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:

• 

  Worlds Most Intelligently Designed Car - 2006 Audi A8
  By Jordan - November 20 - 11:33 pm

  The A8L is Audis finest... and the classs finest. The car is immaculate, with alcantara inserts in all the right places, more than enough grunt, gorgeous, muscular, understated style, and nimble handling. There is not one problem with the saloon. I looked at the 750li also, but found it in one place to be too cold and business-like, where the A8L pampers you most: the interior. Both cars have powerful V8s, with the BMW being more powerful, but in a luxury sedan you must have a gorgeous interior.

• 

  Most awesome car I have ever owned - 2017 Audi A6
  By carol miller - November 20 - 9:59 am

  This car is the best car I have ever owned. Great everything. One tiny tiny irksome feature - the stop-start feature is enabled when you start the car and you have to turn it off every time. I do not care for it because sometimes it is a hard stop/stop jerk.

• 

  This is German engineering???? - 1997 Audi A4
  By Bob - November 19 - 3:12 pm

  Fun to drive. Not fun to service. Belt tensioner went south at 60K, ($700 repair) ECM at 70K ($600 repair) plus electrical and AC problems. Recommended service always on time at a independent Audi shop. Parts should not be failing at this rate. Audi service manager said that these vehicles exhibit problems, and listed about 10. Suggested I buy a 2005 A4. My company cars (Ford, Chevys) are more reliable though not as fun to drive. OK, were selling this A4 and buying a new 06 Civic. Fun to drive, tight body, go kart handling etc. Not worth the $$$ to replace poorly designed components. You can get the same performance looks etc., in other cars.

• 

  My A8 - 2006 Audi A8
  By andre - November 18 - 6:22 pm

  My previous Audi was a 2000 A6 4.2L. So this year, I decided to take a look at the A8L. I am thoroughly impressed would be an sad understatement!! By far, this is the most impressive luxury sedan available. Its roomy enough for 4 linebackers with more room to spare. The interior is impeccable, and the driving experience is more enjoyable every time I step into it. Happy driving.

• 

  Longing for reliability - 2001 Audi A6
  By Jackson - November 18 - 5:11 pm

  By far the most unreliable car Ive had. Bought the car use as "Certified Pre-Owned" with 32000 miles on it. The car was wonderful the first 3 months, the the problems started. In the next 6 months, it spent more time at the dealership than in my garage. Most problems were of electrical nature. Bottom line ..... save yourself a lot of trouble by avoiding this car and this manufacturer all together.

• 

  A8 Grade A+ - 2016 Audi A8
  By Michael Osborn - November 18 - 3:00 am

• 

  Never Again! - 2000 Audi S4
  By goingbacktojapan - November 17 - 10:26 pm

  In the 18 months Ive owned this vehicle I put in over $3000 in repairs & maintenance. Something is continually going wrong with this car: Fuel gauge unit, throttle body, fuel line, ABS control unit, CV boot, turn signal. These were not minor repairs as the parts and labor were very expensive. I hope to sell this care very soon. I will never own another Audi.

• 

  Lemon - 2003 Audi A4
  By Lemon - November 17 - 2:16 am

  This was my 1st (and last) Audi after many VWs. Ive had nothing but troubles. Numerous electrical problems (too many to list) the dealership either cant or wont fix. Interior is cramped. Im 6 tall and 200lbs and have to wedge myself in and out of the car. Drivers side leg room is very bad. Center console digs into my right knee. Cup holder and glove box are totally useless. Interior knobs and parts have broken, melted, and fallen off. Exterior parts fall off. Tires wear unevenly and one is bald after only 30k mi. The dealership laughs at all the problems I report every time I bring the car in for service. Luckily its a lease and I will be happy to pay the aquisition fee to give it back.

• 

  Turbo - 2001 Audi A6
  By Steve J - November 14 - 11:12 pm

  This car is awesome! You cant compare the features and technology Audi incorporates into its car to BMW for the price. The Turbo rips once you get going above 30 and its the safest car Ive ever driven. The power assist steering is a joy around town and at high speeds the car really locks down. Heated back seats are a crowd pleaser and if you ski its has a split seat and ski pass through. Put a good pair or tires on it and youll love this car.

• 

  Great Car! - 1998 Audi A4
  By John S. - November 14 - 2:25 pm

  When I bought this car, I lived in the Minneapolis area and had the strong need for All Wheel drive without the need for a pick-up truck, AWD van or SUV. The A4 has been fun and basically reliable. I had one front headlight lamp and both front upper control arms replaced under warranty. Out of warranty Ive had to have the ambient temperature and coolant sensors and brake master cylinder replaced.