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:

• 

  overall good deal - 2004 Audi A4
  By bruug - July 30 - 10:00 am

  The Audi A4 convertible is a great car and fun to drive. I have had issues with the top not operating properly and the middle brake light cycling on and off, but overall a great little car.

• 

  Youll love driving this car - 1998 Audi A4
  By compcond - July 11 - 10:00 am

  Back to the dealer for service... lots of it. Mine was purchased new and has 48,000 miles on it. Ive replaced the computer, catalytic converter, cam tensioner seals, 5 instrument panels, 3 batteries, coolant reservoir, coolant temperature sensor, fuel guage sending unit, stereo, 2 speakers, and the alternator. Over $4,000 in billable repairs since the 3 year warranty ran out not including maintenance items.

• 

  Disappointed & Annoyed - 2003 Audi A4
  By benerasaka - June 29 - 2:00 am

  The vehicle has been brought for servicing four times to date ranging from minor problems to major problems. Life Quality Audi gave the worst service, which convinced me never to purchase another Audi again. Service consisted of unfulfilled promises.

• 

  Mostly good - 2004 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By rslau - June 5 - 2:00 am

  Great car, but had problem with the auto trans; it was replaced within a few thousand miles on the car. The dealer was great in helping me with this problem. The car has had not problem after this, and it swifts must better with the replacement - the lag time between pushing on the gas & the car starting to move has improved. I would buy another allroad, but most likely with the 8 cyclinder. The exterior & interior design is extremely nice, though the seats can be a bit uncomfortable at time - not enough side support. It is altogether a great car to drive in both good & bad weathers.

• 

  2001 ALLROAD - 2002 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By FARGOFRED - May 18 - 3:33 pm

  Elegant looks-inside and out. Very comfortable for long rides. An absolute joy to drive. Acceleration is very good (could be better with a V8) and handling is superb with minimum body lean, no tire squealing.

• 

  You can do everything with it - 2003 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By 2integrate - May 12 - 7:30 am

  I wanted a car that was stylish and had good performance and handling, all while providing enough space to haul my equipment and tools around because I am a contractor. I have never been disappointed with this car. For work or play it delivers. I am not a fan of SUVs, because you really cant drive and have fun. You forget that you are in a wagon. IT IS A GREAT CAR WITH GREAT LOOK!

• 

  Amazing car - 2004 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By joey - May 2 - 11:16 am

  Although the EPA rates this cars mpgs at 19, I found that by being gentle on the gas I could usually get around 25. This was the greatest car I ever owned. Amazing in the snow.

• 

  Refreshed Q7 - 2017 Audi Q7
  By Kart Raghu - April 14 - 4:09 am

  The new Audi Q7 is more nimbler and more comfortable than its predecessor. Once in the vehicle it is hard not to take it out for a long drive. I am hoping Audi has invested in good parts and produce better reliability.

• 

  A beautiful day - 2002 Audi A4
  By quattroman VII - April 2 - 7:50 am

  I have owned many Audis and the new 02 A4 is a work of art. I tested and looked at many cars in the category and came back to Audi in the end. Highly recommended.

• 

  If the interior were better...... - 2006 Audi A4
  By jrex - March 23 - 1:30 am

  Overall this is a very nice vehicle. It handles extremely well. The ride is much better than expected. Very little noise from the road. Good pricing compared to BMW and Mercedes. I have always heard how great the interiors are on Audis but I am not very impressed. The plastic surrounding the center console looks cheap. The turbocharged four is excellent but noisy. It is quicker than the 200 hp in my Acura TSX but far more noisy.