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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  Cant go wrong with an audi - 2002 Audi A4
  By Mike Dejohn - July 17 - 8:43 pm

  This vehicle is the perfect car to drive. I havent had any real problems with this car. I dont think Im gonna have any either. This is my second audi and the first one gave me about 140,000 miles and was willing to give me more but I decided that I wanted newer. The 3.0 liter engine is fast and strong. The style of the car inside and out are great and the quattro system is always a great add on. Nothing I can say bad about this car.

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  A new Audi fan! - 2005 Audi A6
  By NewAudiFan - July 17 - 12:25 am

  I was in the market for a new mid-size luxury car: as others who have posted, I had my mind set on a BMW 5 series. I had a friend recommend I take a look at the A6 before purchasing my BMW and Im glad I did. From its supple luxurious interior to the many gadgets (advanced key, MMI and Bluetooth capability), this car has truly been everything I’ve ever wanted in a car (and more). After performing extensive research, I found that the A6 was definitely the best car for the money, particularly when a comparably equipped BMW 5 series and Mercedes Benz E-class could easily cost you an extra $7 - $10k.

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  Warranty Work - 2003 Audi A4
  By pgb - July 16 - 12:54 am

  My A4 has been a wonderful car, but the Audi dealerships I have contacted in my area will not do warranty or regular maintenance work on my car unless I sign an agreement to binding arbitration. I refused to sign away my right, and I was refused service. Customer Relations at Audi of America said they couldnt do anything about it. The consumer is not made aware of this "condition" until after they bought their car. Also- The only place a person can buy windshield wipers is at the Audi dealership for 50 dollars a pair. Ask before you buy!

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  I love this car - 2001 Audi A4
  By C.Smith - July 14 - 8:26 pm

  I absolutely love my A4. It had two recalls but after that its been my cruise machine. My only gripe is that it uses Premium gas and that is getting expensive since I have a leadfoot. I love being able to acelerate and drive in the mountains with all wheel drive and a tiptronic system. THIS car is zoom zoom.

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  More Cruiserweight than Comfort Cruiser - 2003 Audi A4
  By SeanCostello - July 14 - 10:00 am

  We chose the A4 Avant because we needed more space than a compact sports sedan, but didnt want to drive a brick-like SUV. Boy has the Audi delivered. It is a joy to drive, with smooth accelration and endless road-holding. In addition to holding the asphalt, the car holds more cargo in the boot than you could ever imagine for a car of its size. The interior is quiet, and every control is easy to use and within a fingers reach. Everything about the car feels rock solid. Audi engineers have thought of everything, the result is the car contnues to reward hard driving and daily commuting.

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  2004 Audi Allroad 4.2L - 2004 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By Steve - July 14 - 7:13 am

  Bought this car after selling 2001 Allroad 2.7T; liked everything but turbo lag. Love versatility of Allroad; deceptively large cargo area, ski bag great - holds 3-4 skis, so ski rack not needed. V-8 very responsive, great handling for an SUV-type vehicle, terrific exhaust note. Fit and finish of both exterior and interior excellent. Overall, does almost everything I want. Only wish Audi continued to import Allroad to US. Plan to hold on to this one for a long time.

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  Auf Wiedersehen Boxster -Guten Tag A3 - 2006 Audi A3
  By RT in the Big D - July 13 - 7:06 am

  I am a Porsche guy...I have owned them since college and I love driving and caring for them. I love the style, handling and especially the performance. Recently I had three in my garage, but the times...they are a changing and I need to simplify my life, so something had to give. I bid farewell to my 944T and now to the Boxster. I went looking for a car that is FUN, FAST, practical, FAST, handles great.. looks good.. and did I mention FUN and FAST? My search lead me to the A3 and it was as if Audi designed this car just for me. Incredible good looks, great powertrain and that DSG... how sweet. Audi continues to build cars that are targeted to the enthusiast driver, buy this car, youll love it!

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  New Used Quattro - 2005 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By mercedes01 - July 12 - 5:44 pm

  Well designed auto. Very comfortable. We enjoy driving. Some difficulty steering, I assume because of the all wheel drive. My wife loves it. Plenty of room compared to other vechicles in it category. Id recommend at least a look.

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  A6 S-type...Hot - 2004 Audi A6
  By Rob Rockwell - July 12 - 1:28 pm

  Extra horsepower is noticable. Rides on rails. Excellent in all road conditions. One of the best temp control systems in the automotive world. Hot/cold very quickly. Makes you grin when you push it.

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  Classy Fun - 2006 Audi A4
  By SoCal1 - July 12 - 5:40 am

  A precise machine. Perfectly balanced 6-speeed. Zero turbo lag thanks to the direct injection. Very comfortable seats, even if over 6 feet. Great stereo. Standard suspenion handles great, absorbs bumps. Easy to use navigation.