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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  Little monster - 2005 Audi S4
  By sam - October 12 - 7:36 pm

  I purchased the car used from an Audi dealership. I suppose I paid a little more buying the car from an Audi dealer, but the added warranty of purchasing a certified car was well worth the additional cost. The car is a monster. I have had all different types of American performance cars and they are not even in the same category as this car. The performance, handling, and braking are nothing short of phenomenal! Now the downside. The gas mileage is poor ( 18mpg if youre lucky ). The interior is a little cramped. Look at that, I can only find two negative things to comment about on this car. Great car! Be careful though, if you test drive one youll be takeing it home.

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  Only Time Will Tell. - 2004 Audi A4
  By Bespoke - October 9 - 3:16 am

  I have only owned this car for about 4 1/2 months. And I love the cars design, material quality and control layout. Im very happy with the handeling and even the rather small engine. But there seems to be issues with the windows and rain sensor, there are a few plastic interior rattles that annoy me. The audio system is terrible (Symphony system). Im not disappointed,

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  I love this car - 2007 Audi S4
  By Edmund - October 8 - 11:26 am

  This car is awesome. In no way too flashy. The audi S4 performs really well and gets the job done on the road. I chose it mainly because I wanted a complete package I could enjoy for years to come. It is also a pretty rare car and I have only seen one more other exact car as mine on the road. I have the dtm package on black so its a very low profile look. The exhaust sound is very menacing stock and it sounds amazing with the windows down. The transmission shifts smoothly and the power is across the whole power band. Its amazing how you dont have to wait for any turbo to give you the extra power you need. Its all there.

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  WOW - 2006 Audi A3
  By mazzy - October 7 - 8:20 pm

  Quicker and more fun do drive than by Audi allroad! Love it in the city as it is easier to park. The best sound system I ever heard in a car.

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  My 3rd Audi - and the best yet - 2008 Audi A5
  By Dave Q - October 6 - 7:19 pm

  This is my 3rd Audi and to say that I am sold on the brand is an understatement! I got the A6 (new design) when it came out in 05 and loved it. When I saw the A5 and drove it, I had to have it. Yes, we all have egos. It is OK to acknowledge that. I get more looks and thumbs up in this car than any other I have owned. Great car and beautiful design lines. Only thing I would change is transmission shifting as low acceleration - it can be a bit jerky. If you havent driven one - do it!

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  Good/Fun Car! - 2004 Audi A4
  By KyMy - October 5 - 3:05 am

  I have owned Audi for just about a year now! I am the type of person to get over my cars within a year. So far, I am still loving it! It handles great! I love to drive it long distances, due to how comfortable it is. It was between the BMW 325 CI or this and I am so glad I choose this car!

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  One of the most amazing cars ever - 2002 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By AudiR8RRacer - October 3 - 2:00 am

  I cant say anything but WOW. When i got in this car i though it was going to be another station wagon. Boy was i wrong. I stepped on the gas and i thought i was in a sports car. I honestly thought it was a ferrari.

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  Close but no Cigar - 2003 Audi A4
  By Fiveplay - October 3 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this car in May 02. One of the major selling points has to be free maintenance 4 yr/50,000 miles. Well, let me tell you, it will come in handy. My experience with the dealership has been pleasant overall, but when I spend $35,000 for a car, I expect it to be reliable. At this price, my car shouldnt be laid up at the shop for 2 weeks. Do yourself a favor...let AUDI work out the bugs on this car and if you have your heart set on one, then by all means get behind the wheel. It is a solid, sporty and very safe car. You wont be disappointed.

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  Great Sporty Sedan ! - 2003 Audi A4
  By Henryd - October 3 - 2:00 am

  Still waiting for my 03 A4 3.0L. Test drove CVT, Quattro and Cab models with both 1.8L and 3.0L engines. I think the CVT is a great concept but its not ready yet. There are some hesitations with transmission, sometimes made me feel being out of control with the car while stopping or trying to quickly accelerate. 1.8L engines are underpowered and need to be phased out. However, 3.0L w/Quattro is a totally different car as far as the feel of driving goes ! The engines sound alone makes me feel driving a powerful car. The acceleration is nice and the car sticks to the road no matter what. 3.0L engine is the only option with A4 as far as Im concerned.

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  12 mons of driving the A4 6speedM 3.0L - 2003 Audi A4
  By JJMazza - October 3 - 2:00 am

  I have two suggestion: 1. The cruse control should NOT be on the L. side of the steering collum just under the directional signal arm. They are easily confused! Please put it back on the steering wheel. 2. First gear is virtually useless! You go no where while the the tachometer is revving. It certainly does compromise a "quick start"! The car responses beautifully in the other 5 gears.