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 car - 2003 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By Bay Area Driver - April 17 - 2:00 am

  Traded up from an A6 wagon. Liked the A6 but like the Allroad even better, in particular the increased power and general updates. Its a great car.

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  Very classy comfortable! - 2003 Audi TT
  By SkT - April 15 - 2:00 am

  PROS: Fun to drive and look at. The trunk is much larger than it appears from the outside. The detail in the design of the interior is very "James Bond". CONS: Steering wheel jerks to left with acceleration. Windshield is in your line of sight unless you are a small person. Overall, this car is made for its exquisite appeal and not necessarily for a luxurious drive.

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  Buyer Beware - 2003 Audi TT
  By ladriver - April 2 - 2:00 am

  This is a warning to all those considering this car. It is a horrible car with an extremely poor build- quality. The car looks great, both on the inside and outside. It is comfortable and is a fairly nice ride. However, the reliability and workmanship are so poor that I would never recommend it to anyone of my friends. My car was in the shop at least 16 times in 18 months. If you are considering this car, I would highly recommend that you look at other options. This is a very, very poorly built car. This is not just my opinion. I have several friends who also own this car and fully agree.

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  Everything youve heard is true - 1998 Audi A4
  By compcond - March 21 - 2:00 am

  Purchased new all service done by Audi dealers. Traded at 49,000 miles and $5,700 in non-warranted repairs... 6 instrument panels, 4 batteries, engine computer, climate control computer, catalytic converter, steering rack, cam shaft tensioner seals, stereo, 2 speakers, coolant reservoir, coolant temperature sensor, fuel guage sending unit, turn signal stalk, turn signal flasher, tiptronic switch, passenger-seat bushings, 2 passenger side CV boots, alternator, EGR secondary return pipe.

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  Tons of Fun! - 2001 Audi TT
  By golfdoctor - March 20 - 2:00 am

  Great car, nothing but tons of fun on the roadways. After three years of being on the market, the body style is still unique and catches the eye and approval of all. Easily fits two sets of golf clubs in back which make it a very practical sports car. The TT does not have the same raw quickness and feel as a frinds BMW Z3 3.0 , but not many cars do. The TT certainly has enough get up and go and roadhugging guts to satify all but the most experienced and trained drivers. Second and third gearswhen pushed through the 2000-6000 RPM range is quite a rush. I cant wait til the new V8 Audi A4 hits the showroom!

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  TT= Tempermental transportation! - 2001 Audi TT
  By Bergie - March 18 - 10:00 am

  I have owned the car for less than a year and it has been in the shop 2 1/2 weeks. Audi has replaced the electronic central locking system, the instrument cluster twice (it is still not working properly), both horns, both window motors, the turbo bi valve, and had to fix many rattles and creaks. I love the car but am quite frustrated with it and I doubt if I can afford to keep it past the warranty period. This was going to be my dream car but it has turned into a nightmare. The Audi corporation is virtually no help. I am glad I have a good dealer. They are as frustrated as I am with the problems of the car. Great design, poor e

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  my review - 1993 Audi 90
  By scott4 - March 14 - 2:00 am

  This car was bought for me by my parents. The guy we got it from was asking 6k, but we knocked it down to 5200 because of a cracked windshield. Fuel pump, power steering rack, and cv boot needing repair within a year. not too bad for a 10yr. old audi The ride is very fun. Its by no means fast, but it I consider it quick. The 5spd combined with the v6 is a pleasure to drive.The car has plenty of options for being 10 years old, including power sunroof, locks, windows, power driver seat, heated leather seats, and climate control. Sure its not quattro, but its a hell of a car.

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  S6 Avant - 1995 Audi S6
  By lemans - March 11 - 2:00 am

  Outstanding vehicle!! Safe, fast and usefull.

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  Audi doesnt get it yet - 2003 Audi S6
  By mountains - March 7 - 2:00 am

  The car is really fun to drive, but the front seats are not the Recaros with the adjustable thigh bolster that the manual shows and there is very little thigh support. The real problem is Audi dealers. They never tell the whole truth when you buy the car - every deal is a one- shot relationship. Until Audi gets its dealers to act like human beings, buying and owning an Audi will be a constant source of irritation and frustration. Is it worth it? With all the competing products on the market, I doubt it. Audi dealers are the worst I have ever encountered.

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  Tranny woes - 2002 Audi A6
  By S. Wild - March 6 - 2:00 am

  I love the styling, the power, the handling... but I hate the transmission! Would you ever shift into 5th at 25 mph? This car does. Its either bogged down or revved up around corners - a little frightening. Love the trip-tronic, but hubby doesnt do that. Ever. Youd better have a garage, cause this baby doesnt like New England winters - it whines and groans. And the wiper blades! Summer-type only, Audi-brand only ($25), that cant take any ice. The $90 rubber floor mats let water leak onto the carpet... Gimme my old Volvo AWD! Ok, so Ill miss the handling...