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:

• 

  Forget about a Bimmer. This is better - 1999 Audi A4
  By Marko - October 11 - 2:00 am

  I test-drove the 328, and all things considered , the Audi is better value for the money. It will run rings around the Bimmer in bad weather. There are a lot of neat features to learn about once you buy one. The downside is that the back seats are somewhat cramped. Im 61" though, and the front seats are fine for me.

• 

  Another nice Audi quattro Wagon - 1999 Audi A6
  By VWAudiFan - October 9 - 2:00 am

  Our experience has been typical of our previous VW and Audi vehicles. The major stuff (engine, transmission, quattro, etc.) is bulletproof. The cars structure is very solid, and possesses that wonderful German feel when driving or simply closing the hefty door. It is the little things, such as broken switches and failed electronic modules, that will drive you crazy (as they deplete your bank account). Dealer network is inconsistent, ranging from "were an (affluent) Porsche/Audi luxury car dealer, and intend to treat you accordingly," to "our other franchises are VW and Honda, and we plan to handle you in a similar less-than-refined manner."

• 

  Fun to drive but not fun to own - 2001 Audi S4
  By markk911 - October 4 - 2:00 am

  The car is fast and very fun to drive. The large trunk allows me to use it like a truck. Although, my experience with the car has been going down hill since I drove it off the lot. With less than 30k miles it is already making "creaking" noises in the cabin. The radio has already been replaced b/c of failure. I have the 6M tranny and the clutch has already failed (requiring the car to be in the shop for 2 weeks). Immediately after that it went back into the shop for a week for a failed thermostat. This is the last Audi I will purchase. I plan to sell it before the warranty expires.

• 

  Not as good as they say - 1999 Audi A4
  By dojisan - October 2 - 2:00 am

  Most things with this vehicle are good, but the bad things are very annoying. Tiptronic which shifts too soon and cant make up its mind what gear to be in. Brake pads which bind in their seats. Brake discs warping. Unfortunately, it is a blast to drive.

• 

  like... German - 1996 Audi A4
  By mishon - October 1 - 2:00 am

  I bought it when it was brand new, I mean in pearl white it looks all shiny and classy at the same time. Now, at 75,500 miles its been running pretty good, no major problems, even though Ive beaten the living **** out of the poor thing over the years. Amazing. Eats brakes like theres no tommorow, and they spit tons of dust, so a week after you wash it the rims already look filthy dark. Oh and they squeak a lot, kinda like an 18-wheeler during emergency stop. Power windows scream a lot too, when you roll them down in a hot day. Power with the 5-speed is adequate.

• 

  The 2004 S-4 is a Solid Success - 2004 Audi S4
  By MisterDuck - September 30 - 2:00 am

  The 2004 S-4 has the best across-the- board torque I have ever experienced. Acceleration is superior even in sixth gear. The shifter is quick and precise, and the exhaust note is thunderous (though not for anyone who thinks a quiet, serene ride is a high priority). Handling is outstanding and ride quality is refined without compromising the tautness and road feel expected from a performance sport sedan.

• 

  Wonderful, luxurious car - 1995 Audi A6
  By Tallguy - September 24 - 2:00 am

  Im very happy with my Audi A6 Quattro. Comfortable for a 64" guy, plenty of legroom/headroom. The car speaks luxury: Leather seats, great instrument cluster, leather wheel, wide armrests etc. Active 6 speakers standard! Powerful airco so youre never hot, heated seats help in winter. Car remains very tight after 120K miles. 2.6L V6 is not overpowered, but smooth and relatively economical, about 24mpg on the freeway. Smooth 4 speed automatic. The slightly tinted glass and top quality paint, combined with the rarity makes it a very impressive car to see, not like your standard Merc, VW or Far Eastern car. Lots of style!

• 

  Reliability and Maintenance are Problems - 1996 Audi A4
  By JuliusG - September 22 - 2:00 am

  Its true -- after the initial warranty comes off, things start going wrong! I have sunk over $7k in this car since 1998. I was going to give it to my daughter. No way Ill do that no. Car is good looking and drives great but I have lost confidence in Audi reliability. Wasnt that their problem in the 80s? CV boot, air bag, rack and oinion steering, engine seals, body parts, and now the air conditioning! Even "normal maintenance" is expensive - over $700 for brake pads, etc. Dealer labor is expensive. Forgetaboutit! Buy Japanese. German is prestigeous and snobby but expensive and finicky all around. Kind of like paying to be snobbish.

• 

  Lots of Fun for Small People - 2002 Audi TT
  By Donut - September 18 - 2:00 am

  This car is a blast to drive. Great traction in all weather conditions, nice turn ratio and great overall handling. Its a very spunky car good "get up and go."

• 

  Love/Hate Relationship - 1996 Audi A4
  By Oh...AUDI - September 16 - 2:00 am

  Bought with 65K miles 18 months ago. I spend alot of time behind the wheel, felt A4 would be nice ride that I could put tons of miles on.First 2 months were torture.Check engine light went on every other week.Oxygen sensors replaced twice b4 problem resolved. Since then I have put over 50K miles on this car with no major problems.Only issues are minor electrical glitches (ie stereo, climate cont. display, moonroof).Overall: would buy another from a good dealer with a good warranty.