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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  Update - 2009 Audi A4
  By John - February 16 - 7:05 pm

  Original post- 09/28/08 Car remains a blast to drive- stereo remains a favorite, bi-xenon lights are worth extra money. Significant difference in driving in S mode and super fun on twisting roads. Car handles fantastic in winter (installed winter tires & with all wheel drive - go anywhere as along as snow drifts arent too high) Car is low - watch out for curbs & cement stops in parking places! Overall am very pleased with purchase after 4 1/2 months driving - you still want to go out just for the heck of it! What could be better - more horsepower (?), ride over bumps could be a bit smoother (but then youd lose the sports car feel). Just a great car!

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  Sensational Looks - 2008 Audi A6
  By Christina - February 15 - 7:40 pm

  Love the exterior classy lines, interior is beautiful. The Bose sound system and iPod integration is fantastic. However the jury is still out on the handling. The car seem to have a lot of play in the steering and very poor weight distribution, also I find the car to have poor visibility. The Navigation System and Blue Tooth leaves a lot to be desired. (German car engineers should take note of Japanese technology). The S line looks great with its wider tires, but has very stiff seats. All in all the car feels very solid, and luxurious.

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  Joy of S4 - 2004 Audi S4
  By kc0pah - February 15 - 3:16 pm

  Simply a joy to own and to drive. Handles every bit as well as the 2001 TT it replaced, and has 2.5 times the raw power. Wifes MB-CLK430 not built as well nor does it have the smooth power delivery. The S4 out corners and out powers it in head to head spirited driving.

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  2006 A3 2.0T Manuel - 2006 Audi A3
  By Bob W - February 14 - 9:58 am

  Bought new, love this car. Had a VW Jetta 1.8 T, loved that also but this is much better. Great all season vehicle snow/rain no problem all season. Perelli P6 stick like glue and wear like iron. Just changed at 45K. Plenty of room for golf clubs and pull cart in rear without folding down rear seats. Vehicle has been very reliable. Handles like its on rails. Would definitely consider buying another next year!!!

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  My S5 - 2009 Audi S5
  By S5 - February 13 - 11:52 pm

  Let me start by saying that I have test driven a lot of cars before finally choosing the S5. I have ordered mine and I got it about 8 months later. Mine is a red interior on black exterior. I have had the car for less than two months now. What do I think? I absolutely love the car. I love the style, performance, stability and exclusivity. I live in downtown San Diego and I have not seen any other S5 yet. I keep getting all kinda compliments on the car. Most importantly, I really enjoy the ride and the power. How about the MPG? I do not give a damn!!! I always find excuses to drive it around. Who cares about the mileage when the car is soo much fun to drive??

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  A Little Disappointed - 2007 Audi Q7
  By Mike - February 13 - 5:09 pm

  This is my 3rd Audi. I have owned an A4 and currently still own an A6. I am disappointed in the reliability and quality of the Q7. I have only 28,000 miles on this car and brakes are already going. The tires also need to be replaced. I have never owned a vehicle where the brakes and tires went bad at such low mileage. The engine sounds like it is struggling all of the time and is sounding more and more like a pick-up truck and not an Audi SUV. We spent the extra money for the keyless start and it doesnt work when it is cold out. I think the quality of Audis have definitely decreased.

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  A4 with Sport Package - 2009 Audi A4
  By Craig - February 13 - 4:07 pm

  I got the A4 with Premium Plus, Nav and the Sport Package in Quartz Grey four months ago. The styling of the A5 caught my attention and when Audi applied it to the A4, it when to the top of my list. Beautiful interior with Aluminum Trim (not cheap plastic like my Chrysler) with plenty of leg room all around and the layout is excellent. The Engine has plenty of power and the brakes are amazing. The ride is a little stiff with the Sport Package and 18" low-profile summer tires, but it tracks around corners fast and flat. Sport seats hold you in place and are comfortable on long trips. Safest car Ive ever owned. Thanks to Edmunds for supplying loads of info towards my purchase.

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  Luxurious appointed interior/exterior - 2009 Audi A4
  By Li7 - February 13 - 11:49 am

  I love this car, and it has been great. At 1200 miles it feels like a dream to drive... no issues. I get plenty of compliments and makes me feel happy to drive it. The engine has good giddy up in the low-speed range. Once youre higher up, engine feels like it struggles to move up, nevertheless its fast enough for me unless youre looking for a speeding ticket.

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  Near- Perfect Car - 2003 Audi A4
  By CWISMAS - February 13 - 2:00 am

  Handling quality is superb! Quattro eliminates slipping on fresh snow, hardpack and ice. Xenon headlights provide unmatched night visability. Cockpit comfort for 62" 225 pound driver needs improvement. Center platform rubs on right knee. Driver left arm rest not very comfortable Premium spoke wheels quickly gather snow and ice which destroys wheel balance all around until the vehicle is stopped and the material physically removed. Aside from these small issues, the car is safe, exiting and well worth the money.

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  Another Great Audi Product. - 2004 Audi A6
  By MattW - February 12 - 12:14 am

  We were needing to get something a little larger than our A4. I looked at Caddys, Jags, Beemers, Mercs and Inf. There was always something about them that made them either feel very dated on the inside (Jag, Merc, BMW) or cheap on the inside (Inf, Caddy). When I first looked at the A6 I looked at the 3.0 CVT model, but heard many negs about the CVT. Decided to risk the turbos and step up to the 2.7T S-Line as it wasnt much more money on the used market. I am so pleased with my decision. The car is beautiful inside and out. It performs great in all conditions. Decent fuel economy. I havent loved a car as much as this one since my 1993 & 97 Infiniti J30. And this car blows em away.