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 Kept Secret In The Auto World - 2007 Audi A4
  By DamonH - June 30 - 9:15 pm

  The A4 can justify the price and gives the owner a sense of exclusivity. I wanted a sensible economy car, and thats exactly what I got. Its not overly fun to drive, doesnt have drop-dead good looks, but it is reliable, has excellent fuel economy, and the fit and finish set the standard. The Audi is an all around good car, and I have never second-guessed myself for purchasing one.

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  Not what I expected... - 2007 Audi A3
  By vovak - June 30 - 11:09 am

  I bought my Audi about 9 month ago. It is an ok car overall but very poor quality. So far, Ive replaced radiator, check engine light went on twice, and constantly have to add more oil to the car because "Low Oil" light goes on. These are just major problems. It is still fun to drive (when it is not in the shop) but it doesnt perform as new anymore. Another thing to mention is fuel economy. I though it would be an economical car. The gas mileage is great on the highway ( about 29 mpg) and is horrible in the city and stop and go traffic, where I get about 15 mpg!! Considering that you have to buy premium gas, theres no savings. Also, the car is very loud and noisy.

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  Hot Hot Hot - 2005 Audi A4
  By JR - June 28 - 8:13 pm

  This is a beautiful car. I have had looks and compliments on this car the minute I drove if off the lot. If you are a family guy/gal, with a sports car frame of mind, this wagon will amaze you. Even the younger crowd appreciates the sporty looks of this "family wagon". The BOSE sound system rocks too!! For 40K, I would much rather be seen in an Audi than a Bimmer. The transmission shifts effortlesly and the power in the 3.0 is naughty (great). When you accelerate, this engine gives that low gurgley noise of a powerful engine. One would think the Starship Enterprise is coming up behind them with the bi-xenon lights illuminated.

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  I thought this would be a very safe car but NO!!! - 2017 Audi Q3
  By Lulu - June 28 - 6:20 pm

  I just bought a brand new car for two months and only drive it for about 500 miles. The car unexpectedly started to shake and then flameout during the drive, I tried to restart the car but the engine light turned on so I had to pull to the side of the road and will ask road assistant to tow it to the dealer one week later. The Q3 is pretty outside and inside, I used to like it very much but now I regret to buy it. This car is totally unsafe and not reliable. What if this happened on the highway. Additionally, when I drive the car I feel the transmission didnt change smoothly. I can clearly feel a "break" when I release the gas pedal slightly. This is really a lemon car! I used to have a Volkswagon beetle and had really bad experience with it but now the new Audi has the similar issue. Very disappointed.

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  47,000 Miles My Last Audi ? - 2005 Audi A6
  By PGM - June 28 - 2:31 pm

  This is my second Audi, I had an A4 3.0 Quattro that I just loved. While I had several issues with the A4 (failed ignition coils & cam pulley came loose), I still decided to buy the A6. I have had nearly as many quality and dependability issues since purchased. The most disappointing is a hesitation upon first drive of the day. I gave the dealer 4 tries before contacting Audi US. Still not fixed, so I will get rid of it in the fall. This car is beautiful inside and out. It is very difficult to drive smoothly, the steering is overboosted. I have always wished you could dial it down using MMI, why not, it is electronic? Speaking of MMI, simple and works great.

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  Beautiful Headache Redux - 2001 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By Blackroad Again - June 27 - 2:00 am

  I reviewed my car at 46k, now a follow- up at 73k. The headaches are fewer, but the car didnt shape up until after 50k and MANY dealer visits. Audi put on same tires as A8 and balanced them right. Vibration gone. The brake rotors warped after 23K more miles - Audi refuses to help. 3 visits to fix leaky w/washer system. It never ends. I love this car, but never again.

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  pres - 2004 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By jonroe07508 - June 27 - 2:00 am

  turbo lag bad bad fuel millage especially in city harsh ride over minor bumps esay to drive and fun to drive very well built

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  Pefect balance - 2004 Audi A4
  By abc323 - June 27 - 2:00 am

  The interior quality is 100% top notch, everything is thick and solid. 3.0 CVT has plenty of power, esp on the drive acceleration. Not too fast off the line but definitely gets you to 100mph pretty quickly. Didnt buy the car to race, instead bought it for all the little luxury features. Ride is bumpy with the sport package on LA streets. On other hand, the lowered suspension and 17" wheels makes the car look very sleek. Bose package is good, not great. 6 disc changer is well worth it but for the extra wattage I thought the stereo would have more kick. Overall, a perfect balance between good looks, great luxury features and solid performance handling.

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  a4 - 2004 Audi A4
  By greggg - June 27 - 2:00 am

  Im very disappointed with the resale value of this car. My BMW had much better resale value.

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  DROP TOP FUN... - 2004 Audi A4
  By George Abreu Jr. - June 27 - 2:00 am

  The AUDI Convertible is just a very fun automobile with its sporty design and classy appeal. The car is one of a kind, standing out in the crowd and definately making a statement that this is one automobile that is strong is looks as well as performance, german engineered. WAY to go AUDI!!