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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  My New Audi A6 - 2008 Audi A6
  By Leif Vasstrom - September 29 - 2:31 am

  I have had MBs 280, 380, 560, 430, 600 BMWs 740 (2), Porsche Carrera 4, Maserati and others, oh and of course an Audi S4 - and I think I have finally grown up, at least it feels like it. This is a car that feels any bit as nice, maybe better, as my 2002 MB 430S, both ergonomically, aestetically and has more gadgets than I need, but I use them all, bluetooth, i-pod, Nav system (far out) and has a great ride. Ok, so the 6 Cyl. may not be a V8, but it is plenty peppy and I am happy.

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  The perfect all around car - 2004 Audi S4
  By Joe - September 28 - 11:52 am

  I bought this car as a Audi CPO and only had it a few months but this is the car for me! By far the fastest car I ever owned! Not flashy yet very stylish and gives you the best all around performance. I can pick up my kid from school, plow threw snow and rain, yet take a Porsche Boxster! You start to smile as soon as you start this car up. The rumble of the V-8 is just amazing but it still is quite and refined when you drive at high speeds. The AWD not only helps in the snow but but makes the handling unbelieveable. Even if this car loses grib it quickly corrects itself and keeps you in control. this is my first Audi so I just hope it is reliable because I want to keep it for a long time

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  Audi A4 Cabrio - Awesome! - 2003 Audi A4
  By Audi_JBW - September 27 - 10:00 am

  Just got one of these babies and I cannot stop driving it. The beauty is stunning in moro blue with platinum leather. The handling and power are accurate and exciting. From someone who has always had a straight shift- this car is not a compromise. And the top- while one, you would never know this was a convertible. But with a 20 second press of a button, bamm! Youre out in the open. Surprisingly little cockpit wind even at highway speeds. If you are looking for a luxorious but not pretencious, sporty auto, look no further.

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  couldnt be happier - 2003 Audi A4
  By nmiller - September 27 - 10:00 am

  i owned Saab 9-3...what a difference. The car steers like your an expert race car driver. Fit and Finish outstanding. Black with red interior a work of beauty. Couldnt be happier

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  2009 A5 got it right! - 2009 Audi A5
  By Hinks - September 25 - 12:56 am

  I had a 2008 A5 on order, but fortunately I delayed the order so I could get a 2009. Worth the wait. I traded a RS6 and am far happier. Dont feel like I gave up much performance (yes, I drove the S5 also) but the gained a 50% or better increase in mileage. Handling is the best of any Audi Ive owned. Car is beautiful and I have gotten more compliments on the car than I had with the Porsche Carerra. The 09 has the Audi sensors on the side mirrors that show a warning light for traffic in your blind spot. There is on the fly control of steering, suspension, and shift characteristics from gentle to aggresive. iPod combined with B & O sound is fantastic with no distortion at full volume.

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  Love this car - 2007 Audi A4
  By awagner06 - September 24 - 7:54 pm

  This A4 is my second Audi (first was a 1997 A4). Audi has definitely stepped up their game. I drive a lot and am currently at 53,000 miles and have not had 1 problem. Consistent 31 MPG even with driving at 80 MPH. Highly recommended!

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  4-door Porshe - 2005 Audi S4
  By it dude - September 23 - 9:26 pm

  Ive had 13 Bmws, 3 Mercs and 5 Audis in my life and this car is by far the easiest to love. All cars have weaknesses, but this one is special. The only weakness is a small gas tank and a bad drinking habit. I wear a suit to work and look the part when I pull into my space - I wear jeans and Tims on the weekends and this car rocks. Its comfortable, quick and fast. Its heavy, which is a good thing more than bad. Im 40+ so I dont need to race. I just do and this car keeps up just fine. This is the most complete car I have ever owned. It does everything well. This is the complete package. Good Job Audi!

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  Worst car ever - 2004 Audi A6
  By btoring - September 22 - 7:54 pm

  Vehicle started leaking oil and running rough at less than 12k. Dealer would not repair. Finaly after many complaints, dealer found coolant was leaking into the head gaskets. Short story is dealer has had the head gaskets out 3 separate times to resurface, car still leaking oil, repaired that several times. I was told the car is like a piece of cheese, when one hole is fixed, another opens up! That must be professional mechanic speak. Car has been in 29 times for serious repair in less than 2 years.

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  Jetta Jettison - 2004 Audi A4
  By TC - September 22 - 7:26 pm

  So I ditched the 08 Jetta. What a piece of junk compared to this car. This car handles better, sounds better, look better, and feels better. I lost a lot of money on the Jetta - I had two, thats right 2 2008 Jettas. They lacked everything this car has and I paid less for this used Ultrasport. I am thoroughly impressed.

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  Good car, expensive to keep - 2004 Audi A4
  By Bryan - September 22 - 6:09 pm

  The A4 quattro is great however the cost to repair and keep the car is pretty expensive. The windshield wiper arms and control were replaced for 500+ dollars, 4000 dollars worth of repair after rear end collision, torque converter failure at 67000 miles, dead battery after 4 years (134 dollars non Audi battery) I liked the car in the beginning but it got costly to keep especially with premium gas at 4.30+/gal. Also the car was never the same after the accident.