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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  A4 sport package 1.8T - 2003 Audi A4
  By Pamos99 - June 5 - 10:00 am

  I purchased a 2003 A4 1.8t quattro with the manual transmission and sport package. I was looking for a car with all wheel drive that was still fun to drive. The Audi definitely delivers. The sport package makes it handle like a sports car -- although you will need to buy different tires for the winter. My sister owns a 2002 A4 with the 6 cylinder and an automatic (no sports package) and it definitely is not worth the extra $8000 in my opinion. I took mine home for $29K and its a great value for money -- fun to drive and extremely high quality.

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  A nice car at a reasonable price - 1995 Audi 90
  By Another engineer... - June 5 - 2:00 am

  I have been very pleased with this car. The interior is well equipped with walnut trim, sport seats that lack a wide range of adjustment but are nevetheless very comfortable. Also includes a wide range of gauges and more rear legroom than the A4. The exterior is not as sleek as the A4, but it is more unique. The front fog lights are prone to stone cracks. At 172hp, the 90 holds its own against a BMW, however the car is sluggish in stop and go traffic. Highway ride is quiet and stable. Quattro is the best reason to buy an Audi. Keep in mind that parts are expensive, even aftermarket, and working on the car yourself requires patience (and small hands).

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  "S" is for superlative! - 2002 Audi S4
  By Orca Boy - June 5 - 2:00 am

  The S4 was my first foray into the "rarified air" of automobiles. Forty large may be chump change to some, but I took the investment with deathly seriousness. That said, the finacial outlay was definitely worth it. The S4 is by far and away the most enjoyable, and complete, car Ive ever driven. I spent many months comparing it against the BMW 330, Infiniti G35, and hordes of other, similarly priced rides. In the final analysis, while each of those cars brings something very special to the show, the S4 seems to bring EVERYTHING. Its fast, safe, luxurious, and--at least compared with Bimmer, Porsche, and some of the other uber- marques--sanely priced.

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  Always In The Shop - 1992 Audi 100
  By out_of_patience - June 4 - 2:00 am

  I bought the car 3 years ago with 112000 miles on it and have put 50000 miles on it since. It gets great gas mileage (up to 35 on the highway - 29 mpg in typical hwy/city driving)and is still one of the most beautiful cars on the road. I thought the car was a steal at $9000, but...since owning it I have put over $13000 in repairs. It breaks down about 2-3 times per year.

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  Ultimate Family Car - 2002 Audi S6
  By ThadCo - May 23 - 2:00 am

  I traded a 2000 S4 sedan which I loved in order to gain more room for kids. It was a tough choice, but worked out well. I love having a torquey V8 again (fond memories of youth) and it handles surprisingly well for big wagon. I can haul the family around and blow the doors almost all traffic while doing it. Sticks like glue rain, snow, or shine and feels safe. In some ways it is better balanced than the S4 sedan. Very good brakes (though not as good as S4). The interior is outstanding and my kids love the third row seat. The styling is still a work of art and looks great from any angle. One of the best compromise vehicles ever made.

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  Unreliable - 2000 Audi A6
  By Frustrated Catherine - May 23 - 2:00 am

  We have gone through 3 sets of brakes in under 38,000 miles. Also, we have had the front tie rods replaced, the temp. gauge needed repair, the check engine light goes on and off at least 3 times between services and the car is burning a lot of oil - once the low pressure light came on. The garage doesnt seem to think any of this is a problem. Im frustrated.

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  So far so good - 2000 Audi S4
  By Sam Dushkin - May 17 - 2:00 am

  I bought my S4 in July of 2000. After the break in period I started to really let it out, and boy what a blast! The car handles beautifully! The S4 desperately wants to cruise at 80mph all day, and you have to practice serious restraint to maintain responsible driving practice. Since 2000 I have only had a problem 2 minor problems: 1)The horn, which after a good prolonged blast (think: NYC traffic)looses "pressure" and is rendered inoperative - Ive "fixed" it twice so far. 2)The low profile Bridgestone Potenza tires that came with the 2000 model are not suitable for winter driving. Even with Quattro!

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  Love this car - 2004 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By murphwon - May 14 - 10:00 am

  I got the 6 speed O4 version of this car and I love it. Fuel economy is not great, although this bothers me more because of more frequent pit stops than because of the economy aspect. The car has had some growing pains with a noticable vibration in the steering wheel @ 60 mph and a slight clunk on severe left hand turns. But every day I look forward to getting into this car more and more.

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  Smooooooth! - 1998 Audi A6
  By KevinS - May 8 - 2:00 am

  I like this car it gets many compliments fron other drivers and passengers it handles well in any weather it has more room than you might think just looking at it. The sound system it great. You might not out speed other high end cars but more than likely youll out handle and out style them with this car.

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  No... its not a Glorified Jetta!!! - 2003 Audi A4
  By Allizard - April 30 - 2:00 am

  I was comparing with IS300, Mazda6 and Jetta GLI and even the Passat GLX before making the final decision. Im glad they added the power seat feature on the premium package. How funny for a 30k car doesnt have a power seat before 03. I love the look inside and out. At first 1.8T seems a bit weak at start up but runs much better once on the open freeway. Nothing cant fix with a new chip.