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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  No Regrets - 2006 Audi A3
  By Raymond - April 10 - 8:58 am

  Pros: Excellent entry level luxury car. Lots of options available. The build quality is excellent inside and out (except for the sunshade - see below) and the car feels very solid and stable on the road. Plenty of power in the 2.0T model. Cons: Power driver seat only available on cars with Premium package (most dealerships carry the Sport package). No power passenger seat available. The latch on the sunshade for the Open Sky system broke within a week (Audi is supposedly releasing a kit to their service centers to fix this flimsy part).

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  Under rated at "best in class" - 2001 Audi A6
  By R - April 9 - 7:19 pm

  From the solid feel of the door handle to the unreal hold on snowy winding Connecticut roads, this is the all-around benchmark for mid-luxury. Before falling for the A6 4.2, I drove (among others) the 540, G35 and both Lexuses. Each excel in one area, but not one adds it all in one package like the Audi. And at a better price. The only thing missing for me is that its not an RS6. But that additional money is tied up in my weekend convertable.

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  Shocking good - 1999 Audi A6
  By geo - April 9 - 7:19 pm

  Bought this 7 year old car on ebay 3 weeks ago. I did a lot of research including reading many of the reviews right here and I can tell you that so far, after just 3 weeks and just a completed 2000 mile trip, I am thrilled with this car. Bought in Philly and immediately drove up to mid coast Maine, almost 500 miles, this car drove effortlessly and was tight. The car had 106,000K on it and now has over 108 in just 3 weeks. The car was a one-owner and serviced at audi regularly, I checked, including the timing belt/water pump change ($1800 approx) at 95K. I was hoping that service had been performed but did not find out until after i purchased the car. So far so good, I am very happpy

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  Purchased NEW 2005 A6 - January 2006 - 2005 Audi A6
  By SPM - April 8 - 11:58 am

  Formerly owned a 2001 A6, and after buying a 2005.5 A4 for my wife, I spent hundreds of hours researching/driving. After driving every car I knew, I wanted the new A6. The A6 was the finest interior/exterior/engine combo I had ever driven, I purchased a 2005 A6 3.2 AWD with Bose, Sunshades, Tan leather, 17" custom wheels, Premium Pkg., Tech. Pkg without Nav. Adding Nav for $1400 next week. What a car. For me it is PERFECT!

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  This car is outstanding - 2007 Audi A4
  By Brian - April 8 - 3:30 am

  I love driving this car. It has a great feel and handles very well on back country roads.

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  Bye Bye BMW - 2003 Audi A4
  By TLM - April 7 - 2:00 am

  Expired lease on BMW X5 4.4 had me longing for a small sports car with better (although not great) mileage. Since I dont often carry passengers the A4 seemed perfect. I am in love already after 1 week. 6 speed manual, great on curves, and easy on the eyes. Everything just right, and the dealer and salesman were just about the best Ive ever deal with. Quoted their costs (correctly) and honored web prices.

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  Sublime ride and handling quality - 2003 Audi A4
  By Darko Brozovic - April 7 - 2:00 am

  Successfull marriage of good sport and luxury sedan. Suprisingly responsive 6V engine with adrenalin pumping sound and sublime handling and ride quality. Very comfortable and ergonomic all four seats, superior suspension system. Ride on snow or slippery road easy due to Quattro. Have never seen better interior detail quality. Exterior and interior design fully gimmickry free, feature-function oriented, typical Audi evergreen rounded surfaces with proper modern touch. Fan to drive, 100% problem free for three months. Escellent Bose sound system.

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  Exceeds my expectations ! - 2003 Audi A4
  By mcpoz - April 7 - 2:00 am

  I have found few negatives in the 1.8T Avant. It has great room, yet it is amazing for traction and handling. Mileage has also exceeded the stated EPA numbers. There are no quality or workmanship concerns. Its leather interior is first class and so far it is without rattles or squeaks. The 1.8T engine is surprisingly smooth and quick. It has a distinct engine/exhaust noise that enhances its "sports sedan" classification.

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  One Great Car!! - 2003 Audi A4
  By Shay - April 5 - 4:20 pm

  I love to drive this vehicle. It is my first convertible. No Hassles, just push a button to open and close top.

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  Heaven on Wheels - 2016 Audi A6
  By JMF - April 5 - 5:02 am

  About 6 months ago I found myself in a very interesting situation: see, I was a BMW enthusiast. I had owned two 3series and one 5. After only three years of 5series ownership I had experienced a myriad of issues beginning with chronically underinflated tires culminating in transmission alerts and white smoke exuding from the exhaust. Strictly out of curiosity I looked into Audi, and even more serendipitous, the 2016 A6 Prestige quattro. I fell in love with the aesthetics, but the performance and well-appointed interior sold me. It was definitely a superior vehicle hands down, albeit pricier, worth every penny. One single criticism: interior plastic components are relatively delicate therefore I wouldnt recommend it for families with young childrens wandering hands.