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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  2002 Audi A6 3.0 Fwd Sedan - 2002 Audi A6
  By dempetro - November 4 - 6:27 pm

  I enjoy this car because it drives smoothly, has a powerful engine, (for a 6-cilinder), has an excellent Interior. I have not experienced any mechanical problems yet. My A6 has a high level of comfort for the driver and passengers.

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  Maxumum S4 - 2001 Audi S4
  By Maximum - November 1 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned my S4 for the past 3 years and now its time for a decision between a new lease or Buy out. I drove the new V8 S4 and even though it seemed more refined in a luxury feel it was a pretty easy choice to continue on with my 01 S4. The S4 has been an all around performer, not as confidence inspiring as the Boxster I had previoiusly but still a real kick to drive. I never did chip it but I did drive one and its the next step since deciding not to go with an 05. Lots of aftermarket goodies will keep me happy for awhile. The power is great on back roads due to the high torque, not as great in a drag race. This car is a real kick when in and out of the throttle in the twisties.

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  I am glad that I bought this car - 2003 Audi A4
  By dombi - November 1 - 2:00 am

  This is my first Audi (after having a Jetta and a Tercel). Everything is amazing about this car. It is stylish, elegant, fun to drive and makes me feel safe. Some BMW owners complimented on the interior stying and quality. The car could be a bit quicker, but is actually fine for my taste. It does what I would expect from a 1.8L engine. Quattro is amazing, especially in the rain, the car feels very stable at all times. I had some issues, but the dealership has fixed them all at no charge and even provided a rental car (though a cheap one :-) ). I am leasing this car, but will probably end up buying it after the four years, it is just an awsome vehicle to own.

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  Quietly sensational - 2003 Audi A4
  By colin hansford - October 30 - 2:00 am

  This car is a joy to look at and drive. Winter in Upstate NY has been brutal this year and I was concerned that the 17" all-season tires would be an issue. Not so. I bought tiptronic as other family members cant drive stick but Tiptronic really is a great compromise, I use it all the time, slick fast and efficient changes. Cant wait for spring / summer to wash the salt off, get wax on, and get the sunroof open.

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  S4 ups and downs - 2004 Audi S4
  By LMstent - October 29 - 2:00 am

  Overall, I have thoroughly enjoyed my S4. Driving 25,000 mi / yr, the car has been an excellent performer -- the power, handling, and comfort level are all very nicely blended and what Im looking for in this market. Unfortunately a major issue developed. My car was in for its routine 25,000 service when an occult oil leak was detected. Apparently, there is a "watch" out on the engine where some "O ring" and sealant may need to be replaced (so I was told). Now, my car is in for sevice for a minimum of two weeks for the engine to be removed and repaired. This certainly took a toll on my confidence with Audi reliability.

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  Still love this car after 56000 miles - 2002 Audi A4
  By pmrocon - October 28 - 2:00 am

  Strengths: Stong 3.0 liter is a joy to drive, Tiptronic adapts to your driving mood and style. The interior is beautiful and funtional. This design still looks as fresh as it did 3 years ago. Weaknesses: Bose Stereo is not up to the level of the rest of this car, the passenger seat is not comfortable (so say my wife & son).The interior has not worn all that well. Reliability has been OK, the coils failed the same week that I received the recall notice. The bolt holding a pulley onto the engine fell out , an oil seal failed which left me stranded.Conclusions: I think that the A-4 is a better built car than my wifes M-B 240 AWD. Im ordering a new A-6.

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  Wouldnt trade it for the WORLD. . .Well - 2004 Audi TT
  By LovesIt - October 25 - 2:00 am

  Maybe. . .The DSG is amazing and the car handles so well. I just love the way that it moves. It makes me smile everytime I get in the car, that can be very hard to do in Los Angeles! It really is the greatist.

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  4TH Audi - 2004 Audi A6
  By EDDOC - October 25 - 2:00 am

  Great handling and performance. Well put together. No problems so far. Last Audi 2001 A6 2.7 had routine service and no problems over 45K miles.

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  Most FUN car EVER! - 2008 Audi A3
  By Jeremy - October 24 - 4:44 am

  In my years of owning different cars, one car stands out as the most practical, the most fun, and provides the most absolute joy when driving. That one car is my 2008 Audi A3 3.2 Quattro with DSG. I have gone from (in order of ownership) 87 BMW 325iC to 99 Audi A4 2.8 Quattro to 02 Audi A4 1.8T Quattro to 05 Audi S4 Cabrio to 08 BMW Z4 Coupe (Sunday car) and 08 Audi A3 3.2 Quattro DSG (everyday car), owning the last two the same time. I was a bit torn deciding between the Z4 and A3 before I moved to Chicago. I decided I just need one car so I had to sell one of the two. Needless to say, I sold the Z4 and decided to keep the A3. Sure the Z4 was sexier, faster, and just had more prestige maybe for the lack of a better word, but overall, I simply thought the A3 was just the car to keep. I am glad I did. I didnt want to regret giving up the A3 again. Rewind back to 2009, I actually owned a 2007 A3 3.2 Quattro DSG in 2007. After two years, Audi offered to buy it back from me, so I did sell it to Audi. It was a mistake because I really missed that car shortly after. And in the U.S. production stopped that year. So I went looking for another but none available -- not the A3 3.2 Quattro. So for some time I had the 08 BMW and I got myself a Subaru Tribeca as my everyday car. By chance I went looking for another A3 again in 2012 and found my now 08 Audi A3. Hallelujah! This Audi A3 is pure joy to drive. I have gotten out -- without digging around the car first -- of 19 inches of snow here in Chicago in the Blizzard of Super Bowl 2015; I have taken corners in this car that I probably would not dare take in any other car; I have gone up a circular freeway on-ramp at high speed enough to scare (and impress) my friend while he hung on for dear life to the "Oh Sh!+" handle; I have passed many cars on an uphill climb without the engine gasping for air. And whats another thing that makes this car such a delight to drive? Its that buttery and silky smooth dual sequential gearbox (DSG). Whether Im driving in automatic mode, or sport mode, or manual with the option to switch gears with the stick or paddle shifters, the double-clutch transmission is so silky smooth and quick shifting up and down. Of course, when down shifting it may not feel smooth as the engine will roar down-shifting at high speed, but that engine sound sure is music to my ears. I know there are other cars that can outperform this car out there. But for the what I get out of this 5-door hatchback -- 250 HP, 255-lb torque, DSG transmission, just to name a few -- theres no other car out there for me. I can now and honestly say, "I love this car!"

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  Unbelievable - 2005 Audi S4
  By asantrosyan1 - October 24 - 2:00 am

  Its like a cat - can be soft and purring, can be lightening-quick and aggressive. Im still in break-in period, so I dont push it to the limit, but I am yet to hear the wheels spin. The traction matches that of a Panzer. Some people know what "S4" means, but most dont. Imagine faces unsuspecting friends who test-drive your "new Audi" :))