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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  Happy Audi Owner - 2005 Audi A6
  By Rexy - February 7 - 8:53 pm

  My 2005 Audi A6 is very comfortable, has excellent hadling, and 4 wheel drive that works well in snowy Northeastern NY. Its workmanship and interior fit are exceptional. The MMI system is very intuitive and easy to use. This is the best car that I have ever owned. My dealership has been outstanding.

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  New Audi A4 - 2007 Audi A4
  By Audi A4 - February 7 - 1:13 pm

  Truly a thinking mans BMW. Sure it has FF format and it doesnt quite drive like FR BMW, but it has a confident handling and ride quality that many drivers wouldnt really mind at all. And how about the price point. It is several thousands dollars less than BMW, but I think it has much more tasteful interior that will age gracefully. Wonderful car to drive and look at.

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  So Far...GREAT CAR! - 2003 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By lbeckwith - February 6 - 2:00 am

  I have wanted an Allroad for 2 years, but the 9 month wait for a 6 speed always sent me away. Found one on the lot last week and bought it immediately. Why would anyone buy the auto, when the 6 speed is so much more enjoyable. Best way to do away with turbo lag is wind it out a bit before shifting. And if it breaks...they fix it for 4 years. Hope all remains well...its great so far!!!

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  I just love my A4! - 2003 Audi A4
  By BH - February 6 - 2:00 am

  I have had my A4 six-speed for four weeks, and it has nearly 2700 miles on it. My only complaint is that I cant seem to stay out of the car!

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  Awesome - 2006 Audi A3
  By Michael Wishart - February 5 - 7:50 am

  It is a solid car with sleek design and all around fun. Buy this car now!

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  Uncompromising and commanding. - 2007 Audi Q7
  By QueueSeven - February 4 - 6:50 pm

  I have had my Q for about two weeks. I traded an FX45 for it, which I loved. I wanted something larger, but sexy, alluring, but professional. Audi really did it. I am not saying I am not going to do a few mods (larger tires and rims is all), but it really is a beauty all on its own. I looked at the MDX, VW, another FX, Range Rover Sport, BMW, and Mercedes. I have never felt so much safer and hotter at the same time. A lot of room for my single self and traveling companions. Would make a nice soccer mom look FABULOUS. All the other mommies will be jealous. There is so much room.

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  Amazing in all weather - 2001 Audi TT
  By LL - February 3 - 7:07 pm

  I got the TT in may, loving the summer usability, and the AWD makes it drivable year round. I am in Colorado and we have had a BAD winter so far this year, and I have not had a single day I had any trouble! Wonderful all around, I couldnt have picked a better car!

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  Audi TT 3.2L DSG is a different TT - 2004 Audi TT
  By DrRob - February 3 - 4:10 pm

  My favorite car. Before this I owned the 1.8L Quattro TT coupe. The normally aspirated 6 cylinder with DSG gear box is a lot more sports car - it is what the TT should have been from the start. I never thought that I would like a sports car without a traditional stick, but Audis DSG is great. The paddle shifters are great. My first TT had reliability issues, especially with the electrical system. Through 30 months, this one has been flawless needing only routine maintenance. Get special order outside mirrors to eliminate the TT blindspot. Change the oil often to prevent sludge.

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  Audi Quattro 1.8 - 2003 Audi A4
  By Audi - February 2 - 4:49 pm

  I purchased my Audi brand new and had to replace the fuel pump twice. Once at 28,000 miles (under warranty) and just recently at 57,000 miles (out of warranty, a $500 repair). Other than that the car has been very reliable and fun to drive. With the Quattro all wheel drive it is very easy to get around in the snow.

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  Excellent Touring Car - 2007 Audi A8
  By bigdognc - February 1 - 8:40 pm

  The Audi A8L is the perfect vehicle for me. I drive about 50k miles per year between North Carolina and northern VA/DC and it can get very tiring in the wrong kind of car. The Audi is fun to drive and is very quiet and comfortable. The quattro drive is great when there are some icy conditions on the VA highways. The bluetooth connection with my phone works superbly and keeps my attention on the road while driving. The rear camera and front and rear parking sensors are very handy when parking and backing out of crowded parking garages. The rear seat area is very spacious and will seat 3. The rear leg and shoulder room is unbelievable. I can easily fit my 2 biggest clients back there.