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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  Never Buy Audi Worst Experience Ever! - 2004 Audi A4
  By Jh27 - July 12 - 2:30 am

  I had to take my car into the shop 5 times so far this year. First time I had to replace all ignition coils with recall (engine light flashing and car vibrating). 2nd time replaced coil pack for V6 engine light went on. 3rd time they checked engine and had the light off for 2 weeks. Light came on again said it was spark plugs. Didnt replace spark plugs because they charge too much. 5th time came in and said i had to replace spark plugs and fuel injector. charged 195 dollars for labor. They rip people off. Replaced parts with labor was 370 dollars. My cars check engine light is on again now. Least reliable vehicle ever.

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  8 years & counting - 2002 Audi TT
  By J. Wolfe - July 11 - 7:32 am

  Fun to drive, love the 180 for around town drives because of the early & flat torque curve. Its as quick as the 225 for normal use for this reason (full torque @ 1950 rpm) & this is the last year for the true manual shift- which is a preferred feature for us- wanting a true old school style sports car. Burns Premium only. The trunk is roomy, AC is great. Had some minor issues- dip stick crumbled, cheap cd storage latch broke twice. We plan to keep this baby many years & are aware of timing belt issues that bear watching. Its a great sports car in the old tradition, but without the leaks & rattles of the old Brits.

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  Very Good, Could be Great - 2010 Audi A4
  By Mike W. - July 2 - 10:08 pm

  I enjoy my daily commute more than ever. This is my 9th car and by far the most enjoyable to drive. Build quality and attention to detail is superb. Only complaint is poor thigh and lumbar support.

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  Acceleration issue? - 2010 Audi A3
  By Mark - July 2 - 12:03 pm

  Less than 2,000 miles on the car and Ive noticed a sudden loss in power twice now when accelerating from a stop. Once from a traffic light was simply annoying and the 2nd time pulling out of a parking spot into traffic was dangerous. Anyone else notice this? The normal performance is great. The car is at the dealer for repair now.

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  First German Car - 2010 Audi Q5
  By Boards - July 1 - 9:26 am

  After years of Japanese vehicles I transitioned to that which I always wanted. Was set up to buy an A-4 but wanted a little utility and was willing to compromise on performance. So far very happy with features and performance.

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  Pleased with purchase overall - 2001 Audi A6
  By Thomas - June 30 - 1:36 pm

  I purchased this car over a year ago and thought a review would be of some help for others looking to purchase one. This is a great looking, great handling and riding vehicle considering the $4500 I paid for it. It was maintained well by the previous owner and had 130K on it when I purchased it. About 13,000 miles later here is what I have replaced: Aux. Fan for AC - $100, Two Front axles - $150, Front Brake Pads - $68.00, and Two Cam Seals - $16.00 for both. Audi wanted $1,800 to replace cam-seals. It took me approx 8 hrs to repair that problem. These are nice cars that are capable of running for a long time if maintained properly. If you are on a tight budget, dont buy one.

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  First Time Audi Buyer - 1999 Audi A4
  By Tommy - June 25 - 5:22 pm

  I liked the car because of the brand (big fan) and how it looks good and the ability of the Quattro system. Bought a 10 year old car for about $10K. Ive owned it for 16 mos. I disliked it because Ive spent over $5,500 in repairs. It didnt have problem at first month but afterward, timing belt $1.5K, bearings changed all of them @ $700, twice in LR wheel within 1 year, CV shafts $500, flex pipe $400, spark plugs+wire set twice bc engine stutters 200 etc. The worst is my car was put in all the money, theres more to fix ABS Module $400, engine oil leak and clutch $2.5K, brake pad worn signal, rear axle leak etc. and then some guy totaled my car on the hwy. ALL $$$ I put in, gone.

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  Go For Quattro - 2010 Audi A5
  By Go for Quattro - June 14 - 11:23 pm

  Dreamed of car since Nov. when seen at auto show. Beautiful car, lots of comments. Only wish I had opted for Quattro. ENORMOUS amount of torque steer and cvt is not very enthusiastic or enjoyable to drive for this price. Wish had test driven quattro more, but in short supply at dealers. Have had top issue from factory not installing hydraulic lines for top appropriately. Otherwise, I love this car. Would have given up some of the fantastic millage for performance and real transmission. Audi missed here and now I cant afford to change. Quattro would have been perfect, as I had opportunity to drive quattro while mine was being repaired. Radio/climate controls take attention from driving

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  Too many expensive repairs - 2002 Audi A4
  By TWally - June 10 - 2:45 pm

  The 2002 Audi A4 1.8T Quattro was fun to drive and great in the snow but the repairs killed the bank! They were so expensive and something was always going wrong with the car. I wouldnt suggest buying one or any Audi for that matter unless you are willing to put thousands into the car! Buyer beware!

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  Dream car - 2007 Audi A4
  By Kaypo - June 4 - 9:45 am

  Traded in an old Sebring convertible for the Audi Quattro. Wanted an all- weather convertible. Couldnt be more pleased. The car is absolutely beautiful on the outside, and has Audis workmanship and reliability. Weve had it five months. Absolutely no issues. Inside, its fine for me tight for my six-foot-one husband. We were able to drive anywhere in one of the worst winters we had, and the top- down experience is fabulous. It takes close to 30 seconds to get the top up or down, but you get used to that. Its the only awd convertible on the market - I hope Audi remains committed.