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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  Big performance in compact package - 2011 Audi TT
  By Joel Liebowitz - July 28 - 8:46 pm

  This is my third TT and it is the best, Agile handling.Fast pickup.A lot of car in an iconic package.

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  Dont buy - 2009 Audi A3
  By gisrail - July 28 - 9:35 am

  So much for German engineering they have not discovered aluminium. All the interior design is in plastic with silly parts that break and are not covered by the warranty. I used the back seat arm rest once and it broke I plugged an ipod in the cigarette lighter and it broke the two moon light roof hatches broke the bolt that holds the spare tire broke, etc. In addition, the car gets a check engine light every six months (and deal with the service people.) Its the only brand that charges for rental car while on service, contrary to what they said at purchase.

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  120,000 miles and going strong - 2001 Audi A6
  By Ariba Dave - July 26 - 8:22 pm

  I am the original owner and have the car almost 10 years. There were some early electrical problems, fixed under warranty. I lowered the car which improved the handling and as such had to replace control arm bushings at 100k. Otherwise just small problems such as cup holders, window switches and a window which doesnt always go up easily. The paint still looks great as does the interior. No ripping or dramatic fading of leather or trim. Huge trunk. Great set of options compared to BWM at the time. Overall Im happy and love the quattro. Next car will be another A6 or the A5, or maybe an Infinity G37x.

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  Terrific SUV - 2007 Audi Q7
  By Rick H - July 26 - 11:00 am

  We have had a vastly different experience to many of the recent posts. We have had this car for nearly 2 years and have had no defects or problems. The engine, MMI system, tires etc have all been faultless. The car is extremely comfortable and surprisingly easy to drive given its size. In fact, we are considering purchasing another Audi due to our satisfaction. Perhaps we just got lucky, but this vehicle has been terrific for us. Prestigious, stylish, comfortable, and reliable. If it got 10mpg more in the city it would be perfect!

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  Poor Quality - 2005 Audi A8
  By Poor Quality - July 23 - 6:37 pm

  Purchased a certified pre-owned with 25k miles. Has been in the dealer 17 times within a little over a year of ownership: sunroof not closing, improperly designed thermostat (Audis words not mine), Software controller staying and draining battery ($450 to replace, not covered under warranty).

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  One year anniversary - 2008 Audi TT
  By ItsAKeeper - July 23 - 5:52 pm

  Its been a year now and I still love this car. I did have a problem with the top locking up. Now there is a recall for that part(s). Im over 6 feet but I sit comfortably in this convertible. Kicking myself for not purchasing the Audi Care Service for $740 in IL. Maybe they will let me buy it before the 15k service? Love the paddle shifters. Hate the Ipod interface. I have to guess at the playlist, album, artists. My wife used regular unleaded against my wishes and it has not affected my 28mpg! Where can I get some track time and properly learn how to push this car to its limits.

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  Fun while it lasted - 2001 Audi TT
  By ninjapuppy - July 23 - 3:46 pm

  I had my 2001 225 quattro for a little over 4 years and it was a fun, sporty car used as a daily driver (New England weather was no problem for it with some snow tires). However things started to go wrong around 60k and it was in and out of the shop for one thing or another during my last year of ownership. Small problems like faulty sensors and door locks not working to control arms breaking and some engine problems. Finally got rid of it when, at only 68k, the timing belt snapped and the top end was destroyed. I did buy it second hand with 23k on it so that could have played a huge roll since I have no idea how the previous owner treated it. Overall, good car, just have to take care of it.

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  Top-notch all around - 2003 Audi A4
  By pbrice68 - July 23 - 10:00 am

  Being a very satisfied Honda Accord owner, I never expected the considerable jump up in build quality, attention to detail, and pure fun to drive element when moving to the A4 1.8T quattro. Everything has a consistent and well-made feel. It feels amazingly light on its feet, so to speak. The quattro AWD is a dream in heavy rains. I cannot wait for winter to try it out in the snow. Dealer has been excellent. Best compliment, to date (from a co-worker): "You can tell that its the newest car on the lot. The design is so modern it just makes every other car look old."

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  Must read before buying german car - 2004 Audi A4
  By zk - July 23 - 10:00 am

  The A4 has been so far a good car, a great performer on the road and off. The best thing about the car is the Quattro, and the 1.8T. The Quattro system is the best AWD system ive driven, its just perfect, and when matched to the 1.8T engine, you not only have a car that can go easily through snow without any problems you also have a car that sounds great, and whenever needed the passing power to match. Ive had two problems while owning the car the electical system, and bad dealer to customer treatment. This is how my review will end, the A4 is the best looking and most bang-for- the-buck from all the german luxury car segment.

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  Nice Car - 2004 Audi A4
  By Paul Hazlerig - July 23 - 10:00 am

  Great looking. Fun to drive. Has more power then you will ever need. Great on gas.