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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  Do not buy an Allroad - 2003 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By awdjunkie - May 20 - 3:44 pm

  These cars are great for a while... like a short while. Like another poster said, each shop visit is going to cost 4 digits and they are going to happen a few times a year... not to mention 800 dollars tires. They are hungry Brake eaters as well... there is another $800 routine maintnance bill. They are money pits, but I did love it when it was behaving.

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  Stylish and peppy car that stands out! - 2006 Audi A3
  By CET - May 20 - 6:29 am

  My requirements for a car are always can I fit my 3 dogs? Is it AWD? Is it comfortable on long trips (I pack about 30,000 miles a year on a car....) Does the sound system actually SOUND GOOD? Finally IS IT FAST AND FUN TO DRIVE... The answer to all these are YES! If you need a car that can haul stuff, is sporty, and quick while safe in snow this baby is it! If you have a heavy foot gas mileage wont be as good as you think but MUCH better than my previous SUV. This car allowed me to be practical yet maintain my need for fun, speed, cool gadgets and nice rims all wrapped up neatly in AWD so I can get around on the back roads of NY in the winter.

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  Real Fun to drive - 2005 Audi A4
  By dbuilder - May 19 - 9:43 am

  Great engine, smooth trans & handle keep me being excited. Too much similarity with new Jetta

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  Best A6 Ever - 2005 Audi A6
  By turbotaupetoad - May 17 - 3:59 pm

  Audi redid the A6 last year and made massive improvements. The A6 I leased in 99 was underpowered and should have been a 3.0 rather than 2.4. Consequently, I switched to a Mercedes E320 4-matic and thought I would never drive another Audi again. However, the E350 that replaced the E320 is just awful, so I tried the redesigned A6 and fell in love all over again. My 2005 Audi A6 3.0 has all the power it needs and is beautifully designed, inside and outside. But most importantly, it handles with the precision and nimbleness I expect from a Quattro, especially in the rain.

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  Top notch German performance car - 2002 Audi A6
  By P Gray - May 16 - 7:52 pm

  I bought this car pre-owned. I have had BMW 5 series before - great cars - but wanted to try AWD. This car has interior room, solid quality build and great performance. 2.7 turbo engine w/ 6 speed and 40 to 120 mph doesnt get any better. Superior handling but occasionally the sport suspension is harsh if you spend time on city streets. In winter, mount 4 snows, turn off the ESP and you will put every car, truck or SUV to shame on snowy roads. Remember to change the timing belt before 100k miles!

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  A fun car in all respects - 2005 Audi A4
  By AudiLover - May 16 - 11:22 am

  I parted with a 93 Toyota Supra for my Audi 3.0 Quattro convertible. It has it all---style, performance, luxury, all wheel drive, comfort---the whole package. Ive been nothing but pleased with the car. For style + safety, this is the car for you.

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  Nice car - 2017 Audi Q3
  By jeff curtis - May 16 - 3:43 am

  Does not have a touch screen!

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  Im not sorry I bought it, but.... - 2005 Audi A6
  By B Haskell - May 14 - 10:05 pm

  I like the performance and reliability of this car. Handling and responsiveness is excellent. The outside styling is fair, and believe it contributes to a reduced visibility/window view through the windshield, as it is now canted at a very aerodynamic/rakish angle. I would have preferred more glass at a more upright angle. The trunk is adequate but deep and overly narrow when comparing it to the BMW 500 series. The ride on the mandatory 17" wheels (4.2 engine) is a bit too stiff for my taste. I would have preferred regular 16" higher profile tires.

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  Q7 test drive - 2017 Audi Q7
  By Mark McCormack - May 13 - 6:36 pm

  Nice car. Being in texas, I didnt like the perforated sun roof cover

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  Looks like a Wagon, but.... - 2006 Audi A3
  By Vicki - May 10 - 3:14 pm

  I wasnt so sure about this car, but my fiance insisted that it is/was the best value on the road. We test drove it in Washington DC and bought it in Honolulu, HI. This car is incredible. Its fun to drive, has a definite wow factor, roomy, etc. We havent had anything go wrong, but I have been tough on the wheels! I take corners fast and I love the feel of the car as it pulls through every turn. I have surprised numerous drivers on the road since many assume this car is just a wagon, but once I hit the gas petal, the A3 accelerates past pretty much anything out there.