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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  SUV of the Future - 2010 Audi Q7
  By Karen - October 15 - 9:19 pm

  I owned the 07 4.2 Q7 before this and really enjoyed the car but wasnt thrilled with the lower gas mileage (18.5mpg). I tried the Q5-good mileage but too small. The TDI is terrific-am averaging over 25 mpg on hway and city over 28mpg on hway. Upgraded MMI (easy to use) LED lights when parking, warning sounds for front and back bumpers (plus rear camera). Ride is smooth and quiet and excellent pickup from start. Small delay in engine start when turning key. For fill up, had trouble finding diesel nozzle that fit-many are too big. The electronic stability control is a great feature that really works-slows car down when going downhill in slippery conditions. It is a pleasure to drive this car.

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  A *nearly perfect car - 2004 Audi A4
  By B6Turbo - October 15 - 10:02 am

  I purchased this car w/ 44K and now have 79K on it. You cant beat the tasteful, subtle but sporty styling and the interior design and quality is impeccable. Apart from the lack of power (170hp in a 3400lb car just cant compare to its rivals in terms of acceleration), but the quattro all-wheel-drive system all but makes up for it in the twisties and it moves like a much lighter, more balanced car. Like almost all 1.8T owners Ive had to replace my coil packs (I opted to upgrade to aftermarket Hitachi plugs instead of the OEM versions). A new clutch was also required at 75K, but that may have been due to the previous owners driving style. I love my car and will drive it until its dead.

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  Nothing but problems!! - 2004 Audi A4
  By Emmanuel McKinstry - October 14 - 8:19 pm

  Purchased vehicle used with 20k mileage. Ultrasport 1.8T came with APR stage-1 upgrade. Problems with Air bag module. Dealer fixed under warr. Ignition coils went bad cost 500.00 Fuel pump bad along with some type of sensor that regulates the fuel to the engine?? Caused car to dump too much fuel and flood engine. Cost 850.00. Defective coolant seal (Anti Freeze was leaking in the rear of engine) about 1100.00. And of course the famous Timing belt that bent the valves at 85K and defective passenger side window module cost 2300.00 (And thats with my own valve head I received free from a friend). Now the Bank 1 O2 sensor is bad and its leaking oil like crazy. Dealer said defective oil cap??

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  Bad 2.0 FSI Motor - 2007 Audi A4
  By Car Business - October 13 - 12:09 pm

  Owning an Audi has its highs and lows just as any other make out on the road. I have had some fun with my 2007 A4, it is very comfortable for all types of driving. Unfortunately, the FSI motors that Audi drops in these cars are garbage. Power is fine, handeling is impeccable, solid running motor, but HUGE OIL ISSUES. In most of the A4s FSI motor, the rings around the pistons are bad causing oil to burn rapidly right out of your exhaust. Just look at your tailpipes and you will see what Im talking about. If you look at all the other Audi vehicles, only the A4 has this problem. If you are changing your oil every 1500-2000 miles contact Audi USA for your Engine Replacement.

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  Q5 is best choice I could have made - 2009 Audi Q5
  By Kim in Seattle - October 11 - 6:19 am

  Was driving an S-line A6 for past 2 years and while it was great it was too big for me. The Q5 has the luxury of the A6 and the nimbleness of the A4 all packaged in a functional SUV. I have wanted a mini SUV for years but they all look like soccer mom cars until the Q5. Thats what made the difference. The exterior is so aggressive and sporty vs cute. One touch of the power hatch lift button and I can get my bike in the cargo area or pack up for a road trip. My husband wanted to keep the A6 and even he admits the Q5 is pretty cool.

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  Never an Audi again - 1996 Audi Cabriolet
  By P. Bautz - October 10 - 1:52 pm

  Sometimes we glorify past events... high school math tests, boot camp, root canal etc. Remembering my Audi cab and the dealership, first I thought "surely it wasnt that bad after all". Wrong. It was worse. I kept a log in Excel, and I wonder why I even put up for so long with this miserable car and the highly incompetent, arrogant dealership. The fault list of this vehicle covers 39 positions over my period of ownership the car needed 25 (!) extra repair visits outside of scheduled service, of which approx. 10 were due to incomplete repairs by the dealership.

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  New Hotness - 2010 Audi S4
  By Tom - October 10 - 11:36 am

  Last 5 cars: Audi A4, Infinity G35, BMW 325, 328, 530. Wanted a German car larger than a 3 and smaller than a 5 series. This Audi is essentially a 4 series size. The back seats are usable. The car is flawless inside and out. The A4 was a better value but the sport seats not as nice, engine was a bit noisy at 85MPH with 6 speed. The S4 with a 330 HP 7 speed is composed in the city and a beast on the highway when you need it to be. Effortless power and stability. It is not quite as agile as a BMW 3 that has better weight balance but is more stable at speed since it is larger and safer. Audi excels in style, composure, beauty and in the S4 version is rare. 29MPG Hwy, 25 MPG city.

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  Audi A4 convert. - 2004 Audi A4
  By bobh20 - October 10 - 2:00 am

  This is my wifes car. Very easy to park. The trunk is a little small. The sound system is excellent. The alloy wheels extend too far from the tire and have caused curb scratches on the finish. The cvt transmission is very fluid and quick for her. (She drove a 91 SAAB) She now has three speeding tickets. The sense of speed is not a factor. Very little wind speed and rear wind deflector works great.

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  Great Car - 2002 Audi A4
  By TuckerB - October 9 - 10:00 am

  The new A4 3.0 is outstanding. Fun to drive and great styling. The CVT is quick and smooth. Highly recommend a test drive. In the class, I cant imagine a better car for the money.

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  2002 A4 1.8MT5 - 2002 Audi A4
  By tahoebum - October 9 - 10:00 am

  This is the best handling car I have owned. Also has the best interior I have seen under $60K. Love the Quattro and the unique Audi style. For a few thousand more than an Accord or Camry, a much better car.