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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  Supreme Sports Sedan - 2004 Audi A4
  By PatrickG - October 9 - 10:00 am

  There are few thing that could be done to improve this vehicle. It is eight grand cheaper than an equivialant BMW. Both the A4 3.0 quattro and BMW 330xi are great cars, but the eight grand is more enjoyable in my pocket than the dealers. Service is first-rate.

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  Awesome Red S-Line - 2006 Audi A6
  By Chad and Julia - October 7 - 11:58 pm

  This is the greatest driving car we have ever owned. We love the look! We bought the RED S-Line V-8 and it goes and stops like hell. Although we only have 1500 miles on it we havent had any problems. The interior and exterior are beautifully assembled and the quality of the materials is top notch. The MMI system is easy to use but sometimes distracting.

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  **It is just an awesome vehicle** - 2007 Audi Q7
  By pam-afh - October 7 - 2:45 pm

  Had to wait 4 months to get this because of the 6 seat configuration and the mfg of the 3.6s but it was well worth the wait. After owning 2 large SUVs (AWD Escalade & 4WD Navigator) neither one can hold a candle to this vehicle. This vehicle handles more like a sports car but on a much larger scale. It will get up and go and the brakes will bring you down in a hurry not to mention a super smooth ride. Adaptive air suspension really makes a difference as well. The interior is very sporty but also luxurious. The premium leather is definite quality. There is nothing about this vehicle that is not first class and I am more than happy with my purchase. The only downfall was the wait time.

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  Luxurious interior and nice ride, unique - 2001 Audi A6
  By LadyAudi2.8Q - October 7 - 10:19 am

  The car I bought had some maintenance issues before I purchased it. I have found a dealership that very professional and not overpriced. The quality of work is good. I also found parts on line to circumvent overpricing. The car is a dream. It needs the normal 6 yr old car things, but it makes me smile each time I get in. The interior design is gorgeous! Yes, Audi has a few minor switch, cup holder and headlight issues but those parts arent very high. The check engine diagnostics can be done for free at a local autoparts store. The fuel, air filters can be purchased in bulk to save $. It is the price for luxury and it isnt bad. I gladly drive it instead of the mass similiar car.

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  Disappointed.... - 2002 Audi A4
  By adsf - October 7 - 10:00 am

  Had to bring it back to the dealer many times... Sunroof motor, A/C relay, Master cylinder, power window motor, valve tap at start up...

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  Beauty of a Lemon - 2002 Audi A6
  By wink7854 - October 6 - 10:28 am

  My Audi is a beauty inside and out, but too bad it stops there. It has been nothing but a problem and has broken down (literally) FOUR times. First time they said I had carbon build up in all cylinders. Cleaning them cost $900 because it wasnt covered by the warranty. They also flushed the fuel injection system for $300. Breakdown again. This time they said that it was an O-ring on the oxygen intake that wasnt correctly tightened. Breakdown again. This time they changed the catalytic converter. Breakdown again. Who knows what it is. Ive also had trouble with the warranty. My instrument panel has pixel fade, but they wont replace it until all the pixels are gone! Dont buy an Audi!!

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  Who needs a BMW? - 2006 Audi S4
  By Tim - October 6 - 12:51 am

  After test driving a new Corvette and a Boxster S, I drove the Audi S4. I fell in love with the S4! Great looks, the sweetest interior, and a cool sounding exhaust note. The MMI system and the Sirius radio help keep my mind from driving this car as fast as it wants to go!

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  German Precision American Vision - 2002 Audi TT
  By Beeyond - October 4 - 10:50 pm

  The car lacks power but has EYE appeal galore. I added a Borla catback system, a D-BOV both of which make great sound, power and Looks. P-flo air. Euro tail lights, short shifter, custom mats, red LEDs inside and paint wax custom front full bra. I have a ride I can be proud of set of tires are General 225/45/17 never thought I would own GENERALS but made by Uniroyal great tyres. TT holds the corners and going up hill it keeps giving you more power. My wife drove it and could not believe the power it has she said it never quit when she demanded more it was there for her.

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  Luxury Worth A Look! - 1998 Audi A6
  By Sean - October 4 - 6:57 pm

  Perhaps the first thought that comes to mind for many drivers is the Quattro AWD on this car, a feature that helps in the Snow Belt of the country. Yet beyond this, the handling is adept and definitely unique to this car nothing short of amazing, this car remains supple without wallowing. This car is solid, large, and comfortable for 4, the 5th will feel out of place, especially if a full sized adult. Power is just fine for this car, and gas mileage is suprisingly good (mid 20s). Quality of build is wonderful, although most repairs will require garage intervention-this is not a shady tree mechanic car. Audi went above and beyond with this car, and it really shows.

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  The True Review - 2004 Audi A4
  By JRMLIVE - October 4 - 10:00 am

  The cars 1.8liter and 4 cylinder engine with a 170HP sound worse than the actual performance that comes out. I previously owned a Nissan Maxima 6 cylinder and the audi from 0 to 60 leaves the maxima in the dust. However, the car reaches higher rpms much faster and begs the driver for quick shifting. The handling is excellent, however after 6 months with the car, the front struts and axls are creeky. In addition, the car has begun to make louder idle noises. The maxima is as quiet as a pussycat. Overall, it is difficult to compare the two being in different categories and the sacrifices that I made switching to a smaller car (interior is small).