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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  Cool points out the window - 2001 Audi S8
  By greyjag - May 30 - 11:25 pm

  Well I must admit to being newly enamored with the S8 as I just bought one. I like others dont care for the Nav system compared to what $200.00 will buy now, I suppose it was ok in its time.

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  Truly an Audi - 2007 Audi Q7
  By WK - May 30 - 5:33 pm

  Got a rare S-Line version with factory 21" wheels that are polished on the face and painted grey on the inside. Car looks very menacing all in lava grey. Handles very well, although not quite as quick as our dearly departed Audi allroad 2.7T. But torque is phenomenal. S-Line 3-point steering wheel mounted shift paddles allow for even smoother gear changes than those possible on my DSG equipped Audi TT 3.2Q.

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  My dream SUV - 2007 Audi Q7
  By ThaR8Don - May 29 - 10:34 pm

  I think this is the most well built and value packed SUV on the market today. Ive looked at many others such as the ML500, X5 4.6, Range Rover Sport and GL450 - none of them compared in my opinion. Dont get me wrong, they all have their strengths, but overall I felt the Audi Q7 was the best fit. For the money what you get in the Q7 is an exceptional value. I have enjoyed the drive and find it hard not to drive. I also have a Lincoln Navigator and an Audi A8L - the A8L used to be on the top of my list to drive but this Q7 edges it out ever so slightly. The Navigator was nice but it lacks that European road feel.

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  Great Car Would Buy Again!! - 2017 Audi Q3
  By Ram Krishnamurti - May 29 - 7:42 pm

  This is a great car got it when my son was 5 now he is learning to drive with it. The cost to own is a little higher than say, a Nissan, but you are getting your moneys worth with this purchase. I would definatley buy this car again.

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  04 S4 -Tremendous - 2004 Audi S4
  By RaudiS4 - May 29 - 12:22 pm

  This car is fantastic. Surefooted, easy to drive hard, fun, reliable and solid (read, safe). The AWD and traction control make this a serious toy for us "older" kids. And, when you think youve mastered it, turn off the traction control.

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  An "Adult" Kind Of Giddy - 2007 Audi A3
  By AudiJay - May 29 - 12:43 am

  Okay, so I just bought my new A3 3.2 AWD Quattro today after driving the Volvo S40 T5 and the Acura TL-S. The Volvo was nice, but not in the same class, and the Acura was a great car, but a bit bigger than I wanted. The Audi is an awesome car. So much fun. Some folks say that the power gain in the 3.2 isnt worth the increased price. My feeling (having driven both) is that the 3.2 provides a much more steady power (no lag) and is better suited to the AWD. I felt the same way when I chose my VW GTI VR6 over the 1.8T a few years back. Steady power from the very low RPMs. Beyond that, the build quality is great, the nav system is awesome, and Im smiling!

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  Another 3.2L New Engine Failure - 2007 Audi A4
  By Ow-ee - May 28 - 9:48 pm

  Couldnt help but notice the earlier review about a new engine failure. I brought my 2007 3.2 Cabriolet in for its 5000 mile service, and when a new engine noise appeared immediately thereafter on the passenger side, Audi replaced the engine, seemingly knowing what the problem was right away. One of the cylinders had an obvious machining defect that the service department kindly showed me. Audi should not saddle the consumer with this enormous market devaluation when an obvious quality control issue like this arises. If youre buying an Audi like I did, thinking I was smarter than all the other people who have nightmare stories to tell, perhaps think again.

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  Great Ride - 2004 Audi A4
  By ClrkBent - May 28 - 10:00 am

  The A4 is overall is a great choice. You dont have a choice though, with the A4, of going Quattro, unless you do the 3.0. It just takes too much power away from the front where you need the performance. Perfect ride. I highly recommend the 1.8 CVT. Its a smooth, smooth ride. You really begin to realize how annoying gear changes are in other automatics when you get out of the Audi and into other cars.

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  Brain Washed by Audi! - 2006 Audi A4
  By Luke - May 27 - 9:28 pm

  After months of comparison (IS 250, 3 series, MB C230, and G35), I finally settled on the A4, and have looked back with no regrets. This car is phenomenal to drive - it hugs off ramps and high speeds, the seats are supportive and comfortable on long trips, and the interior design is top notch. I purchased mine with a red exterior and a black / silver interior and its eye catching! I also ordered mine with the sport suspension, which is great for windy road driving. The 4 cyl Turbo produces excellent HP. And for what youre getting in a car (entry level luxury sport), youre getting a lot more bang with your buck compared to the 3-series. I will come back to Audi for my next car.

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  Satisfied - 2007 Audi A4
  By Satisfied - May 27 - 8:14 am

  After 9 years and 150K miles (8 1/2 years and 142K miles with nothing but routine maintenance) it was time to retire my 98 A4 2.8. Audi, BMW, Acura, Lexus and Infiniti were all on my list to consider. The Audi turned out to be the best all-around vehicle and as I mentioned has proven to be ultra-reliable at least for me. I love the 3.2s growl and pick-up.