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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  360 degree eye catcher - 2003 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By Vanc Isle - April 26 - 2:00 am

  This is my first german built car. It is the best car Ive ever owned. Interior quality is superior and rear seating is confortable and surprisingly roomy. The drivers side entry is a tight fit. But once inside, the car is pure car-comfort heaven. Tiptronic was fine for my previous 300M, but I much prefer 6spM for the Allroad. I would not go back to tiptronic, even in 4.2L.

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  A4 vs Passat - 2003 Audi A4
  By kinnman - April 26 - 2:00 am

  Very nice car, but coming off of a Passat, I was dissappointed in both the ride and the mpg. We are averaging about 24mpg w/ 70/30 Hwy/City vs 28mpg in the Passat. Still only 1500 miles, I hope it improves. The ride was much better in the Passat. Also, the Audi has the same cupholders as the Passat did back in 2000 - in the arm rest - worthless! VW moved the cupholders next to the emergency brake, why didnt Audi? The Audi handles better due to a stiffer suspension. All in all, I would recommend the Passat and save a few bucks.

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  Very good, not great car - 2003 Audi A4
  By vwaudi - April 26 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my 2003 Ming Blue 3.OL Auto Quattro A4 for about a month now and overall Im happy, with some criticisms. Before I purchased, I seriously considered the Infiniti G35, BMW 3-series, and Passat All Motion, as well. All are fine cars, but I decided against G35 due to poor handling in the snow and suspect interior build quality/components and no folding rear seat. I decided against the 3 series because everyone and their sister has a 3 series and BMW nickle and dimes the options. I decided against Passat because at 190 horsepower, that was not enough since I was coming from a BMW Z3 with 190 horsies and much lighter car.

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  Not your soccer-moms station wagon - 2006 Audi A4
  By CoKi - April 25 - 11:20 pm

  Its been 7 months of sheer driving nirvana. We have an almost fully loaded version. At first I thought it was silly to have so many add-ons, but honestly cant say I dont appreciate them all now. I love the S-Line package, very sporty and aggresive looking, soooo sweet on the twisties. I also love the new larger front grille design. I wouldnt change a thing on the exterior styling, perfectly sporty yet understated. I wouldnt have a problem recommending this car to anyone.

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  Worth it to buy but not for racing - 2000 Audi TT
  By Jim - April 25 - 10:19 pm

  Very nice car, interior and exterior. RARE car so gets good attention. 180 hp is not that strong but youre driving for style not for racing.

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  My Review - 2006 Audi A3
  By UgoC - April 24 - 5:06 pm

  A lot of fun to drive and a good value for the money. I waited for this car to come to the US because its one of a kind. My car has Cold weather, Premium Pkg., DSG, Open Sky and Lava Grey Paint.

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  My Own Private Lear Jet - 2001 Audi S8
  By Brentos S8 - April 24 - 3:05 am

  This is a wonderful car all around and fast and nimble like a Lear jet. Comfort, performance, total package with that understated look. Prefer it over S500 or 740 anyday.

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  Great Car - back it up - 2006 Audi A6
  By Jim - April 23 - 10:32 pm

  Have a 2000 A6 Quattro. Still runs great - love the car. Good thing for the warranty though as rotors and brakes went early. Bought a 2006 3.2 quattro .Dealer told me the "only change in warranty was that wiper blades were only warrantied for 1 year". Guess what, six months later blades are shot & local dealer tells me they are no longer covered and it will cost me $50 to replace. Had some electrical surprises - audio shutting off, no way to turn back on unless battery is disconnected & reconnected. Worse, my left front headlamp leaks & fogs. When I made an appointment to have it fixed, they did not "see" it so I now have to wait for it to happen again.

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  Q7 review - 2007 Audi Q7
  By km - April 23 - 8:59 pm

  Ive had Audis for years and have always felt secure driving them. I live in a four season climate and have driven in snow and ice storms. This Audi feels very strong to drive and very safe. The "Quattro" system is the best four wheel drive system of any make of automobile in my opinion.

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  Solid as a Rock - 2006 Audi A3
  By johnny wants S3 - April 23 - 8:04 pm

  Outfitted the A3 3.2 with a Miltek Catback Exhaust and a K&N Air filter to let the car breathe easier and help with gas mileage. However the utterly cool throaty exhaust note before now has the wow factor to compliment everything else on this ride. Got everything except nav and Bluetooth the car is a pleasure to tool around in with precise handling, brakes, low road-noise and comfortable seating. The Bose system kicks and I absolutely love the Xenon Directional Headlights. My car geek friends are constantly amazed by the DSG transmission and how settled the car is at even 120+. Had the opportunity to drive the car in a recent torrential downpour and the Quattro was just amazing.