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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  Gem of a car - 2003 Audi A6
  By Bill - March 27 - 9:19 pm

  They werent kidding when they said, "We have your car," in the ads. Ive never seen a car that adapted so perfectly to the driver. Almost eerie... it took off like a shot when wanted, handled twisty mountain roads with ease, moved through snowfall when nothing else did.

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  Save your Money! - 2001 Audi A6
  By LH - March 27 - 8:41 pm

  There are many pros behind this car. It has a beautiful interior, it is fun to drive, it handles better than most other cars and has amazing pick up. The cons, however, completely out weigh the pros. This car was purchased certified pre owned with 36K miles. Within the first year, it has broken down(thermostat overheated and coolant tank cracked), and has been taken in 18 times due to various problems (ie- when driving the automatic, it would slip into 2nd gear for no reason), and has most recently required a new transmission. I regret falling for the aestetics and strongly recommend anyone against the Audi. Its not worth the headache.

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  Audi A6 4.2L - 2000 Audi A6
  By PBW - March 27 - 3:39 pm

  Attracted by styling and beautiful interior, and of course, typical German handling qualities. Ride and comfort exceeded expectations. Some quality glitches but nothing major. Still as good as new with 65K.

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  Just awesome - 2003 Audi A4
  By Fun in the sun - March 27 - 10:00 am

  Test drove a Sebring conv the week before I pick this one up and there is no comparison. The Sebring had alot of cowl shake.The A4 conv is just rock solid. A4 is worth the higher price.

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  This car is so well-rounded - 2000 Audi S4
  By Joseph R. - March 26 - 7:55 pm

  Looks, performance, practical body style, reasonable price, and all- weather capability. Reliability of mine has been much better than some of the stories I have heard. Currently 103 kmi on it and the following has happened: water temperature sending unit replaced, three rear wheel bearings replaced (one twice), ABS module rebuilt, three rear Bose speakers replaced (one twice), cruise control needed electrical cleaner, headlight washers were fixed, front brakes replaced twice (normal), timing belt changed, along with all- associated hardware and a failing water pump (normal, but expensive repair), battery replaced (normal) and MAF sensor replaced. Up to 28 mi/gal achieved.

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  A great car, when it works - 1998 Audi A4
  By joeyb - March 26 - 8:31 am

  First of all I would like to say that overall, Ive had pretty good luck with this car considering all of the problems items Ive read about in other reviews. It has great interior and exterior styling, rides nice, and coupled with good tires, the AWD is awesome for the New England winters. But If you are going to purchase an earlier year Audi, 3 conditions must be met. 1- make sure you are under some kind of warranty 2- If not, make sure you are handy with a wrench (many of the problem items can be fixed yourself). 3- if you cant fix it yourself, find a good mechanic as the dealer repair costs are horrible.

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  It was the best of cars..it was the worst of cars - 2003 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By good_apple - March 26 - 7:50 am

  Purchased 2003 Allroad in September 05; parted ways in November 11. I chose the car for practicality and a need to be able to get around in winter..no matter what. It was perfect for that and was super comfortable on long trips. The downside: it went through tires and brakes like crazy. I am embarassed to admit how much I spent in repairs: the front suspension bladers, turbos, heater over and over, etc. Even my mechanic told me I could not afford to keep it. I will miss the winter reliability, but not the drain on my bank account.

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  Great All Year Round! - 2000 Audi TT
  By Chris - March 25 - 5:39 pm

  Ive owned 3 Audis in the past 5 years and the TT is by far the best. Its been practically fault-free. Those who complain about the maintenance should know better when you buy a German car, be prepared to pay a lot when something breaks! This car is more VW than Audi, so parts are somewhat reasonably priced. If not for the size, Id definitely go for another TT!

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  TT Roadster - 2001 Audi TT
  By TT Roadster - March 25 - 10:13 am

  I went from a 1992 BMW 318I convertable to the Audi TT. My wife and I were in the market for a sport convertable and we fell in love with the ride, performance and just plain fun of driving this car. The car has been very reliable and trouble free. I will definitely buy another one when its time to replace this car.

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  My first convertible - 2005 Audi A4
  By Mike - March 25 - 6:06 am

  After deciding to spring for my first convertible it didnt take long to see that Audi had engineered a great package with the A4 Cabriolet. It feels solid on the road. The V-6 has plenty of juice to merge into traffic, and the styling is subtle but elegant. And, you dont see yourself coming and going on the road. Its taken 9 months before I finally passed myself on the interstate. For my 61" linebacker frame, I wasnt sure I could find a convertible I felt comfortable in, but the A4 Cab. has one of the most comfortable and supportive cabins out there if your a big guy like me. The top operation is flawless and road noise is much less than I thought. All in all, a great convertible!