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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  Best Car EVER! - 2009 Audi A4
  By Nickkkkkkkkk - February 6 - 6:14 pm

  In January I traded in my 2006 BMW 530i in for the 2009 Audi A4. It seems like it should compete with the 5, because of its roominess and standard features. This car is the perfect size and its more fun to drive than my BMW. Great value. I love my Audi!

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  Style, Performance, Comfort, Value - 2009 Audi A5
  By david - February 5 - 11:54 am

  Shopped long and hard and considered BMW3 and Z4, Mercedes C300 and SLK, Infiniti G37, Cadillac CTS and Audi TT. In my opinion, the A5 offered the best combination of style,performance, comfort and value and I have not been disappointed after four months and 5000 miles. MPG of 20.3 with estimated 20% highway/80% city. Plenty of room for two sets of golf clubs in the spacious trunk. I enjoy the look of the 19" Y wheels but would not recommend them to those of you that do the majority of your driving on the highway due to a rougher ride. Minor nitpicks for excessive brake dust (although it appears to be moderating) and for a slight roughness when shifting from second to third.

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  Not up to Audi standards - 2007 Audi Q7
  By stoak - February 4 - 11:35 am

  Our 3rd Audi. This one is just not up to what we had expected. Example - the gas door feels and works like a Yugo. Instrument panel is directly under cup holders and any spills screw up the audio. $800 to fix and not covered by warranty. Service has declined dramatically over the years. It feels like they are trying to wring every dime they can from us at every chance. Not much different than most but different than our past experience. Have had for 1.5 years and seems like there is always some little thing wrong. Engine is great, great on snow. If I had it to do over again I would get the GL 450 or 550. The Acura is more reliable but does not drive as well or turn as sharply.

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  Great car - 2008 Audi A3
  By deg - February 3 - 10:45 am

  This is my forth Audi. Ive had two 5000s an A6 quattro and now this 2008 A3 2.0T 6A. My wife drives it most of the time. We both love it. Have 11700 miles on it. No trouble at all. I highly recommend the ca.

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  Better than the rest - 2008 Audi A8
  By David - February 3 - 9:03 am

  Not unlike the rest of the reviews above I have owned most/all of the flagship vehicles. I am impressed by the smooth yet responsive ride, the interior room and the ease of electronic use. I looked at MBZ 500, BMW 7 series and the Lexus, either they were to vanilla or to cheap this is a beautiful car.

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  Most beautiful wagon-who needs an SUV - 2003 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By mazzy - February 2 - 10:00 am

  An amazing car. It is too bad that Ausio chose nor to heavily promote this vehicle. It is probably one of the best designed wagons- hrbids ever made. An amazing ride!

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  Best value and styling in its class - 2008 Audi A6
  By Rob G - February 1 - 4:24 pm

  My wife and I spent over a month researching and test driving midsize luxury cars and when it was all done, the Audi A6 was the clear winner. About 6 weeks later we have no regrets. Its styling and build easily surpass its competitors. The MMI is not that difficult to learn. My wife, no techie, but has mastered it and is now a big fan of the system. It just takes a little patience to learn a new way of doing things. iPod interface is excellent and the NAV system is very well implemented. Lane assist is a great safety feature and works well. I much prefer the Audi to BMW, MB or Lexus. For us, the runner up was the Infinity M35.

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  Love my car! - 1998 Audi A4
  By Doris - January 31 - 8:36 pm

  I love this car. Most people dont believe its a 98. Looks great drives great and would buy another one. The only thing Ive done is replace the rack and pinion. Still happy!

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  Oh yea - 2005 Audi A8
  By SSG T - January 31 - 10:58 am

  Just bought a used A8L Quatrro.Man This thing is fantastic. Never owned a luxury car before,and now I know what I have been missing. The soft market on these vehicles put them in reach for those of us with the "beer pocket". I am hooked. Handling is wonderful and the power from the 4.2 is plenty for any American highway. I had to study the owners manual while I sat in the car and go step by step over all the systems. There are a lot of buttons and dials and submenus to learn. If you buy one of these cars take the time to learn it inside and out. It will make the experience so much better

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  Is there a perfect car?This is may be it - 2005 Audi S4
  By Biagio - January 29 - 2:45 pm

  Thanks to most of the reviewers here, I made the decision to purchase a used S4 (along with Audis pure protection additional warranty). I have to say it is the most amazing car Ive ever owned--even over my 67 Mustang fastback. As another reviewer said "it does everything right". A pleasure to drive, doesnt look fast but runs like a refined rocket, handles like a track car and is great in snowy terrain of the north west. Highway MPG is doable, and for those that lament about city MPG, realize its 340HP w/over 300lb ft torque...in the same engine compartment as the A4 (which Ive owned 1.8t) and also liked. This is like a supermodel love affair in comparison. Gracious, powerful, refined