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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  Surprised - 2005 Audi A6
  By Joseph Ramieri - April 9 - 1:15 pm

  Ive considered an Audi in the past but the introduction of the 335 hp V8 sold me. The car is very civil yet quick and responsive. The premium sound system is great

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  BMW 745 to Audi A8L - 2005 Audi A8
  By Anthony Celona - April 9 - 1:14 pm

  After owing Acura, Lexus, and most recently, a 2003 BMW 745I (Retail value UGLY) I purchased my 2005 Audi A8L. Ive gone from the BMW I Drive (which I actually liked) to Audi M Drive which is somewhat easier to use. The GPS package is considerable better than the BMW but slightly poorer than the Lexus with its touch screen. The A8L has all of the power and zip that the BMW but is noticeably missing the constant mechanical and computer problems I became accustomed to in the BMW. The engine and transmission are flawless, smooth and quiet and the overall integrity of the interior, body fit and trim are excellent. I highly recommend this vehicle. Before you buy another Luxury car test drive this.

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  Best luxury sport sedan under 35K - 2003 Audi A4
  By Proud Audiowner - April 8 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Audi A4 3.0 after test- driving BMW 3 series, Audi 1.8T, Mercedes 240, Acura 3.2TL Type S, Infinity G35, and Saab 9-3 Arc. They all drove very well, but the Audi was the best value for money. I got the car for $600/- over invoice. I must say that I am very happy with the buy. The accleration is good, the CVT gives a very smooth acceleration. The car is quite even at 90 mph. Gas milage is excellent, a full tank of 17 gallons goes 475-550 miles. Bose stereo rocks. Display looks rich. Interior is very high quality. The controls on the steering wheels are very convenient.

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  Audi makes great cars - 2001 Audi A4
  By getdamemo - April 7 - 5:10 am

  My 2001 Audi A4 1.8T quattro Sedan handles well and is easy to maintain. I only wish there was a little more power with the AWD system. I have no regrets buying this car!

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  Hamptons secret - 2005 Audi A8
  By taylor hoge - April 4 - 12:41 am

  Best car to go to NYC and back to the Hamptons! Fast, comfortable, very sweet ride, better than anything on the market, only one issue, why not sooner?

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  Almost Perfection - 2005 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By James Walsh - April 2 - 5:13 am

  This car is the best Ive owned. It combines very good performance with sufficient interior space and a feeling of luxury in its ride, handling and appointments. And the fuel economy is really pretty good if you drive reasonably. Ive received compliments on its styling from stangers...and young ones at that. This ones a keeper.

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  Excellent in the snow - 2005 Audi S4
  By eric in wyoming - April 2 - 2:48 am

  I purchased my new S4 in November, and with the original performance Dunlop tires, nearly totaled it with the first snowstorm. New 18 inch Pirelli Snowsports (even though they recommended 17 inches with new rims of course) completely solved the problem with minimal compromise in ride and handling quality. I cross shopped an M3 and CTS-V, but living in the snowbelt, the quattro was the clincher. Forget the gas guzzler tax and definetely go for the manual transmission. The dealership even let slip that theyll pay for a new clutch under the scheduled warranty if you accidentally burn the original one out.

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  Hot Black Audi A6 4.2 - 2005 Audi A6
  By John - April 1 - 11:11 pm

  This car is awesome. Its got great get up and go, all the extras are nice. The Voice Recognition system takes a little getting use to, and for some reason does not understand women well. The Bluetooth phone system in is great - make sure you have a phone compatible with the system. My Motorola V600 works real well with it - its great! Pulls up all the numbers on your SIM card, recently dialed numbers, missed calls too. The Tiptronic transmission is a lot of fun to use as a 6 speed. If you can get into this car do it!

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  Fun to Drive - 2005 Audi TT
  By Kenzie Cook - April 1 - 6:59 pm

  This car is just so much fun to drive and there is not that many on the road so it is unique as well.

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  Rocket Ship - 2004 Audi A6
  By kennorlander - April 1 - 6:31 pm

  I owned a A4 with the 1.8T and quattro, and it was absolutely gutless. I liked Audis build quality though, and decided to get another, just with more power, and I am throughly impressed! It accelerates so effortlessly, and is almost as fast as my fathers 2005 Mercedes SL500! I would highly recommend this car.