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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  X3 not even close - 2010 Audi Q5
  By FT02 - October 3 - 6:58 am

  Owned a BMW 325XI for 4 years and needed an SUV. Drove everything in the class, X3, VW Toureg, Nissan Murano, Toyota Highlander Mercedes etc and nothing at all comes even close to the level of refinement, exterior looks, interior (Audi sets the bench mark here). 270 Bhp, stunning LED daytime running lights, adequate usable space with the seats folded down. My wife absolutely loves it and made quick work of her first Costco run in the Q5 easily loading everything into the back with a smile on her face. (happy wife, happy life). Too bad the 3.0 TDI that is in the Q7 is not available in the Q5 at this time.

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  The S.U.V. alternative - 2006 Audi A3
  By Michael Zebrowski - October 2 - 4:00 am

  I love my new A3. I originally wanted to buy an S.U.V., but with gas prices on the rise with no end in sight, I needed to look for something else. The A3 offers the refinement of a near luxury car, a genuine sporty pretense, and real utility, all with great gas mileage. With the rear seats folded down you can fit an amazing amout of stuff in this vehicle. I got mine with the sport package and believe me, the A3 handles at least as well or better than my former Infiniti G35. The A3 is a great value for what you get. I highly recommend at least giving it a serious look. In my opinion, the A3 and cars like it will eventually replace SUVs in America as gas prices clime to near Europe prices.

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  So far, so good! - 2004 Audi A4
  By samfelix - September 30 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my A4 about a month ago after owning a 97 Lexus ES300. Wow, what a huge driving difference. While the ES was super smooth, it got a bit boring. The A4(3.0) has a great engine and is a blast to drive in the hills and mountains of West Virgina. Add to that the fact I got EXACTLY the options I wanted for well under Edmunds suggested fair value and I am quite satisfied.

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  Love/Hate Relationship - 2004 Audi A4
  By Darren - September 30 - 8:21 am

  I bought this car w/50k miles on it and it has 89k now. I love driving this car. I love the looks & the interior is awesome. Gas mileage is grt as I avg 26 mpg & get at least 32 on hwy. The hate on this car is reliability issues. I have had coolant leaks, oil leaks, & now the trans is leaving puddles on my garage flr. I have replaced both frt wdw regulators, the fuel pump, 3 of the 4 ign coils on the engine. I have had issues with the air bags & the engine light is on a lot. When it rains the car leaks water in at the A pillar & no one seems to know why. Its in the shop more than my garage. Im scared what it will cost after 100k. I love it, but its going to have to go. Go back to BMW or Japanese.

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  Great SUV! - 2016 Audi Q5
  By Bill - September 30 - 3:29 am

  We bought the 2016 3.0 TDI prestige package with all options and we are very happy with the choice we made. Fuel economy is very good and the handling is excellent. The only minor inconveniences are that it lacks USB ports and the color navigation screen is not touch screen which makes it somewhat cumbersome. Other then that a very confrontable ride for an SUV.

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  A8=Great! - 2005 Audi A8
  By Roger Lyman - September 28 - 4:04 pm

  I purchased my A8 a year ago and have found it to be a very pleasing car to drive. The car was certified and in the 18,000 miles Ive driven it, there have been zero problems. My car came with 19" wheels but I had a set of 18" from a previous car and when the tires on the 19s were worn, I replaced them with the 18" wheels. This resulted in a quieter and more compliant ride with no noticeable degradation of the handling (for my driving style). The A8 pleases me greatly and I plan to keep it for a while as I dont care for the newer "Big Mouth" front design of the 06 on models. Service is expensive but Audi does sell a prepaid package that is well worth the money. Overall, a great ride.

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  2002 A4 1.8T Review - 2003 Audi A4
  By audifan - September 27 - 10:00 am

  The 2002 A4 1.8T avant is our 3rd Audi since 1999 and first wagon. It has surpassed expectations. Functionality includes under-seat and side pocket storage, and a second cargo floor under the main floor; plus many hooks, nets, and pockets. The f/r power outlets are extremely well placed. There is even a built-in retractable cargo partition. Even the glove box has shelves! Ours has the sport package, heated f/r seats, convenience package w/moonroof, as well as cloth seats, which wear well and heat faster than leather. We also HIGHLY recommend the xenon lights. The feel of the headlight switch and radio knobs are well worth the price of admission.

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  Superb Quality, design - 2003 Audi A4
  By LanderHause - September 27 - 10:00 am

  An astonishingly refined auto. The design is sublime inside and out. Very smooth V6. One can get very emotional about a car like this.

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  2003 A4 - 1.8T Quattro - 5 MT - 2003 Audi A4
  By Chad N - September 27 - 10:00 am

  The car is extremely stable, quiet and fun to drive. AWD is the icing on the cake. A lot of people complain about the 1.8T engine as not "powerful enough"; I contend they should have bought the 3.0 V6 then. The 1.8T provides more than ample power and has plenty of go.. but its not a 220 HP v- 6. Compared to other entry level luxury cars, I feel the 1.8T with 5 speed manual is one of the better offerings. Ride and handling are very impressive. If your looking at any entry level german cars, you should at least drive an Audi. Its not for everyone, but I sure do like mine

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  Happy A5 owner - 2009 Audi A5
  By appetites1 - September 27 - 7:43 am

  Have all the toys in this car, have driven 7000 miles to date. Owned many cars in my 50 years of driving and this is by far the best. Enough performance and great quiet and comfort. Very smooth in every way. Getting 25+ mpg with no problems to date. If I could build it myself I would trade the mmi for touch screen nav, make the manual a little tighter shifting, but overall the best ride my wife and I ever had!