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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  Nothing but poblems - 2001 Audi A6
  By Disgusted - July 23 - 2:14 am

  This is a fun car to drive, that is when it is not in the shop. Ive had so many problems with this car that I will never every consider an audi again and judging with all the things Ive been reading on the Internet, Im not in the minority. It seems like they are incapable of fixing the electrical problems assocaited with this series. What ever happened to German Craftsmanship and quality. Maybe this car was made in East Germany !

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  Stay away from Audi A8s - 1997 Audi A8
  By Rodney Hager - July 21 - 6:54 pm

  We own an A8 after a long series of Audis. This car is crap. Electronics are a total failure, Audi knows the transmissions are defective but wont do anything, both windshields cracked, coolant and fuel lines had to be replaced, the heater and AC are terrible this is the 3rd week of AC repairs at large cost, the sun roof leaks, and the overall quality is terrible... not as good as a cheap Fiat. It is not surprising Audi cant be reached by email. Many dealers refuse to sell 1997 A8s. Keep your eyes open, youll see lots of newer ones broken down. A8s are crap!

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  Dont Do It - As Much As You May Want To - 1999 Audi A4
  By Kansas Joe - July 20 - 11:57 pm

  I love how this car drives. And the body style still holds up even though it is six years old. The handling, power and quality of the interior design are all pluses. But the lack of mechanical reliability is a huge negative. Ive spent over $6,000 in repairs since purchasing this car just over 3 years ago. Repairs include - new oxygen sensors, water pump/timeing belt, ABS control module, brake rotors, etc. Ive had it - and will be selling this car soon.

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  A4 - the real deal - 2002 Audi A4
  By greenant - July 19 - 2:00 am

  Im disappointed with the 02 A4. The exterior styling is great, but the interior is drab and monotone. Ive had many problems in 6 months. Twice I had it towed to the dealership with igition coil problems. The cruise control and windshield washers also had to be fixed. The engine revs too high, even at low speeds and the car could use a 6th gear. The road noise, vibrations, rattle & squeaks are excessive and the overall build quality of the car doesnt compare to that of my 99 A4. The seats are also narrow and hard. On the plus side, the all-wheel drive is great. The handling is impressive when the car is driven hard on winding backroads.

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  Dont trust Audi warranty - 2005 Audi A4
  By A.A. - July 6 - 6:00 pm

  There is no doubt that the A4 has been fun to drive and the Quattros performance is unmatched. But after driving the car for 2+ years it has become very loose with all kinds of interior/exterior noises. My brakes rotors are already warped and Audi service and Customer care are telling me that it is not covered under warranty because of "outside influences stemming from overheating caused by riding on the brakes and braking too hard". This seems like a lame excuse not to cover damage to brakes caused by normal driving.

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  lemon law lawsuit - 2003 Audi A6
  By yahoo1978 - July 1 - 11:06 pm

  My reliability experience with this car was terrible. Nearly 40 days in the shop in the first 12 months I owned it, and practically every problem was related to electrical issues. Audis willingness to resolve the problem was terrible, and the dealer was of no help. I ultimately was forced to file suit under our state lemon laws. After 9 months of legal process, I prevailed under the state law and was reimbursed accordingly. My new Mercedes 4matic is far more comfortable and more reliable. It drives just as sporty, if not better, and turns heads too.

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  Avoid Audis! - 2001 Audi TT
  By insyte - June 24 - 4:33 pm

  I own a 2001 TT Roadster convertible. Nothing but problems: failed transaxle, water leaks and rattles, performance problems, failed instrument cluster -- all with less than 23,000 miles!! Audi has not been helpful in resolving out-of-warranty problems. For instance, discovered at 22,000 miles -- due to severely abnormal tire wear -- that rear axle was bent when installed at the factory. Audi insists that damage due to "external factors," but dealer admits it takes a serious impact to bend the axle -- which has never happened in my possession. Out of warranty -- Audis "Customer Advocates" are powerless to help, even though they agree that it is improbable that I caused the damage.

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  Buyer Beware - 2005 Audi A6
  By Buyer Beware - June 12 - 1:21 am

  I made the mistake of buying the A6 with the V8 and the Sports Suspension. This car is better with standard suspension and all season tires for sure. The combo I bought makes the car ride way too stiff. Also - the outside temp indicator randomly malfunctions and reads 15-20 degress lower than the temp really is. Seems that this is occuring when the A/C is on. Dealer refuses to do anything because it doesnt happen when they have the car. The automatic transmission is the worst I have ever driven - it switches way to fast when starting from a stop. THere is no vent only setting on the climate control - I have never heard of such a thing!!

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  Mixed feelings - 1994 Audi 90
  By Sasha - June 11 - 12:12 pm

  I love my Audi, shes an amazing car being my first. Its a good price unlike cars that are in that range and year. It is amazing. The main cons are: very jutty acceleration, slow pick up, wiggling when you accelerate on wet pavement. Crappy airflow within the vents, not very comfortable with cloth seating.

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  not impressed, it looks like a tall station-wagon - 2017 Audi Q7
  By TMR - June 2 - 12:46 am

  Overall its a nice car, Drivers seat is comfortable, so as second row, however the third row is more like a jump seat for 5-8 year old. AUDI is happy to a nonce about shaving over 350 pounds, well it comes with crappy third row NO leg room, and NO head room !? Theres no other option then run flat tires!? which ONLY available with one of THE WORSE in the market GoodYear tires, so youll be luck to get 18K miles on it! Road noise and handling, again - crappy GoodYear tires, no improvement on gas mileage, DO NOT be fool of that streaker 19/25 mpg, youre still getting about 16/22 mpg, and about 19 mpg in the suburbs, again it could be the GoodYears run-flats which are terrible, a specialty in the ice or snow conditions, do your self a favor and stay home.