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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  First, trepidation. Now, Im sold. - 2010 Audi A4
  By The Gardener - September 9 - 6:15 pm

  It was never my original intention to own an Audi and I signed on the dotted line with some trepidation. 4 months and 4000 miles later, I am sold! Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but its the A4 Avants looks that got me hooked in the first place. Our recent 2500 mile round trip down the I5 to California confirmed the comfort of the seats, the agility of the car, its handling and the surprising acceleration. Its still hard to believe that a 4 cylinder 2.0 liter engine lies under the hood. The Ipod audio interface is the best I have come across and the upgraded Bang and Olufsen system was a blast on such a long trip. The fuel economy was surprising good for an all wheel drive.

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  q7 Diesel - 2009 Audi Q7
  By q7 TDI - September 9 - 3:43 pm

  Ive had this vehicle a little over 3 moths and really enjoy driving it. Fit and finish on interior are excellent. Seats are very supportive and comfortable. Handling is very good for a vehicle of this size. Fuel economy has been better than expected. I have about 5000 miles on vehicle and my combined average is 22.5 mpg - with mostly around town driving. Regularly get 27-28 mpg on highway @ 75 mph and I have actually achieved over 30 mpg on a couple of longer, purely highway trips. 3rd row is very tight on legroom - really just for kids. 2nd row does adjust fore and aft to provide some slight relief for 3rd row passengers.

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  Definitely German Pedigree - 2006 Audi A6
  By Clay A - September 9 - 1:10 pm

  This car was 23 months and had 15,000 miles when I bought it in 10/08. The car is a dream. It rides better and is more comfortable than any car Ive ever had. It can float down the highway or play on mountain curves, whatever suits you. Even with the 8 cylinders, I get 28 mpg on the highway. In town is rough at 15, but I expected that. I like the fact that it has all the features of its better know competitors, but you dont see as many of these on the road. If you see one for a good price, grab it before it runs away. The secret is getting out, Audi rocks.

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  A4 1.8 T Cab is great fun - 2003 Audi A4
  By Mulhollandguy - September 9 - 10:00 am

  Just a great little car...fun to drive, with amazingly responsive clutchless 6- speed, easily switchable to automatic. Handles great, looks great, and handling the convertible is push-button simple. I think its the best deal in its class.

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  A great value - 2010 Audi A5
  By Mauricio Rivera - September 7 - 2:59 pm

  This car is much distinguished with cleaned lines and ergonomics. I am very pleased. The car handles very well on wet surface and cornering. The back seat looks small but dont be fooled. It can seat two grown persons comfortably. The 2010 Coupe comes with 4 cylinders for good fuel economy but with the "turbo", you will get enough power on demand to make you smile. Definitely a great buy.

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  1.8T good solid engine - 2004 Audi A4
  By AUDIence - September 6 - 2:36 pm

  Owned since new. No major engine problems ever with this car. Would recommend good aftermarket warranty after 50K miles. Had to replace both front window regulators and 2 coil packs. I have 93,000 miles on the car and I dont baby it. 4cyl turbo w/6speed manual is a gas saver but lacks in power. Opted for APR Stage 1 program upgrade $499 value worth every penny. Car now has about 230hp and 275ft lb of torque and is much more fun to drive. Worst thing about the car is the useless cup holders. Best looking A4 ever IMO. Careful choosing tires for this car, very susceptible to road noise once tires begin to wear. Pirelli P Zero Rosso were the best. Yokohamas handle great but make a lot of noise.

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  Sweet Ride - 2010 Audi Q5
  By DixSea - September 2 - 1:30 pm

  Wow! My Audi Q5 was delivered on Monday & what a sweet surprise! I had bought it sight unseen and w/out a test drive... I am impressed! The ride is smooth, it handles like a dream! The interior is classy comfortable & has enough bells & whistles to thrill any technophile! The Navigation is easy to use, bluetooth simple and the look is perfect! The panoramic sunroof is impressive providing the feel of a convertible! The exterior is beautiful with nice design and a sleek sexy look! This is a drivers dream in a mid-size SUV... Look out Lexus and BMW, theres a new kid in town!!!

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  A car that earns praises - 2009 Audi A4
  By JK - September 2 - 10:39 am

  The performance is great with sports mode, but the suspension is a bit bumpy for my taste (I can feel every road bump), but I guess thats what you get for a more sports tuned suspension. Fuel economy is not bad for a 211hp AWD car Im getting about 30 mpg on the highway and average about 25 highway/city driving. It is definitely a fun to drive car with very tight turning circle. Interior and exterior design earn many praises from my friends. The problem is Im getting the shimmy around 62 mph (hence points off in reliability) and the diagnosis from Audi Engineering is bad control arms. Im keeping my fingers crossed that replacing control arms will cure the shimmies.

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  What a car! - 2002 Audi TT
  By Marty Zess - September 1 - 6:32 am

  This is not the first sports car that I have owned but, it could be the best. The turbo charged 4 cylinder is a great engine and really pushes the car around. The convertible adds that extra touch that makes the car a real pleasure to drive. I love the handling of the car through the turns of a winding road.

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  Beware! Buy an Audi at your own risk! - 2003 Audi A4
  By jtkoomd1 - August 31 - 4:17 am

  As I drove off the lot, the Xenon headlight leveling sensor warning light went on. I had to leave it overnight the first night I owned it! This was a problem that had to be fixed three times in the first year I owned it. My remote trunk release works only sporadically and Ive had to fix it three times so far...this number would be higher if I hadnt given up on fixing this problem. Ive had problems with the power window switches, power mirrors, and the memory power seats. At 3 years, the rubberized trim around the cabin began to flake off. Though no major engine disasters (so far), Ive had many other problems requiring time in the shop!