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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  Bellisimo! - 2007 Audi A8
  By Svetlana B. - November 18 - 9:48 pm

  The most beautiful car Ive ever owned. Stunningly luxurious interior, classy exterior, polished demeanor, great acceleration from 350hp V8, dazzling 19" wheels that turn heads, super attention to detail, nimble handling that belies its size, and so much more. I bought it last week, and already took it across the state line!

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  2000 Miles and Loving it - 2007 Audi Q7
  By bhurlburt - November 17 - 7:30 pm

  Waited two months for it to arrive but it was worth every minute. I agree with most of the other reviews here. The handling is what I am most impressed with. Just does not FEEL like I am driving a large SUV. Steering is precise around residential streets and around the clover leafs at speed. Took my parents out last night. My Mom kept saying "this is so nice!!" My Dad kept saying "I cant get over how smooth the acceleration feels". They are both long term Suburban/Yukon owners. Highway mileage about 21. City about 14. Not great but I knew what I was getting. After a month and a half and 2000 miles of driving, I have yet to see another one on the road. I just love that!!!

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  Avoid this car. - 2001 Audi TT
  By Disappointed Owner - November 17 - 3:29 pm

  I have owned this car for over three years now. I have replaced or repaired the following: 2 o2 sensors ($750), MAF sensor ($400), timing belt & fuel pump ($600), CV boot X2 ($200), fuel sending unit ($675), both power windows motors ($1050), exhaust manifold ($1400), headlight bulbs X2 ($275), oil leak ($150), vacuum leak ($275), instrument cluster ($900).... there are other repairs I have done.... but just cant recall right now. Add it up, it is about $7000 in repairs. Take my advice, this car is unreliable and normal repairs are very expensive. Avoid this car!!

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  An Ideal Car - 2006 Audi A8
  By Richard Nigro - November 17 - 2:24 pm

  This car is a unique blend of soft, smooth ride without the swaying of some cars. This car also exhibits oustanding handling and acceleration. I also own a MB E320. The interior in this car is beautifully fit and finished. The drivers seat is perfectly contoured and 12 (16?) way adjustable.The controls are logically arranged and are easy to use. The MMI eliminates a clutter of dials and buttons,and is easy for an average person to use (unlike the MB 320 computer which is impossible). Do yourself a favor and consider this car for your next vehicle.

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  Classy ride - 1999 Audi A6
  By New to Audi - November 16 - 3:22 pm

  I read other reviews and was wary of this model, but the test drive swayed me. This does not drive like a 3800 lb car. Coming from a BMW 525, I felt some difference, but not that much. Acceleration isnt blazing and gas mileage is disappointing, but the interior is top-notch. No mechanical problems yet after 6,000 miles. I am baffled how a windshield wiper fluid tank can spring a leak though. Not as easy to get to 100 mph as the bimmer.

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  Good car - 1998 Audi A4
  By DeezNets25 - November 16 - 3:21 pm

  Fun, quick, good handling, good on gas,and quiet comfortable ride.

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  Good basic transportation - 1999 Audi A4
  By Barry Kramer - November 16 - 11:31 am

  For the northland the A4T quattro is an excellent choice. However, I have experienced the electronic glitches that my dealership says are unique to this model year. I gave up my BMW E30 with 300k for the quattro and will likely go back in the near future for the fun and driving experience. All in all good transportation, but I would for sure seek out the sport pkg if another A4 hits my radar.

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  Great Luxury Family SUV - 2007 Audi Q7
  By Drews Dad - November 14 - 3:31 pm

  The Q7 has met my hyped up expectations. Its a solid ride with premium features you expect from Audi. It has a very thoughtful design, down to the "coming and going" external and internal lighting features. Its also easy to see the road in the Q7 unlike some other large SUVs.

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  An honest review on Audi A6 3.0 Quattro - 2003 Audi A6
  By David - November 13 - 6:27 pm

  I had this car for 6 months now. I bought it with 48 K miles now I have 60 K. I love the exterior of the car and the interior. After never having a car with AWD, I do not know how I lived without it. I was scared to buy this car first because of electrical problems but so far so good. No problems with the car so far (knock on wood). It feels solid and handles well. Some little things that bothered me are when the annoying sound and display of low wind washer fluid, its half of the screen, some paint in the interior of the car chips off, gas mileage isnt that great, doesnt hold value.

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  Love the Car - $$$ Maintenance Bill - 2002 Audi A6
  By Audi Fan - November 13 - 10:02 am

  I purchased this car after test driving many other European options - BMW, Saab, Volvo (my wife owns one and likes it), and one Japanese option - Maxima. Considering I have been a Honda, Nissan owner over the years, I was looking for something more exciting and I found it. My A6 has been wonderful fun to drive, nice to look at and a pleasure on road trips. The CVT technology took some getting used to, but now I truly enjoy it. Knowing the possible repair bills down the road, I purchased an extended warranty and it was not cheap. Of course certain things are not covered, like replacing an automatic window clip for $450. The 40K maintenance bill was $995 b/c of high precision eng/trans.