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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  Some disappointments here...2004 model - 2005 Audi A8
  By l cavin - November 27 - 3:20 am

  Fast, good looking sedan with plenty of room inside. Good gas mileage, especially on highway. Annoying nav system and MMI operation. Quirky transmission.

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  Must be Wealthy - 1997 Audi A4
  By Ammad - November 12 - 2:12 pm

  Bought my Audi A4 1.8T in 2000. The car was great, and it is so much fun to drive. It is a pleasure to drive in the snow. However, some how after 50,000 miles or so. I started hearing some rattling. The dealerhips have no customer service, and they are really rude. They charge you thousands of dollars for parts and labor charges that sometimes are more expensive than the super expensive parts. Then you get electrical problems that cost $1,500 each to fix. Be prepared to spend a lot of money in maintaining this car. And even then sometimes I think was it worth it? Right now going between a G35 or a new A4.

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  I hate my car!!! - 2003 Audi A4
  By Wiseguymc - October 10 - 2:00 am

  This car is loud, has no power, and it handles like a truck. Audi service is poor. I have received better service from General Motors, Honda and Toyota dealers. Do yourself a favor and buy a CLK320 from Mercedes.

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  Audi A6 4.2 Quattro - 2000 Audi A6
  By Nate Affleck - October 8 - 2:00 am

  Have had numerous issues with upper and lower control arms. Something to consider is the enormous costs because of the Audi name and the German parts every little things costs an arm and a leg. All in all I believe this to be a lemon.

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  Give me a brake (yes brake) - 2003 Audi A8
  By Gerald Krassner - September 22 - 2:00 am

  To be in the big league price category you need a reliable well riding automobile. My A8L had brakes replaced 4 times in 50,000 miles. Navigation had to be replaced. Tire pressuer monitor never worked properly. I disconnected it. The timing chain had to be replaced at 51,000 miles. Noise level high, I used to think a window was open. Still do. Forget about the suspension, My sons Civic takes the bumps better as well as the curves.

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  $$$$ to own Beware of maintenance costs - 1998 Audi A4
  By JC Milbo - September 4 - 2:00 am

  Bought the dealers demo and got the 3- year warrenty. At 45 k, the problems started - front suspension - $ 766 tie rod end and water pump - $ 1245 60 k - rear half shaft bearings - $1400 transmission valve body $ 3200 and now the ABS unit is shot and its back to the shop for another $3000. That is $9611! Parts and service are very expensive! I am selling and cutting my losses. Ill be buying a Honda or Toyota or an American car from now on. What a piece of junk!

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  disappointed - 1998 Audi A4
  By peter j - July 14 - 2:00 am

  Bought this car new. Loved the looks and how it performed in the snow. However, I spent way too much time at the dealer. Replaced 3 airbags, starter, wheel bearings,tie rods and had repeated "check engine" problems. All the exterior molding fell off and interior was poor quality. Brake handle broke,as well as other interior parts. Spent $31000 for the car and it was not close to being worth it. Did not hold its value and was not impressed with Audi customer service. Bought a new Subaru Legacy and love it.

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  POOR QUALITY - 2003 Audi A6
  By LINDA CASATELLI - July 14 - 2:00 am

  I have had it back many times for a loud bang when it shifts, passenger headlight fogs up, left headlight yellow reflector fell off. Audi insists it is normal except for the reflector. Passenger front wheel out of line right after service. I am very unhappy with the amount of money spent and the return on investment. It was bought on reputation and the parent company refuses to assist.

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  Not Worth It - 2001 Audi A4
  By forunna - June 22 - 2:00 am

  I have a 67 Mustang that has less problems!!!. Nothing but electrical problems since Ive had it. ABS unit needed to be replaced twice (without a warning light...thats comforting), control box for door locks had to be replaced (couldnt even get in the car!!), most recently, had to have all dashboard electronics replaced after radio froze (couldnt change stations or anything) and dash disply went dead. If you have to have one, lease, and not for longer than the warranty.

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  Not Worth It - 2001 Audi A4
  By quattro boy - June 22 - 2:00 am

  I have a 67 Mustang that has less problems!!!. Nothing but electrical problems since Ive had it. ABS unit needed to be replaced twice (without a warning light...thats comforting), control box for door locks had to be replaced (couldnt even get in the car!!), most recently, had to have all dashboard electronics replaced after radio froze (couldnt change stations or anything) and dash disply went dead. If you have to have one, lease, and not for longer than the warranty.