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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  no more audis for me! - 2000 Audi A6
  By unhappyA6 - July 5 - 4:24 pm

  Engine light on/off when wind blows. LCD display fades to back.Changed tire arms twice. Leaks oil. Bottoms out over parking stops/entrance ramps. Im going back to Acura!

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  Audi A6, Awesome Car - 2005 Audi A6
  By jerri - July 4 - 8:28 am

  Ive owned my car 3 mos and Ive never been more pleased with any car before. Lots of power, sure-footed as a cat, sexy lines, smooth as silk, fabulously rich interior, and a head turner. What more can I say I havent gotten this much car attention since my Plymouth Prowler. And Ive had 2 M/Bnzs, a Jag, a Lexus, 2 BMWs, a Vette, a Miata and a few pick-ups & SUVs. I sorta wish Id gotten the 4.2 V8, but decided the 3.2 V6 was powerful enough. Besides, I could spend the extra $9k on a cruise and some clothes. My car is one major conversation piece. If you really check it out, you to will love it and become an AUDIPHILE.

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  Not the German quality I was sold - 1999 Audi A6
  By WW Jr - July 3 - 7:16 pm

  Big bucks lemon! Good ride and comfort, but has the same quality as my 1982 Pontiac 6000 . Back then even GM treated me better with problems then my dealer or contacting Audi direct. Dozens of small items broke, from washer covers, window switches (3xs times), front bumper cover, digital dashboard, front axel, tranny leaks, engine leaks (which they wouldnt acknowledge until the warranty was over) to final disgrace when the air bags failed to work when I totaled it. 4 days before I was to trade this nightmare in at a LOST - as the resale value also is horrible! Dont believe the German quality myth.

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  lemon law lawsuit - 2003 Audi A6
  By yahoo1978 - July 1 - 11:06 pm

  My reliability experience with this car was terrible. Nearly 40 days in the shop in the first 12 months I owned it, and practically every problem was related to electrical issues. Audis willingness to resolve the problem was terrible, and the dealer was of no help. I ultimately was forced to file suit under our state lemon laws. After 9 months of legal process, I prevailed under the state law and was reimbursed accordingly. My new Mercedes 4matic is far more comfortable and more reliable. It drives just as sporty, if not better, and turns heads too.

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  This car rocks - 2005 Audi A6
  By KevinGary - June 30 - 11:22 pm

  My 05 4.2 is a great car. It accelerates and handles extremely well. Though the gas mileage is rather low and the 18" tires give it a harsh ride. It is alot of fun in the snow. I find myself looking for hills to go up. The swivel headlights make night driving a snap. The solar sunroof keeps the car cool in summer and warm in winter. The advanced key means that I never have to look for my keys. The voice recognition and bluetooth make cell calls easy. Though the MMI can be a little imposing at first. The satelite radio is a must. My children love the television monitors in the headrests, the heated rear seats and rear window shades. My wife and I love the safety of rear airbags.

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  Great little car - 2005 Audi A4
  By justtara - June 30 - 2:13 pm

  I purchased this car about 2 months ago for my wife and I have to say she LOVES it. I cant get her out of it, she has put 4000 miles on the car in a month. I have driven it 5 time since weve had it. I was not sure about buying a 4-cyl car, after having a 6- cyl 2003 Maxima with 255 hp but the Audis performaces is very suprising for a 4-cyl car and the Quattro AWD system is awesome in bad weather. I cant wait for it to snow, so I can really have some fun. I recommend this car for anyone who wants a sport sedan.

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  Nice but missing some perks - 2005 Audi A4
  By Swim Lessons - June 29 - 4:41 pm

  We traded in our bmw 328i for this car so we wouldnt be sliding in the snow for another winter. good idea - this baby is great in the snow. car looks beautiful and has a fairly sleek ride. (We bought and service our car at Bell Audi, they are the best. We took the car home the same day we saw it and the service people are great!)

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  Pure fun to drive - 2001 Audi S4
  By Goat - June 29 - 4:39 pm

  I purchased this vehicle after a great deal of research and have not been disappointed in an category. The performance and handling make it fun to drive around town or on the highway and fuel economy has been a bonus averaging in the mid to high twenties. The service plan recommended by Audi is the only time my vehicle has been in the shop short of annual inspections.

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  Fun to drive but expensive to own - 2003 Audi A4
  By David - June 29 - 4:28 pm

  My 2003 A4 has 53,000 miles on it. I bought the car for about $32,000 and have spent over $12,000 on repairs. The car is poorly built and unreliable. It is very difficult to work with Audi of America and the local dealers are terrible. Before buying one of these cars I would strongly recommend talking to someone who has owned one and checking out the service of the dealers where you live and the estimated service costs. My car has had several major problems in the 2 1/2 years that I have owned it and neither the dealer nor Audi or America seems to care.

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  A Bonza Beauty Mate - 2004 Audi A8
  By Richard Keech - June 29 - 4:17 am

  Some problems with the trunk electric motor which was replaced but still a little sticky Sometimes the lights stay on when the car is not locked and drains the battery. Also Tire pressure feature on Dash screen always seems to register the same pressure even after you inflate tires more. Otherwise an absolute gem handles so well, loves fast corners, room for a party in the back seats, great handling, like a rocket in Sports drive. Just watch the curb parking when the suspension is set low as you will always hit the curb when parking nose first against even the lowest of curbs....just reset suspension to lift, wait a few seconds and you clear most of them.Service has been excellent