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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  Fun To Drive - 2006 Audi A4
  By Jeremy - August 18 - 12:55 am

  I have owned this car for 4 weeks, and put over 2000 miles on it. 1600 of those on a road trip up the California coast. We had a blast driving this car, and got lots of comments and looks from admirers. Its a sport car, handles very well, and is very fast. The steering is unbelievable. You can make a u turn almost anywhere. Another neat thing about Audi is you can modify your car as much as you want. There are many companies that specialize in custom upgrades. You at least need to test drive this car if you are considering it. Its a great car.

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  Audi 3.2 Quattro well designed - 2006 Audi A6
  By Arch57 - August 17 - 10:15 am

  This car was a replacement for my wifes 97 BMW 528i. This car is surprisingly quick and the transmission is the best "auto" I have ever had. The difference from her 4-speed BMW auto is amazing. This system always seems to know the right gear, downshifting as you brake so when you step on it you are in the correct gear. Handling is not on par with BMW. We could have opted for Sport suspension to fix that but got a great deal on a 2006 on the lot.

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  Best sedan yet - 2005 Audi A8
  By The2thmover - August 16 - 12:23 pm

  After 2 Mercedes, and 1 BMW I can easily say this is my favorite sedan I have owned. After one year of ownership I can say that reliability has easily exceeded that of Mercedes with no issues to report. It plays up to the "drivers car" side of me without being as unforgiving as the BMW. Fit, finish, and quality of interior matierials are remarkable. Every car has quirks, but the quirks with this one are either petty or livable. An outstanding automotive value.

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  Couldnt ask for anything more - 2006 Audi A3
  By Michael - August 15 - 6:56 pm

  Being that my father used to work at the Audi plant in Stuttgart many, many years ago, I know of the German reputation for building quality cars. I have not been disappointed. The single most thing that stands out for me is the performance. I have been thrown back into my seat on several occassions when stepping on the gas. The interior is impeccable along with the skyroof and especially the onboard computer. I no longer have to use a calculator to figure out my gas mileage. The comfort and functionality of the seats are first rate. My last four cars were all Ford models. This is my first Audi. If the A3 is any indication, this definitely wont be the last

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  Not worth the electrical problems - 2003 Audi A4
  By Ken Kasten - August 15 - 4:53 pm

  My first Avant overheated 3 times in the first two weeks due to a fan control module issue. After 2 1/2 months in repair the computer module was replaced and the heat only worked at 100 plus degrees. At my request, Audi replaced the car and charged me $4,000 for a newer car with less equipment. The first day of the 2nd Avant had the sunroof opening by itself (new switch) and the headlights turning themselves off 3 times over the next 24 months. The computer calls this a "dipped headlight" but it translates to no headlights and another service appointment. After 1 visit to the dealer each month for 3 years, I went out and bought a Volvo V50.

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  Fun drive - 2006 Audi A3
  By Rick - August 13 - 3:39 am

  Car is fun to drive. The turbo engine needs a slight more power, nothing a chip upgrade wont fix. Front wheels due seem to spin a bit, but after some driving time you learn how to minimize the spin.

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  An excellent car, with some drawbacks - 2003 Audi A4
  By 2002A4Quattro1.8T - August 13 - 2:00 am

  Audi has crafted a truly fine automobile here. The interior is better executed than almost ANY other, regardless of price, anf the understated elegance of the exterior is sure to look good for many years to come. With 13K miles so far, and driving in all conditions, Id say this car is a 9.5 out of 10. The quattro and ESP together make it unflappable in inclement weather.

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  Excellent car with minor negatives - 2009 Audi A4
  By Mobilehavoc - August 12 - 6:36 am

  Ive had the car for 3 weeks and 600 miles of driving so far. I got the Premium Plus trim with Navigation and Im really loving the car. It has the exterior looks, interior styling/finish and performance that make it the true triple-threat. For a V4 turbo, it delivers a consistent torque through the RPM range making it a pure joy to drive coupled with the excellent all- time quattro AWD. The interior is Audi at its best with an excellent MMI system - for all intents and purposes is the same interior of the more expensive A6/Q7 models. Everything is designed to make the drivers job as effortless and enjoyable as possible and I have no regrets whatsoever in purchasing this car. Recommended

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  Great car - 2005 Audi A4
  By michelle - August 11 - 4:08 pm

  This car is really great and I would recommend it to anyone. It has great acceleration. I love merging onto the highway beacuse I can always get in. Its really fun to drive and gets pretty decent gas mileage.

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  Very very pleased - 2006 Audi A6
  By Jim Hughes - August 11 - 9:39 am

  Bought the 2006 A6 to replace a 1997 A6. A quantum leap in technical sophistication, comfort and fit. Seating very comfortable. Highway noise almost non-existent. Great acceleration and manuverability. Only two minor manufacturing flaws, neither performance related. The MMI is easy enough to use, but it is distracting. I live with a lot of wide open spaces, but with hundreds of satellite radio stations to choose from, you get distracted. The on- wheel controls do not remedy this because of a lag in activating the tuning dial - the lag means you have to look away from the road to see where you are. The doors are very heavy, which I equate with safe. I would happily buy this car again.