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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  Dream Drivetrain Finally Available - 2009 Audi A3
  By red bartlett - November 21 - 9:56 pm

  Ive had my eyes on this car since it first made it to the US for the 2006 model year, but was always frustrated by the lack of availability of the 2.0T with quattro. I was looking for a great car to downsize and go more fuel-efficient without having to sacrifice. When I found out that the 2.0T was going to be available with quattro for 2009, I placed an order in June and have had my car for 2 months now. Couldnt love it more. It is a blast to drive and makes you want to drive more. The engine is peppy and very refined for a 4-cylinder turbo. The handling is firm and sporty. The ride is remarkably composed for a small car and firmly planted. Oh, and it looks great inside and out.

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  Costly to Own - 1999 Audi A6
  By Robin - November 21 - 4:58 pm

  Read before buying. I bought the car for dependability and I have been in the shop more than anyone I know with what people consider lesser cars. I have replaced all ball joints (twice over) and I do not drive hard, replaced rotors, breaks. The heated, tinted mirrors are peeling on one side. Some interior items just broke at a touch. Went thru a period of the car starting randomly, currently revisiting that problem again. The dash diplay fades out. The car had low mileage when I purchased it and had been maintained by the previous owners. Thanking myself for not selling my old car as it has been there for me when the Audi fails. I do not think I would buy one again, not impressed.

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  Just an exceptional joy to drive - 2007 Audi A4
  By BY - November 21 - 1:13 pm

  I have had this car for 4 months and every day I seem to find a new reason to like it better than the day before. It is a beautifully refined vehicle and the interior along with the convertible top is a marvel. The engine is smooth although maybe a little noisy and the 6-speed auto transmission is very refined. I wish the gas mileage were a little better, but that is the compromise to have Quattro, I guess. I have pretty much every available option and I think this is the reason the car is such a marvel... nothing to do but drive and enjoy.

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  Give it time.. - 2003 Audi A4
  By justinamy - November 20 - 2:00 am

  I loved my 99 A4 but it was coming off lease and I could get a good deal on the newer model. I am not dissapointed I made the move. The 3.0 engine in the new car is faster, smoother, and quieter than the older model. However, it takes time for the engine to break in. I kept hearing people say that but it is true. After 3500 miles the car just feels effortless. The engine has a nice growl. It does seem to run with more gusto on different manufactuers gasoline. My car prefers the Mobil in my area. People love the look of this car. It gets compliments all the time.

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  Unbeliveable stock car..... - 2003 Audi A4
  By Ms"V"sellsaudis - November 20 - 2:00 am

  I have driven a lot of cars in my life time... And I have always been into performance...(Owner of a nostagia Top Fuel Dragster that does 5s in the 1/4 mile) But My Audi A4 is just a blast to drive... Comfort, and luxury is second to none... And the service I get with valet parking... My corvette only dreamed of such showcasing....

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  75k and still going - 2002 Audi A4
  By JJA - November 19 - 2:28 pm

  This is my second Audi (prev 4000CS) and am pleased with the way the car has performed. I first bought the auto in Seattle and had shipped to Europe (wanted US specs) and had it up to 128 mph. It drove flawless on the Autostrata! I purchased with the Phatbox and so I can enjoy my MP3s. The leatherette seats hold up better than the real leather seats my friend purchased with his Audi A4. Only big issue is that you must change the extended oil religeously with the turbo motor as it will cook the oil in the return pipe and cause the warning light to come on. Its a costly fix so beware. Overall the car is joy to drive when I can get away from my wife. Economical yet has power. Love it!

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  Car from HELL! - 2001 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By Widower - November 19 - 8:03 am

  I purchased the Certified Allroad to replace my wife’s 1999 Lexus RX300 that had zero problems in 90000 miles (65000 when bought). My wife passed away from cancer and it was emotionally difficult for me to drive her car. I thought the Audi would serve a dual purpose of SUV for camping and nice transportation for travel to my children who live several hours away in snowy regions. I underestimated the enormous unreliability. In 18000 miles, it’s had problems with the suspension system (very pricey), the cooling system (shop for 10 days after very frightening breakdown), windshield wipers, transmission, electric windows, airbag system, trim falling off or breaking. Audi has been no help.

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  Good Beats Bad - 2003 Audi TT
  By opendorz - November 18 - 3:01 pm

  I bought mine used with 63xxx and in impeccable shape. With or without the top down, you get noticed in this car, a lot. The car handles extremely well, especially at higher speeds. The engine purrs, but does not have a strong kick at the starting gate. The ride is harsh and noisy. Lots of metal rattles underneath and in the rear, none of which the dealer can figure out! Heating/cooling and stereo are outstanding. Bottom line: the good far outweighs the negative.

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  Audi A4 vs BMW 330i - 2007 Audi A4
  By Lubian - November 16 - 12:00 pm

  I own an Audi A4 2.0T and it is very fun to drive and great looking style. I dont regret.

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  Skeerd - 1999 Audi A6
  By Skeeeerd - November 15 - 8:05 pm

  Im scared! Bought it used (and boy was it ever!)100k. So far, had to replace plugs and wires. My sunroof got stuck in the open position and my drivers side window has a mind of its own. Also, the cup holder in the center console is stuck in up position. I am terrified that I trusted German engineering for a 2nd time (had VWJetta). I am of German decent, which makes me embarassed to say the least about this car! Hope you have a lot of money for repairs. I feel like I had sucker written over my face! Junk!