement compensation. My dealership was unsympathetic and useless. I bought the car based on reliability and customer service, I have found both to be completely lacking and unsatisfactory. Never buy an Audi without the original warranty remaining. Instead, go buy a Lexus or Acura, thats what Ill be doing next.

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  Fun Car - 1998 Audi A6
  By Jon Payson - May 29 - 2:00 am

  Very Nice Warking car

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  Audi S8 - 2003 Audi S8
  By Larry V-man - May 28 - 2:00 am

  Audi S8 is a FUN car. Kind-of uncomfortable - but a real FUN car!

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  Beware - 2002 Audi A4
  By magna145 - May 26 - 2:00 am

  After one year the car is back to the shop about once a month. Once it was in the shop for a minor fender bender and the shop still cant get it fixed after 4 trips and trust me it was a minor accident. I have been taking it to a dealer in Charleston, WV. The support and repair for the car sucks. The dealer even offered to trade the car and then offered me $14,000 less for the car than I payed for it after only one year. Dont contact Audi with complaints they dont have any power or desire to deal with their dealerships. On my way home from having a light bulb changed the whole taillight fell out and all Audi could say is they would document it.