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:

• 

  Mikes 2004 A6 2.7T Quattro - 2004 Audi A6
  By doctorboy - October 11 - 12:16 pm

  Subtle yet elegant. Thats what I would say about this car. Nothing is overdone or classless. Audi has an incredible job of making this car appealing to those seeking both practical and luxurious features in a car. Flight controls are easy to get to, flat-dash experience doesnt alienate the passengers, incredible handling, very quiet and stable feel, and details in the rear of the car like wood trim, ashtray and cup-holders.

• 

  Best Of Class - 2005 Audi A8
  By willman - October 11 - 6:53 am

  The Audi A8L is the best value for the dollar vehicle on the road today. Hands down, no contest. Beautiful inside and out in a sophisticated kind of way. Elegant in presentation and powerful of stance. Handles better than any other car in its class. Rain, snow, whatever the weather, drive with complete confidence. Big and strong going down the highway. When those four rings appear quickly in your rearview mirror, MOVE!!!

• 

  Just Leased an 08 TT - 2008 Audi TT
  By ejinaz - October 10 - 11:32 pm

  Just got the 08 TT roadster convertible Sahara Silver with Baseball Glove leather interior, and mag ride. I am amazed at how fun the car is to drive, being my first convertible, first german car ever, and with cornering/acceleration that is way fun. I cannot imagine springing for the 3.2 when my turbo 4 cyl is as much fun as Id want to have. Im not dragging it at the track or anything. The clincher is that the color and style is out of this world beautiful. I believe its an instant classic. Im hoping its sufficiently reliable, though as a 4th car (parked except for weekends and special occasions), Im willing to tolerate some compromises and shop time for its charms.

• 

  Acura Upgrade - 2007 Audi Q7
  By jadladrad - October 10 - 2:52 pm

  After buying a Acura MDX a year ago I traded it for a Q7. Huge upgrade! And basically the same price, no comparison. This was the buying decision I should have made but at the time I was a new SUV driver and the Q7 seemed like a lot of vehicle for me then. I love the Q7, from the interior and exterior foot lights to the powerful but smooth styling. Build quality is exceptional, superb braking and transmission makes for a very safe and smooth ride.

• 

  quality - 2004 Audi A4
  By AEMLAJ - October 9 - 10:00 am

  THE CAR IS EXTREMELY WELL DONE. The experience i have had thus far is just the incredible handling and extremely sophisticated convertible top, which gives me a sedan like db on the interior. Audi even placed carpet under the wheel well.

• 

  Old Audi A6 - 1999 Shines with 226000 mi - 1999 Audi A6
  By Kongo - October 8 - 11:07 pm

  I was very happy to find this car priced at $4400.00. I was expecting the worst when I traveled across the state to take delivery. I found out the original owner drove the car every day from Bellevue to Olympia. It was serviced on schedule and oil changed every 3000 miles. This car is near perfect and even with 226000 miles, it feels like new and I would not hesitate to drive it across the US without fear of any problems. I like this car much more than our 2002 325ci. We are thinking of unloading our BMW and buying a couple more of this type of car. Cheers!

• 

  First Audi - 2016 Audi A6
  By Jeff - October 8 - 9:30 am

  I bought this Audi after extensive research and driving A4s as rentals. I had a poor impression of Audi in the past. When I drove the first one I was surprised how fast I found myself driving without even noticing, no noise, no fuss, just effortless acceleration. (previous car had 370 hp). Audi is a car you discover slowly. And the more you drive it, the more you enjoy it. I would start with complaints first: at this level, the car is missing some basic equipment found on much cheaper vehicles: rear cross traffic alert, Apple/Android Car Play. I think the windshield chips a bit too easy and so is the paint. The Bose sound system is good but not outstanding. My previous Genesis had a better sound(Lexicon). The electronics are somewhat fussy and distracting. But when it comes to driving pleasure and performance, this car is outstanding, it moves so fast with such ease, its quiet, planted on the road like it is on rails. It has an intrinsic elegance and a remarkable presence. Update: almost a year later, I keep enjoying this car more and more. Long trips are a breeze. Passing other vehicles or merging on highway is super easy and fun. No malfunction. Bose sounds better after some adjustments. Audi added another year of free internet access. Comfort and quietness are excellent. Complaints: the screen that comes out of the dash is a gimmick, I worry the mechanism will brake in the future. Also the kill engine at stops is very annoying, this is what one of my first cars used to do, only it wont start when pressing the gas pedal. Brings back stressful memories :-).

• 

  Great!! - 2007 Audi S8
  By Jack - October 7 - 8:51 am

  The is such a great car! I bought an S550 4matic for myself, but there just wasnt enough power there for me. I saw the S8 drive by and my son (who is 13, and knows a lot about cars) told me I had to check it out. So we drove right to the Audi dealership, and ordered it. I have since given my wife the S550, and she wants to have my car. I really enjoy this car, and it is powerful, and has the fourwheel drive. We live right outside of Philly, and we do get snow so that four wheel drive is great to have. It you can buy it I would definitely recommend doing so.

• 

  Audi Q7 tdi premium plus - 2014 Audi Q7
  By Quattro - October 4 - 12:10 pm

  This is a great car. Best for long range trip.

• 

  Audi Q7 tdi premium plus - 2014 Audi Q7
  By Quattro - October 4 - 12:10 pm

  This is a great car. Best for long range trip.