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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  CVT sucks - 2003 Audi A4
  By gary - December 8 - 10:00 am

  I have had the A 4 for about 3 months, the power is o.k. but the thing has a 1 to 2 second delay when you accelerate from a dead stop, this is a big problem when turning left infront of traffic. I would not buy this car again with the CVT.

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  BMW Guy Loves A4 - 2006 Audi A4
  By New Audi Guy - December 5 - 6:06 am

  Last 2 cars were BMWs. The 528i was so elegant, but I saw my service advisor more than I saw my wife. The 330ci was awesome, but pricey. Looked at the new 325 which drives great but the interior & exterior design left me cold. Checked out the 2005 Audi A4 1.8T which was noisy and underpowered and was so pleasantly surprised when the new 2.0T came out. The 2.0T together with the 6 speed tiptronic is awesome. It is MUCH less expensive to lease than the 325, as much fun to drive, and you get more features like quattro and Bose. The black on black looks sharp and is very comfortable. The tiptronic is smooth and powerful. The car is fast and handles beautifully.

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  Elegance in Motion - 2004 Audi A6
  By McCanski - December 4 - 10:20 pm

  Ive owned this car for almost 3 years now. Im extremely impressed. Have driven friends and relatives BMWs. This car is better. The AWD is awesome, even when its dry. Whats even more impressive are the twin turbos. I live at high altitude. They are a must up here. Passes 99% of everything on the highway and still gets 28 mpg. Reliability has been great. Cant beat the looks either.

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  2006 A3 3.2Q - 2006 Audi A3
  By Scott Lawrence - December 4 - 2:37 pm

  A great car to drive, performance with the 3.2 is smooth and very fast, handling is excellent. Especially like Quattro, no torque steer or wheel hop even under very hard accelleration. The interior is exceptional and the fit and finish are perfect. For the price I would have liked a power passenger seat and rear heated seats, but that is pretty minor stuff. Finished in bright red with 18" wheels it attracts a lot of attention.

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  Upgrade - 2006 Audi A3
  By Mac - December 2 - 9:43 am

  I drove a Ford Ranger before this car, obviously its a huge change and upgrade. Still, having driven a standard for the last 25 years, I didnt like the auto transmission for the first 5000 miles, but once it was broken in, its been a dream since. Cost was fair value I dont think it is overpriced at all even with the luxury package and Open Sky.

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  Be careful - 1997 Audi Cabriolet
  By scott - December 1 - 2:46 pm

  I love this car as far as ride and handling goes. Fuel economy is not what I expected. It has a tendency to be a money pit with regards to constant minor repairs. The quality of the car leaves one baffled when you consider the association of the name. Although, as I said I like the ride and handling, it is most doubtful that I would ever buy another one.

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  THE BEST EVER! - 2007 Audi A8
  By Brian - November 30 - 11:11 am

  I just picked up my A8L 4.2 V8 2 weeks ago and it is THE most luxurious car Ive ever owned. The attention to detail of the interior leather and wood is sheer perfection. The drive is amazingly smooth but as precise as a surgeons scalpel. I cant believe that a large luxury car like this handles so well. Not to mention the all wheel drive gives me a feeling of confidence on the road that is a true benefit. Mine is Black with Amaretto Leather and the B & O stereo! The rear seat room is amazing and my girls love the power rear seats!

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  What a grand surprise - 2007 Audi Q7
  By Joe Z - November 30 - 5:26 am

  I always expect great cars from Audi. But this was the best surprise. It is a fantastic ride. The comfort, handling and power (from a 6 cyl) is outstanding. This is the best vehicle in its class.

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  Audi A4 1.8T - 2002 Audi A4
  By J. Amador - November 29 - 9:04 pm

  I bought my Audi from Audi USA (used with 3k). I bought it over the internet and shipped to Europe (wanted US Spec Car). I drove the car up to 128 MPH and it ran flawlessly. Hugged the road and driving at 100 MPH felt like going 55. I did have a problem with the gas cap sensor that Audi corrected. Overall the car has been great and provides super gas mileage while providing umph when you need it. It has the normal turbo lag but overall very pleased. Back seat could be a touch larger. Very glad I got the 1.8T motor over the 3.0. I had 3 series BMW before this one and prior had the Audi 4000CS. Not knocking the BMW but find the Audi more of a joy to drive. Enjoy!!!

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  All around value - 2006 Audi A4
  By Shermdog - November 29 - 1:47 pm

  I had a 98 Passat with the 1.8T. After putting 165K miles on that car I knew the 2.0T would be a winner. I wasnt wrong. For all around handling, interior comfort, looks, luggage space and performance, you would be hard pressed to find a better value. The car is glued to the road and handles slippery weather. I chose this car based on these factors: MPG, all wheel drive, golf club fit sideways in trunk, safety, handling, fun, looks. No other AWD car has the balance of these and the price of the A4.