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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  The Best Yet - 2005 Audi A6
  By Lee - February 18 - 12:53 pm

  This is the 9th Audi I have owned since 1996.This car is by far the best vehicle I have ever driven. The car handles very well. The new 6 speed transmission is both smooth and firm. The new interior is sensational and utilitarian. The 3.2 engine has plenty of power and git go for me. Audi has outdone themselves with the new A6. My car has almost all of the options with the exception of the sport package and the 18 inch wheels.

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  This car has been big trouble for me - 2000 Audi A6
  By swells - February 16 - 10:46 pm

  The car is now eight years old but has just 57k miles. The last three to four years I have sunk a ton of money into it. Every time I think Im past the worst, something else happens. Most of it has been replacing the water pump, timing belt, etc. But there are things I have not repaired that should be, e.g. the instrument panel and AM radio. The information box is barely readable and requires a whole new instrument panel ($800+). AM radio went out years ago - estimate to repair was $2600! I was about to trade the car in the fall but it needed $1400 in work. Thought I would keep it a while longer, now the tranny goes bad (reverse clutch) and the estimate is >$7k. Ill never own another Audi.

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  Sweet car for the price! - 2006 Audi A3
  By Mumma - February 16 - 9:26 pm

  I was looking for an everyday fun car to drive to and from work. There was an auto show in town and I spotted the Audi A3. It looked small and standing 62", I fit very well into the car. The next day I stopped at the dealership and bought an 2006 A3 Manual. I have about 100 miles on the car and I love it! I love speed, handling, and no turbo lag. I have the performance package and the seats are great, the hold you in the seat. All in all a great little car for about 30K

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  Delayed acceleration and squeaky brakes - 2007 Audi A6
  By tomv - February 16 - 7:03 pm

  When I took delivery of my car and the brakes were very loud the salesman told me this was just a temporary problem and would go away-it has only been worse. Srevice dept reply-brakes squeak. My 4 other vehicles do not have squeaky brakes. The worst problem however is the delayed acceleration at slow speeds. I will not let other family members drive this car, it is not safe and again the service reps say thats just the way it is! I will never buy another. I own 2 Lexuses and have had no problems that were not taken care of ditto that for the 2 BMWs. Audis indifference to these acknowledged problems is beyond belief.

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  11 years old still great - 1997 Audi A4
  By oldaudi - February 16 - 12:43 pm

  This car is now 11 years old and it still drives great. It has 128,000 miles on it and still feels like new. The interior holds up well as does the exterior body and paint. It handles great in snow and ice. Repairs are very costly on these cars. I think reliablity is better than a lot of american cars but comes nowhere close to a Honda or Toyota. Ive have to replace 2 controls arms, which was a common problem with these early models. I replaced the clutch after 60 miles which seems pretty weak to me. As far as routine maintenance the most expensive is 90k miles about $1000.

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  2008 Audi S4 - 2008 Audi S4
  By Don Cooke - February 14 - 6:52 pm

  I love the sound and performance of the big V8. The AWD has been impressive in the snow and on ice. It can still get stuck if the snow is deep enough, and the traction control system is complex. Audi does not provide good information on it. The ride is on the harsh side, and not adjustable. There have been transient squeaks and rattles from the interior body panels. The rear seat is cramped. Aside from all this, the car is very quick, handles well and is a blast to drive. Navigation and audio system both excellent, and I like the iPod integration even though the track names do not show up on the screen

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  I love the car - 2001 Audi A6
  By James - February 13 - 2:28 pm

  This a great car if you love to drive. The car responds to your driving. Great handling in any type of weather. Great performance car. I push the car and it still ask for more.

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  Super Car for those in the know - 2008 Audi A5
  By Yuriy - February 13 - 11:54 am

  A5 is not for everyone. Its for the experienced drivers to savor all the perks of driving very touchy and agile vehicle. Strong. Solid design in and out.

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  I wouldnt buy it again - 2007 Audi A4
  By franek - February 13 - 8:33 am

  When I bought my 1.8T AWD, dealer insisted it would last over 100k with no problem. As soon as mine went off the warranty it several major failures: headlight switch (common in all Audis), tensioner gasket (huge oil leak demanding entire engine disassembly), instrument panel (dead horizontal lines), and 2 secondary air pump failures. Not to mention the quarterly visits to the dealer while the car was still before 30k to fix check engine light (leaking hoses). This is my last German car. Driving it was lots of fun but I cant deal with thousands of dollars in repairs and repeat visits to the $120-an-hour labor dealer. Buy at your own risk - and read the forums before you do!

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  Car drives like a dream - 2012 Audi A6
  By Elisa - February 8 - 6:07 pm

  My 4th Audi, bought it used 2012 A6Prestigue supercharge. My first in 88 91,01 and now 2012. Take good care of your Audi and it will take care of you. Living in NEw England its specially important to have Quattro for those crazy winter. Every time I feel its time to get a newer car, I do actually go and test drive, Bmw, Mercedes, I even tried a couple other cars. But theres no handling like a Audi...I cant afford a brand new 60k Audi, but buying a precertified used is still very good. I considered purchasing a brand new car in 25-30k. Problem, they dont hold the value like a Audi do so think in the long run too. Thats my opinion.