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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  Whats not to like? - 2001 Audi S4
  By B5alltheway - August 26 - 7:53 am

  I have had this car only a few months. Love spending every second in it. Sounds and handles great even in stock. This is the only car Ive ever wanted, more than any BMW or Audi. The B5 S4 is truely a work of art and probably has the best engine ever made. Nothing compares to the 2.7TT when it comes time to do upgrades. There is so much potential with this car that no other audi except the A6 2.7tt can offer. This engine can handle 400awhp without making any kind of mechanical upgrades to rods or pistons.The Euro RS4 comes stock with k04s and 380hp on the same engine. When Audi made this car they tried everything they could to limit this engine. Once you unleash it, you wont be dissapointed.

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  Terrific reliable car, but costly - 1998 Audi A4
  By gtv6 - August 25 - 8:21 pm

  100,000 miles later, it has never let me down, but be prepared to pay. Suspension bits especially, and there are an infinite number of bits in the quattro suspension. The interior is unmatched and extremely durable, and Audi paint is excellent. There are few cars of the era that do so many things well, including 27mpg.

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  Happy Owner - 2005 Audi A8
  By Dave L - August 23 - 4:48 pm

  I purchased the A8 to replace a BMW 740I and never looked back. The fit and the finish as well as the ride comfort, overall performance, quiet ride and responsiveness of the A8 have made me happy for the last 31/2 years. After a couple of electronic issues in the first 3 months, I have simply changed the oil and replaced tires. I am ready to downsize to a smaller sedan and will make a beeline to my Audi dealer for the new A5.

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  A Positive Viewpoint - 2006 Audi A6
  By habu55 - August 21 - 1:09 pm

  Purchased our wagon with the intent of making long trips (Seattle to Boston) in comfort. The car exceeded our expectations in all areas. 29.5 mpg at75mph all day long for a car this size is as good as it gets. Around town I get 22-23mpg. Car has plenty of power, corners well, ride is more involved than a Lexus. Since new I have had 1 rattle (fixed at the free 15k mile svc). No further problems. Tires still look as if they have another 20k mi on top of the 27k they have now. Anyone looking at a wagon or an SUV should consider an 06 Avant. Audi depreciation makes this a great buy for you an incentive for me to keep mine for 10 years.

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  Why my TT will be retired to my garage - 2001 Audi TT
  By LRF - August 20 - 4:32 pm

  I had engine problems from day one. I was able to overlook this because it was a thrill to drive. When I hit 52000 mi. Audi replaced the engine. Totally happy driver. I now have 110,000 mi. I have a new car ordered but the TT has the garage for keeps.

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  04 A4 1.8T to 06 A4 2.0T Quattro S-Line - 2006 Audi A4
  By DBLASVEGAS - August 20 - 5:46 am

  I just replaced my 2004 A4 1.8T fronttrack with a 2006 2.0T quattro. The car just feels better in every aspect. The quattro makes a huge difference. The 2.0T is a huge improvement over the 1.8T. i also have the S-Line sport package with summer tires. Only complaint from me is that Audi/VW will no longer offer XM radio as a factory option starting 2007 model year. Thats why I bought it now. Not a fan of Sirius at all.

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  feels like new at 127,000 miles - 1998 Audi A4
  By JJ123 - August 20 - 2:00 am

  This car has been the best Ive EVER owned. I have a Lexus that my wife drives with lower milage and I must say the A4 has held up much better. I drive a twisty road along a river in Vermont that makes this car shine. I have replaced the lower control arms and one wheel bearing, the T.belt kit, W/pump because I was so close doing the T.belt, use Mobil One oil with Audi filters. The low end works so well when you need to step out, even in the snow and ice few cars can get out of the way as the Audi can. I admit adding a mild chip bumped the Hp to just over 200HP. The 1.8t keeps a good balance over the heavy 2.8 and

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  Super A4 turbo - 2003 Audi A4
  By tommy L - August 20 - 2:00 am

  sprints like a rabbit in sport mode

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  Love our 3.0 A4 Avant - 2003 Audi A4
  By FOGRover - August 20 - 2:00 am

  This is a great car. We love it, but hated the Pirelli P6 tires that came with it. They were allergic to gravel roads. The Bridgestone replacements are doing great.

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  Great Car! - 2001 Audi A4
  By Ben - August 16 - 7:38 pm

  I get about 25 mpg altogether, which isnt bad. I love the feeling of acceleration you get when you step on it in second or third, as well as the nice whistling whoosh from the engine at about 3,000 rpm.Seats are comfortable, climate control is superb, and despite many other Audi owners, I have had no problems with this car, aside from a bent rim and an intake leak.