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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  Everything I hoped for, and more - 2009 Audi A5
  By Robert - January 8 - 11:19 am

  After drooling for this car for the better part of a year, I finally ordered the car last July. Unfortunately, due to availability issues, I was unable to drive the configuration I ordered (18" tires, M/T). The cars ride and handling easily surpassed my expectations (as well as my previous 2002 A4 w/ sport suspension. Engine is silky smooth, with a light clutch but excellent feedback. The car is extremely quiet, and combined with the Bang & Olfsen radio, just a pure joy to drive

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  This car is not like previous Audis - 2009 Audi A4
  By eddyk - January 7 - 10:21 pm

  Ever since I saw the R8 commercials on the Superbowl, Ive been following Audi more closely. Im glad I did. I own the new 2009 Audi, and Ive been so impressed with it. Watch out for this car. It accelerates 0-60 a full second faster than the previous Audi A4s. The LED lights are so cool. The braking is amazing. People stop dead in their tracks and look at it. Put this thing in S mode and drive down a windy road. The car grips the road, and its substantially different than in D, its not some gimmick.

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  This will be my last Audi - 2007 Audi Q7
  By Mark Conway - January 7 - 11:59 am

  I traded in a lemon 2002 A6 in for the Q7. Within 2 months of the Q7 purchase, the windshield wipers collided during a bad rainstorm on the highway. After 5000 miles the power lift gate stopped working and the back seat wouldnt lock into place. After 19000 miles, the tires needed to be replaced for $1200. Then at 28000 miles the brake warning light came on, $1700 to replace the brakes and rotors. There was a leak in the sunroof and mold started to grow on the drivers side carpet. Great looking cars, very poor reliability and very expensive to keep up. From now on, Im spending a little more for another BMW. There is a reason you see many more older BMWs than older Audis on the road.

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  Beautiful Car - 2009 Audi A8
  By Olayinka - January 7 - 2:31 am

  I have had this car for three months now. Really wanted to get a S550, but I am thrilled I ended up getting the A8L. It is a blast to drive, much sportier and understated. When I am buying my next car it will be another Audi A8L, each time I drive the car I am reminded why I love it.

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  The best German car period - 2009 Audi A4
  By Bobby and Beth Ann - January 6 - 11:20 pm

  Being stationed in Europe, I have had the privilege to drive on the infamous Autobahn. I truly believe that Audi is the best German automobile. I have owned three, TT, A6 and now the new A4, all quattros. This new generation Audi is over the top. I bought this car for my wife as an anniversary present. We took a trip together and this car feels, looks, smells, sounds and handles just like a German automobile should. The B & O sound system is the best sound system I have ever heard. Our car comes fully equipped with the exception for navigation and suspension control. The days of notoriety of owning a MB or BMW are over. I always thought they were overrated.

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  A perfect blend of sport and luxury - 2001 Audi A4
  By Audi Fan x3 - January 6 - 5:42 pm

  I have owned my A4 for seven-plus years. Like any German car, service isnt inexpensive, but the key is keeping up with regular maintenance. My car just hit 100k miles and it still makes me smile when I turn the key. No major issues. Lots of fun to drive. The quattro AWD system is a dream in snow. I have owned three Audis (2000 A6 Avant 1997 Cabriolet this A4) and I loved them all.

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  Fantastic car!! - 2009 Audi A4
  By Stefan - January 5 - 9:12 pm

  I just bought the 09 A4 Avant with Prestige package, Navigation, 19" Sports package and Drive Select. After about 1200 miles I must say that this is by far the best and most fun car I ever owned. The technology is cutting edge, the interior is on par with any recent Porsche (and much better than its direct competitors) and the performance is much better than the previous generation A4. The new A4 has dethroned the BMW as the true ultimate driving machine. As a previous A4 owner, I am pleased that Audi addressed all design flaws from the B7 models. It now boosts stronger hinges on arm rests, cup holders closer to the center of gravity etc

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  Disappointing & Unreliable - 2001 Audi TT
  By msjoanne - January 5 - 6:18 am

  Bought my TT certified/pre-owned. Enjoyed the car for almost a year and then the saga began. Towed to the dealership at least 3 times ($200 a pop), had to take it in for oil and coolant leaks twice, had to flush cooling system 3 times, overheating issues, mass flow air sensor broke, immobilizer for keyless remote needed to be reprogrammed, ac stopped working, fan broke, speed sensor broke 1 mile after leaving service. These werent even general maintenance!! Cant believe I had to waste so much time and energy for this car.

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  Excellent, any way you look at it! - 2008 Audi TT
  By George - January 3 - 2:58 am

  Got this 3.2 coupe used and am loving it! Handles like a dream and the dual clutch tranny is by far the best feature. Would buy a 4 cylinder if buying new, but wanted to Quattro and saved. 08 3.2 was my only option for Quattro given used and value. As for gas mileage, averaging about 22 and am happy with it. It hard to compare the gas mileage in my mind when this thing wants to run well above the speed limit. If you want to push it off the line every time then the numbers will drop, and yes, so will they in any car. Im very impressed with the style throughout, and cannot get over the attention to detail in the beauty.

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  10 years of ownership - 1994 Audi 90
  By millforme - January 3 - 12:30 am

  I am the second owner, the car has lived in Colorado its whole life. I am an avid snowboarder so its seen countless mtn passes. I also appraise homes, so this car never turns off. I bought it with 72k it now has 260k and it is just as solid as the day I purchased it. I also have a 95 S6 avant and the build quality is no where near my 90. This car is incredible in the snow, quiet as a ghost with no rattles or vibrations, and with 260k!