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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  love and mostly hate - 2007 Audi A4
  By Bob - February 1 - 5:40 pm

  I have been leasing Audi A4s for 13 year. This car is a major problem. I only have 25,000 miles on the car in less than 3 years. So far the master switch for the windows and the cruise control needed replacement. It burns oil. The reminder light came on 10 months after an oil change. Now it comes on after 5 months. I was thinking about buying the car after lease. No Way Now. The warranty is limited. When it runs out Ill be stuck with all the big maintenance bills. I am going to put this car back on Audi and find a good used BMW 3 series.

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  Great Car, but ... - 2009 Audi A4
  By Jack K. - January 30 - 6:27 am

  This is the perfect car for my needs. Its "fun enough" to drive, looks good, and gets great fuel economy considering its size and performance. Ive been a long-time VW and Audi owner and I really do think they offer a great trade-off between value and fun. However, this 09 A4 is similar to my past VWs and Audis as it still has a number of small (typical Audi) quality issues. This 09 A4 has suffered from an ignition switch failure, reverse backing light bulb installation issue, broken rear seat cup holder, and came with a defective exterior trim piece. None of these issues have been major but give me my usual uneasy feeling about owning this car for the long-term.

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  Love my Audi 2.7T - 2002 Audi A6
  By dave - January 30 - 1:58 am

  I have replaced CV boot, tie rod, brake pads and rotors, and expect to keep spending money on it. my friend is a good mechanic so he helps me out i just have to pay for parts. but if youre looking for an economy car, get a Honda/Nissan. If youre looking for something between Luxury and Sportscar, get an Audi. its too heavy to be sporty but that makes it perfect for cruising and a little smoother ride. its not as big as the A8...but is roomy enough to be considered a luxury car. I would recommend this car ...to someone who thinks they might like Audis ...or who like VW. Just do ur research and make sure you dont find something thats been ragged on or wrecked. :)

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  So Long, Audi - 2002 Audi A4
  By Im Gonna Miss Her.. - January 29 - 3:20 pm

  Bought this car almost two years ago from an Audi dealership. Sadly, the engine has failed due to the infamous oil sludge build-up issue in the 1.8T engine. Car was always maintained at Audi dealer. The car is beautiful...but it will be moving on to greener pastures with someone who would like to put a new engine in it. Timing belt also had to be replaced, ignition coils, etc. Too many recalls for "Truth in Engineering", Audi.

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  Plagued with problems - 2008 Audi A6
  By RNayar - January 26 - 12:03 am

  My A6 continues to be plagued with problems. Spent 10 days in the shop over thanksgiving. Oil seals on all 6 cylinders had to be replaced. A major job on a car with only 12k miles. The carbon buildup issue which was initially attributed to a computer reprogram turned out to be failing seals. I also mentioned a rattle/squeak from the front left suspension dealer greased the suspension per Audi directives but to no avail. Car was in the shop for 1 week. Now it turns out that it may be a bushing problem (a known issue amongst Audis) and I am being asked to take the car back again. BTW - JDPower only gives the A6 a 6 rating which is on the cusp of below average.

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  Changing continents - 2010 Audi A4
  By barryxe - January 23 - 10:40 pm

  Previously owned 2 Lexus GS models-the first was a rocketship, and the second a more desirable sedate sporting sedan. The Audi is a lesser car but a more fun and responsive car to drive and the 4 cylinder turbo is comparable to the 1st big engined Lexus I had-- much more road responsive. I have the MMI-Navigation package and it is so-so. Too many buttons, too many steps to do the basics. Favorite stations--push radio, push presets, turn the MMI dial to your stations-- what ever happened to the push button. Navigation--difficult, the Germans should look at touch screen. Two cup holders, but one is too small to fit anything. Seats need a lot of tweaking to get the right fit.

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  Keeping my A4 Cab! - 2004 Audi A4
  By Rich - January 16 - 9:44 am

  Ive now had Audis (3 of them) for 14 years. Historically problems, but this gorgeous green A4 3.0L 2004 cab has been great! Oh yeah, a minor electrical things telling me my satellite radio isnt working (although it does just fine!), but thats nothing. The car is so great to drive. Lacking a little on comfort for long trips, but thats no surprise. I have only 67K miles (about 5 years) and have no thoughts of looking for anything else. Cant come up with anything Id enjoy driving more than this. And the wind screen is great, allowing me to put top down (windows and heater up) when sunny and 45 when dressed appropriately. I love this car!!!

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  Wont be buying another one. - 2001 Audi S4
  By Scott - January 15 - 1:07 pm

  I bought this car used in 2004 for an independent dealer. This car is a lot of fun to drive and handles great. Gas mileage sucks, but its a twin tubo V6 with AWD so what do you expect. Past the fun to drive part I am really disappointed with the car. After 100K miles it has completely fallen apart. If Audi wants to claim to be a great reliable car they need to go back to the drawing board. Since October 09 to January 10 I have put over 3,500 in to the car. Now the O2 sensors (at least two of the four) have gone bad and that will cost me over $400 to get fixed. Its for sale and I will not be buying another one! Friends of mine are about to sell there A4 for the same reasons.

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  Audi TDI - 2010 Audi A3
  By kmke - January 10 - 3:08 pm

  Bought our car Dec 23rd - drove 500 miles home - we are averaging 35 mpg in the break in period. Enjoying the comfort and fun of driving but find the navigation system very deficient compared to our Lexis RX400h system. Wish AUDI offered homelink in this car - the convenience group would be even more convenient with the ability to open at least a garage and neighborhood gate. Irritating rattles in the sunroof are waiting adjustment. Wish AUDI included at least one quart of oil for the break in period. Overall very pleased with this car - would highly recommend.

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  Love Hate - 2007 Audi A4
  By Audi Conv. - January 2 - 9:01 am

  I have a love hate relationship with this car. It looks great, fun to drive, however it has been in the shop more than I care for a car of this caliber. Like many other comments, this car burns the oil.