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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  Like Mike - 2000 Audi A4
  By wilson - February 19 - 2:00 am

  I agree with Mike S. While I love the performance of the car, Ive had to take the car into the shop for miscellaneous problems every 6-8 weeks for the last 18 months. Its never anything terribly serious but its always something. Dash electronics, water pump, thermostat, speaker, more dash electronics, another thermostat, and EVERYTHING RATTLES. Not quite enough trouble to qualify for a lemon but too much for a two year old car with low miles. Ive complained to the dealership and they pay lip service to helping me - but nothing ever changes. I really do love the car, but who has time to have their car in the shop that often? Im disappointed.

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  Fun Ride - 1993 Audi 90
  By jfalcon - February 17 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this car with 58,000 miles. I had one problem and the dealer took care of it, a main seal leak between the engine and the tranny. Otherwise I have not had a single problem. The tires on this car go every year a half, at 180 a tires it isnt cheap, but hey its and Audi! The car drives like its new. You can cruise at 95 and it feels like 65. I wont give this car up for awhile.

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  e(S)tatic about the S4 - 2000 Audi S4
  By karshopper - February 16 - 2:00 am

  Unbelieveable car!!! Has tons of torque and tons of control. It rides a little softer than the M3 (good or bad based on the persons choice). The car is subdued for a "sports" sedan when you talk about exhaust note. Again, plus or minus depending on the owner. The Quattro is the best in the industry but because of the perf. focus of the car you need snow tire for the really foul weather (1-1/2 more of snow). The trunk space is good and again larger than its main competitor (the M3). The S4 is a amazing car with no turbo lag and almost limitless potential with small modifications.

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  performance machine - 2001 Audi S4
  By mbloom - February 14 - 2:00 am

  tremendous acceleration when you hit it, can carry the groceries, bikes, kayaks, and get through snow with ease. and all around great performer than is fun to drive. Opt for the standard six spped which is smooth as silk.

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  Beautiful but Poor Quality - 1998 Audi A6
  By Gerryfs - February 12 - 2:00 am

  Many issues with this car. Transmission problem ($6,000 repair!!) Low front end getting caught on parking barriers, Fuel injectors (Dealer said dont start the car, pull it out of garage and turn off - not good for the engine.) - Cost me almost 2000 to replace injectors and other assorted fuel and electronics to"fix" But it is beatiful to drive and look at 2.8 is adequate but not exciting. Audi should do something about the reliability.

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  My 1999 A-8 - 1999 Audi A8
  By KEITH HARTMAN - February 11 - 2:00 am

  A delight to drive. And a horror to bring to the Audi shop. Their idea of pricing is unreal. The major problem is suspension parts, obvious if you change your own oil as I do. Every carrying arms has electronic sensors, it appears. Nothing wears out without a whole subassembly to replace it. Most awful: a broken headlight lens cost $1100 to replace -- what? -- a light assembly going deep into the engine compartment. That aside, this is the best car Ive owned (second best was a 1994 Audi 5000 stick shift, just as pretty in the driveway!).

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  Love the car - Hate the repairs - 1998 Audi A6
  By Doctor Liz - February 10 - 2:00 am

  Great looking and riding car, but impossible to keep running. By 60,000 miles it had a new water pump ($800) and needed new valve gaskets, cam gasket, axle flange gaskets and a new rear differential. I thought I was going to miss the luxury when I traded it in, but it was a real relief to get rid of the expensive repairs. The Audi dealership had the attitude "if you dont have enough income to be giving lots of money to us - tough"

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  okay car - 2001 Audi S8
  By xolxo - February 8 - 2:00 am

  i am glad audi is ree desighning this car. the interior is nice but the exterior needs some work.

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  A6 Sedan Too Many Repairs - 1999 Audi A6
  By tgteich - February 6 - 2:00 am

  Very poor build quality for a $35,000 car. Does not compare in quality to my Acura 3.2 TL-S and lacks standard features found on comparable cars. Audi repairs: replace gas gauge, replace digital dash, replace door hinge, rebuild drivers seat, replace rear seat back latches, front grill inserts fell out. Overall bad value for the money. Audi is not a quality builder of cars.

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  Audi A6 Quattro - 1997 Audi A6
  By deutschdan - February 3 - 2:00 am

  Good driving German car with exceptional traction. However, its difficult to get parts and expensive to maintain.