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:

• 

  Better than BMW - 2002 Audi A6
  By Kendall - August 25 - 3:27 am

  A great German luxury car for those with the urge to be different. I am guilty of owning boring BMWs for much of my driving life but have found more style and comfort with Audi. These 3 years have produced far more driving pleasure with routine maintenance absolutely no repair bills. This car has truly unique styling that is not boring and conformist (or just plain ugly) like many BMW and Mercedes models. We get lots of compliments on this car whether people are riding in it or just looking at it.

• 

  Hidden Treasure - 2005 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By bpacelli - August 24 - 6:46 pm

  Our Audi Allroad is at home in any situation. The perfect commercial (hint Audi) would show this car on a race track, a snow covered highway and off road in the mud - It has done it all and always delivered! On dry pavement the ride is compliant, and handling around town or at 80 mph is impressive. Rain - see drive pavement, no difference. Snow/mud - this car is sensational. The adjustable suspension and all wheel drive give me comfort knowing my wife and two children are safe if caught in such a situation. I have had many cars, but this is the first that I bought with practical family needs in mind. Safety is the most important thing to me and this car does not disappoint. It is practical, safe, and a blast to drive!

• 

  Great Car - 2005 Audi A4
  By Robert - August 23 - 9:58 pm

  This car has given me no trouble and it is a piece of jewelry to look at. I love the way it sounds and it handles great. The only downside to this car is that too many people notice me which isnt a downside at all. Now as far as power, Audi really did not give enough oomph for a V6 and I am disappointed. However I do love the car despite its slow tendencies.

• 

  Surpassed Expectation - 2003 Audi A4
  By WDS - August 22 - 5:08 pm

  Looking to move into a lightly used German sports sedan, one drive and the decision was over. Much tighter steering and responsiveness than the others I looked at. Even though it only has a 4 cyl, the turbo more than makes up the difference, but no nagging lag problems. Build quality was unreal and the car is easy to add-on aftermarket engine and body mods. Im sold and this wont be my last Audi.

• 

  Audi leads the way - 2018 Audi A4
  By J. Vandercrake - August 21 - 5:15 pm

  2018 improvements make the purchase of the new A4 a solid investment that will provide enjoyment and a sense of pride for years to come. We recently replaced our 2009 A4 with 121,000 trouble free miles with a new 2018 A4 Premium Plus Quattro. Both cars are from AudiTampa purchased and serviced there.

• 

  Would buy again - 2006 Audi A6
  By Colleen - August 20 - 6:21 pm

  I wish a little bit more on the take-off, other than that I love this car its a lot of fun to drive. I also like being able to switch between auto and manual shifting.

• 

  the key to Audi - 2005 Audi A4
  By paul - August 18 - 5:11 pm

  Lovely car, excellent to drive good to own and the residuals are great. its my third new one in three years, but they have got to sort out the key fobs. they keep on failing and are driving me batty. Paul

• 

  Great car except... - 2006 Audi A6
  By MikeP - August 18 - 4:53 pm

  I test drove everything in the A6s class. The Audi is heads and shoulders above the competition. The interior feels like someone actually thought about it, the suspension is comfortable at any speed yet can still be tossed around without any complaint. The quattro still amazes me everyday. My only complaint is with all the warning noises this car has, in particular the seatbelt ding and the low fuel warning. I know we should all wear our seatbelts, but come on, I dont need the car to constantly tell me. The low fuel warning scares the bejesus out of me everytime, I think just a light would be sufficient.

• 

  Outstanding - 2005 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By arich - August 18 - 12:16 am

  Have had my 2005 Audi allroad for over a year and have driven 75% of the miles on snowy mountain roads. The performance has been outstanding. While the car drives on the heavy side, its performance in the mountains and on snow slick roads has been simply amazing. Tiptronic shifting on downhill grades is also an excellent feature. Overall the car is very comfortable to drive and ride. The only downside is that you have to use premium fuel and it gets poor mileage. My overall fuel usage since purchase has been in 16 mpg range. One needs to remember that this is a 4.2 litre V-8 engine which clearly adds to mountain and high altitude (6,500 feet or higher)performance. I traded in a BMW X5 4.0 and find the Audi to be a superior value & higher performance vehicle.

• 

  overall excellence - 2006 Audi A6
  By Renrut - August 17 - 1:15 am

  This is second Audi. First was 10 years ago. That car felt like it was trying to be "American". The new A6 is German in all of its details. Steering is quick, cornering is flat, braking is straight and sure, ride is firm and engine response is strong and quiet. The A6 does everything it should do with a high level of confidence and satisfaction. Overall, a very satisfactory solid hunk of automobile.