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:

• 

  Awesome Car - 2008 Audi TT
  By 2008TTGuy - June 26 - 8:47 pm

  I have only had the car for 2 days but I am in love! After test driving several the Infiniti G35X, Acura TL Type S, BMW 328xi I was set to buy the TL-S when I stopped by my Audi dealer. When I saw the new 2008 TT coupe, I stopped dead in my tracks - I dont think there is a better looking car on the road. I drove both the 3.2 Quattro and 2.0T and while the former has a little extra punch and impeccable handling, the 2.0T was plenty strong and nimble. And it fit my wallet better. I have a hard time finding any faults with the TT, but even a harder time wiping the smile off my face when driving it. I truly think this car is a good value compared to the competition.

• 

  Saved My Life - 2006 Audi A3
  By Adam G. - June 26 - 3:21 pm

  My wife and I had this car for over a year and simply loved it. Had some build quality problems. The rear window had to be replaced because of noise in the radio caused by the rear defroster being on. Also had to have a relay replaced since the car would not go above 30! Aside from that drove it across country and it was great and lots and lots of fun. We just got in a serious accident in it and walked away with only minor injuries from the airbag propellant. This car might have saved our lives. It certainly let us just walk away from a bad accident. I would most definitely get another, but next time I want AWD. VERY VERY SAFE!

• 

  A3: Best in its class. - 2007 Audi A3
  By Audi-O - June 22 - 11:38 pm

  I drove the 3.2 All-Wheel drive but preferred the 2.0T. The 2.0T was more responsive and felt torquier down low. Impressive after coming from a VR6 GTI. I wasnt sure I could give up the MT for the DSG but after driving the car for a couple of days there was no going back to a MT for me. I drove this car back to back with a Mazdaspeed3 and with the DSG I could drive the A3 faster than the Mazda on the same course. The A3 is just too easy to drive fast with DSG. There is some road noise as others have commented on which I atribute to the tires and stiff sport suspension. The ride is very good given the handling abilities of the car. The fit and finish is first in its class.

• 

  Fantastic Performance Luxury Sedan - 2004 Audi A6
  By Noojin Walker - June 21 - 9:41 pm

  I have been a past BMW 5 Series driver, but this Audi A6, blows the BMW out of the water in terms of sheer performance and reliability!! No question about it! The Audi A6 acceleration is exceptionally quick, quicker than the BMW. The interior is more upscale and the appointments are more lavish and luxurious. I love the fact that there is both a CD player and a cassette player. I still have motivational tapes. There are plenty of extras: side pockets and compartments and five solid cup holders! Quality workmanship and great body and interior integrity.

• 

  Audi nailed this car! - 2007 Audi A3
  By Stimpy - June 20 - 9:05 am

  Have only had this car for a week, but I have already put it through its paces. Im impressed! It handles like it is bolted to the road. I have taken twisties at insane speeds and this car hasnt broken a sweat. Combine this competence with a basic but flawless interior, a great stereo, very good gas mileage and totally solid build quality and I just cant see what Audi couldve improved. They completely naile this one! If I ever get tired of driving this car, you best believe I will be seriously considering another Audi!

• 

  Outstanding A8L - 2005 Audi A8
  By William H. Malone II - June 19 - 12:15 pm

  This my second A8 experience. The first is a 2000 A8 that now has 122000 flawless miles. This is the reason that we purchased the 2005 A8L. Best vehicle that I have ever owned. Outstanding in ALL areas and a complete pleasure to drive. You can keep the BMWs and Mercs. No contest. Audi understands and understates their cars. The car speaks for itself. It shouts OUTSTANDING as it passes everything on the road.

• 

  Finally a competitor to big Germans - 2005 Audi A8
  By nick - June 18 - 10:28 pm

  Gorgeous body, fit and finish. Impressive looks, great engine, agile, stately, big but easy to drive like a midsize sedan. Few flaws however: CD changer in the glove compartment must go, bad location for cup holders, short lived original equipment tires (Continental CH95), problems with automated trunk, immediately after purchase navigation upgrade was issued for $299 (should be covered at least for a year or upgraded with a discount).

• 

  8cyl/4 season/ 2+2 convertible to beat - 2005 Audi S4
  By nick - June 18 - 10:10 pm

  The most reasonably priced 8cyl/4wd/4 season 2+2 convertible for snow covered Northeast states there is no other convertible in this class that can claim this. Excellent fit and finish by coach builders from Karmann, Germany. This car is almost like a hand made jewel for this price range.

• 

  The Audi A4 - 2005 Audi A4
  By seattle a4 - June 18 - 6:50 pm

  After 2 years driving, Ive gotten a chance to reflect over the experience. First off, I would not buy an Audi. The A4 has shown me the entry level luxury field is somewhat of an oxymoron. And the A4 is one of the better entries in this market. The A4 is both luxurious as it is questionable in build. Those looking into buying a quality product should settle with the japanese offerings. At least then you would get a car that wouldnt be in Audis wonderful service centers every week. 14 repairs in 2 years of ownership has kept me quite in the know about how cars work. The benefits of Audi products balance out some of the problems, but I would prefer driving my car daily, not a rental.

• 

  My A4 - 2002 Audi A4
  By mjmill4 - June 14 - 2:00 am

  Wonderful little car. Solid, reliable, and great value.