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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  Great car - 2003 Audi A4
  By tom - September 10 - 2:50 pm

  Bought it brand new 3.5 yrs ago and had only 2 problems. Oil sludge build up at 43K miles which the dealer fixed right away. Fuel pump went out at 57K, warranty had already expired at 50K, but dealer replaced w/50% off. Other than that, its been a great reliable car. Would purchase another Audi in a heartbeat.

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  Stuck in Audi hell - 1999 Audi A4
  By JM - September 9 - 4:52 pm

  I bought it used at 30K miles. It was fun to drive for about 15K, 20K miles, then the timing belt snapped (long before the recommended replacement mileage). FYI, cylinder heads from the Fatherland are EXPENSIVE. Better replace the belt every 30K miles just to be safe. Since then, nothing but problems: ABS brake sensors (twice), tie rod ends (many), wheel speed sensors, an unknown compression problem that stumped three mechanics, including the dealer, power window motor, a half-moon seal(?), and more. Now the transmission is acting up.

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  Audi TT - 2003 Audi TT
  By Cindy - September 8 - 2:21 pm

  Car has ben in shop 3 times since purchase for minor maintenance. More of a nuisance than anything else.

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  Simply Outstanding Auto - 2003 Audi A8
  By Fanning - September 8 - 2:13 pm

  This is my fourth Audi, my second A8, this time an A8L with most of the options. Best automobile I have ever owned and operated. Quiet, sure-footed, solid vehicle that pampers the occupants in sumptuous surroundings. Contrary to some reviews, I find this car to be quite economical regarding gas consumption as I am getting between 34 and 37 mpg cruising at 60 mph (100 kmh). City mileage around 20 mpg. At 44000 km (27000 mi) changed tires for Michelin Pilot A/S. Any complaints about rough ride and road noise evaporated with the new rubber.

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  2003 audi a4 quattro 1.8T - 2003 Audi A4
  By jzbender - September 8 - 10:00 am

  This is the best car in its class for the money. A comparably equipped BMW 325ix costs over $5000 more and doesnt look nearly as good in sedan form. The interior is ergonomically perfect, with everything right where it belongs,while conveying a very upscale feel.The car should definately be ordered with the optional sport package ($1000), which includes a sport suspension and 17 wheels.This does everything for the appearance and handling.Its very quick and gets 32mpg on all trips taken. The 1.8T is alot more fun to drive than the 3.0.This car is the perfect combination of performance, luxury and economy for under $30k.

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  Upgraded from 01 GTI - 2006 Audi A3
  By utahgti - September 7 - 9:07 am

  Upgrading from the GTI, the Audi feels very familiar. The 6MT is silky smooth, and feels even better than the GTI (awesome feel). I have the lux.pkg., sunroof, coldweather. I am a bit worried about snow and the 17" tires. In researching, I was wanting the 4-door GTI (not avail as of yet) or A3. My 3 main gripes: sunroof in my GTI was superior (1-touch/better sunshade). The basic radio is NOT mp3 compatible and aux input not standard. The climate controls are NOT intuitive (but make sense after studying the manual). Its a great auto, dont get me wrong. The road feel, engine note, steering wheel feel, interior look/design, it just feels right. Oh, my insurance increased only ~$60/year over my GTI.

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  One week into my 3.6 Premium ownership - 2007 Audi Q7
  By Stephen Silva - September 7 - 5:38 am

  Well, so far the Q7 has met my expectations. The handling is smooth, precise and powerful. Found out that my Q7 has no air conditioner for the two seats in the very back when my two nephews sat there last weekend. Bummer. On our trip to Santa Barbara on Saturday the temperature was well over 90 and the sunshade covering the panorama sun roof was doing little to keep the sun and heat out. My head was baking. Why not a solid sun roof cover to keep the sun and heat out? Went to a window tinting place in Van Nuys, CA to have the entire sunroof and the little sun roof at the very back tinted with a new film that has ceramic in it. Cuts the heat but not dark. Seems effective so far.

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  New Audi A3... Loving It! - 2006 Audi A3
  By New Audi Owner - September 6 - 10:25 am

  I dont think Ive ever written a review before, but I had to let you all know I love my new Audi A3. It is so much fun to drive. The gas mileage is what it says on the sticker. It handles beautifully and turns on a dime. It is not for really tall people. My uncle got in front (he is probably 63") and almost had to open the sunroof for extra room. I am 58" and fit very comfortably. I love the bluetooth capability. That is awesome for talking on the phone, especially since mine is a standard. The only improvement... the voice recognition could be improved. Ill say the number and it will repeat it wrong. Sometimes it is better to just dial manually and then talk using the car speaker.

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  MB 550 vs. the Audi A8L 4.2 - 2006 Audi A8
  By Chris - September 5 - 8:12 pm

  I love my A8L the MMI is perfect and easy to use, the Bose stereo is so much better than my MB Harmon Kardon stereo. The 4 wheel drive is nice to make a 4 when you make a u-turn.

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  Got a lemon - 2004 Audi A4
  By Tom - September 5 - 8:08 am

  Since I purchased my convertible in a matter of the first year within 7 months I had the transmission replaced 3 times. Recently the oil pump malfuctioned and the engine blew. 2 days later the radiator hose went. 3 weeks later the engine lost power. This car has been in the shop at least 25-30 times in the past 3 years for various things. I finally hired and attorney and used the lemon law which was successful monetarialy but had to keep the car the rest of the lease which is up in 2 months!!! Thank god!! I love the looks of the car but mine was NOT worth the trouble. I have a convertible and cannot use it most of the time as it is always in the shop. Good LK