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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  You wont be dissappointed, maybe! - 1999 Audi A6
  By Ole Car Dog - September 7 - 3:36 pm

  I sold cars for many years and owned lots of vehicles. I decided that I wanted an Audi cause of the space, smooth ride and AWD. The Audi REALLY DELIVERED!! I bought used cause I couldnt afford new but I expected problems... but there werent many. The headlight washer didnt work, a few turn signals freaked out and the power lumbar doesnt work either but the car runs great. I fixed a few things myself (no need to see a mechanic). The power is average but there are accessory parts to increase power. This vehicle is fun in the sun and great, reliable in the snow! I plan on owning it for many years to come!!

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  Audi A8 - 2001 Audi A8
  By Lyle - September 7 - 4:44 am

  Its very fun to drive, turns heads, and likely to be in the shop getting expensive repairs. This car, and Audis in general, are notorious for developing lots of little oil leaks. For some reason, the oil seals and gaskets only last about three or four years. The parts are not expensive, but the labor is. So they drop in price very quickly once the warranty expires. This can be a great bargain if you are moderately skilled at doing your own repairs, or a great expense if you pay dealership labor rates.

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  I LOVE MY A4 - 1998 Audi A4
  By Rachel - September 6 - 2:00 am

  I would have to say that these A4s have a lot of power. Mine is very quick and compfortable.The tiptronic is very fun. The brakes arent quite as good as BMW but they are alright. OVERALL i would give my A4 a rating of 9. I will keep this car for many wounderful years.

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  Neat Machine - 2003 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By tiekenr - September 6 - 2:00 am

  Fantastic substitute for an SUV! I upgraded from a VW Passat 4Motion and am still impressed by the craftsmanship of this car (and the VW was pretty impresssive in its own right). So many great features, but inexplicably, no GPS moving map (in the US, the European models do have it). Everyone else has cashed in on this feature, why not Audi?

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  Great car overall - 1997 Audi A4
  By Audi lover - September 6 - 1:59 am

  This is my 1st Audi and definately not the last. Its awesome on the interstate as well as on short in-town trips. In the snow, I think it handles better than the AMTRAK. Seriously, on snow/ice/wet pavement, the car grips like nothing else, even on regular summer tires. Kind of costly when repairs are needed but its expected on all higher end brands, MB is not cheaper. Just remember this is not a Pontiac or Ford where anyone can work on it. V6 engine could use a little more horses but its just enough and very quiet. I travel a lot and I am always on a rental car. I cannot wait til I get back to my Audi, everytime. It never fails.

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  Problematic - 2001 Audi A6
  By Kathy - September 6 - 12:22 am

  My Audi A6 looks beautiful, but this is probably the worst car I have ever had and this includes a used 1973 chevy monte carlo I bought for $250 when a freshman in college. If you buy this car, be prepared to spend a lot of money for part replacements and repairs. Just when you think youve seen everything, this car surprises you with an unthinkable issue. My advise .... buy something else....

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  Dump this car before warranty ends - 1999 Audi A4
  By RL - September 1 - 6:17 pm

  Good car for highway driving, way too slow off the line for a drivers car, lots of engine leaks and burned out headlights, poor tires for winter driving as they were incompatible with ABS. Ran ok for about 65,000 miles except for power and gas consumption issues. I thought I could keep it maintained and have a good car but repairs were averaging $600/month for last 10 months. Mainly electronics problems - Dealer did poor job of diagnosing problems - his solution was to keep adding new parts until warning lights went out. Dealer told me that I would soon need new boots for steering and transmission components and new brakes. - Ouch!! Car is sold!! No more Audis ever.

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  Excellent Value - 2006 Audi A6
  By Mark N - September 1 - 1:58 pm

  Excellent value for the amount of car you get. Very sleek elegant styling compared to the boxy looks of the Mercedes Benz and BMW equivalents. Interior is roomy and comfortable especially for those that are taller than average. First time I had a car where I do not have to push the seat all the back for leg comfort. Get the Sport Package as the car performs and responds much better with it and is more than reasonably priced for what you get in return.

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  What an amazing car - 2006 Audi A8
  By Sarah - August 31 - 11:23 am

  I just took delivery of a 2006 Audi A8 in quartz grey with a black interior with the standard wheel base. The car is amazing and I drove the length of Vermont yesterday. It performed beautifully on the highways and back roads and I am so glad that I chose this car.

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  Needs Work - 2003 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By angelo - August 31 - 2:00 am

  My Allroad has been in the shop more times than Ive driven it. From out of round tires, 4 sets of rotors replaced, squeeking seats, to an engine that needs to have its heads replaced. I love th elook and comfort but I cant justify paying $45000 just for that. Although this car is crud, the Audi service center and customer service has been outstanding.