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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  expensive out of warranty - 1992 Audi 100
  By doctorrocket9 - March 8 - 11:30 pm

  This was a wonderful car while under warranty. At 55000 mi, it needed a head gasket, paid for by Audi. At 65000 mi, it needed a new automatic transmission which Audi wouldnt cover, so I traded the car in. During the warranty period the car had endless problems, but since the dealer was near work, and drove me there I didnt mind the fact that the car was always in the shop. I did mind that the car was so poorly built.

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  The S4 Rocks! - 2002 Audi S4
  By LV - March 8 - 10:48 pm

  This is a great car. The Editors Rating(of 7.4) simply makes no sense. It looks good, is very fast, and extremely practical. Can you take 4 people across the country? No, but you can take 4 out to dinner. The interior is beautiful. My only complaints are: headroom (I have a tall torso), and the (6sp)shifter is a little notchy.

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  EPA Mileage is way off! - 2005 Audi A4
  By Paul in Conn - March 7 - 6:10 pm

  We had a 98 A4 prior to this one and I think I like that one better. This car is very stylish and has a classy interior. To me, it feels like a $50,000 car. Real solid. However, I cant stand the center console. Its positioned so that my leg room is restricted and makes driving almost a miserable experience. I thought I can get over it but so far with 1,100 miles, I hate it. Way to uncomfortable. Gas mileage is horrible. My other Audi was incredible with MPG but this one is worse than a SUV. Seriously. Its very disappointing. Im taking it to the dealer soon but Audi has never been famous for their customer service. LEASE these cars only and give them back before the warranty expires!

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  What a rush - 2002 Audi S4
  By mis4tune - March 4 - 3:18 am

  A great alternative to a true "sports car". Great in bad weather, has 4 doors, fast, handles great without a harsh ride. Whats not to like? I would have to own 3 separate cars to do what this ONE can.

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  Cupholders Please - 1997 Audi A4
  By jaylay - March 4 - 2:49 am

  Bought this vehicle on the Audi Assured program. A very reliable and a great car. It is fun to drive...but have a few complaints. 1st, oil changes at the dealership are expensive ($65 to $100) and required to maintain the warranty. 2nd, the cupholders are AWEFUL! Note to Audi...Americans like to drink beverages when they drive. The 2 excuses for cupholders on this car will hold a can of soda, and thats it...Other than that, great car that runs smooth and never fails me in the snow.

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  "New" 93 90CS - 1993 Audi 90
  By salesrep - March 2 - 5:13 pm

  I just bought a "new" 93 90CS sedan today from a private party. It has <50000 miles and is spotless. Back seat never sat on. Full maint records included. I have owed Audis before and look forward to many miles of fun and safe driving.

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  Amazing car - 1994 Audi 90
  By audi9490s - February 28 - 9:17 pm

  The cars amazing, only downside is that its expensive for maintenance and repairs!

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  I hope it doesnt snow where you live - 2002 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By Ian in Vermont - February 21 - 10:00 am

  I live in the mountains of Vermont. The allroad has been an extreme disappointment here. You see, every time it snows the town puts down a dirt/gravel/salt mixture that ultimatly ends up drying on the inside of the wheels. The allroad then shakes violently at speeds as low as 20 MPH. Even Spring hasnt ushered in any relief from this problem. A trip down my unpaved driveway replete with mud puddles renders the wheels unbalanced. My other two vehicles dont have this problem and they dont have Speed Vision infomercials touting their "go-anywhere" versatility. Avoid this car for use in snow country.

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  Audi is a pain and Don Rosen is not good - 1997 Audi A4
  By Dissatisfied - February 20 - 12:50 am

  After owning the A4 for only 3 1/2 years, the transmission had to be replaced. This repair could have been made earlier and saved the transmission, but because of a misdiagnosis by Don Rosen it resulted in the total destruction of the transmission. In addition, had the reported problems been diagnosed properly when I reported them it would have been covered under warranty. Luckily, I was able to talk Don Rosen into covering half the cost, but it still cost me $2500.

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  Moved up to an Allroad - 2003 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By PDXJG - January 24 - 10:00 am

  We have put almost 7k miles on this car since we purchased it it the end of Jan. 03. I was originally going to replace my A4 with an A4 Avant, but travel / space requirements moved me up to the Allroad. This vehicles took some time to get used to after my 1.8T. But, driving to Central Oregon through rain, snow, etc. has been a joy. The acceleration through the mountains is fanastic. I was able to pass at times where the A4 required major advanced planning. The family/ friends also appreicate the extra room in the back seat. I have been averaging 20.2 mpg. For the weight of this vehicle, this is not too bad.