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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  A4 at 1 year - problems - 2003 Audi A4
  By yoyo_1270 - October 12 - 10:00 am

  In this "maintenance-free" first year, my A4 had headlight problems, low oil problems (I dont drive hard either), vibrations and major engine problems. My engine problems consist of a number 1 & 5 error, which is one tiny step away from replacing the entire engine. It appears that only 4 of the 6 pistons are working.Lovely! I feel this car is one of the sleekest cars on the market and a killer performer. However, the reliability, fuel economy and price (mine=38000) are so bad I dont recommend this car to anyone. If you love AWD and Audi, go with the A6/A8. Audi doesn’t cut the same corners with the A6/A8 as with the A4. But you will pay the big bucks

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  Mistake - 2000 Audi A4
  By Mike S. - October 3 - 2:00 am

  I will start by saying I love the design and performance. But....I have never had a car in the shop more. Yes, because of the good warrenty, it hasnt cost me anything other than time. I have replaced more headlights than I care to remember. The car has been towed once, had a brake rotar replaced, conciquental gagets not working properly, and other misc. problems. The shop I deal with has been a horror and Audi has not done anything to address my concerns. My lease ends in January and I cant wait to get out.

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  Mistake - 2000 Audi A4
  By mike s. - October 3 - 2:00 am

  I will start by saying I love the design and performance. But....I have never had a car in the shop more. Yes, because of the good warrenty, it hasnt cost me anything other than time. I have replaced more headlights than I care to remember. The car has been towed once, had a brake rotar replaced, conciquental gagets not working properly, and other misc. problems. The shop I deal with has been a horror and Audi has not done anything to address my concerns. My lease ends in January and I cant wait to get out.

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  Think Twice Before You Buy - 1997 Audi A4
  By Bridget1777 - September 18 - 2:00 am

  My car has 80k miles. It is important for the buyer to know what they are getting into. It will require repairs, but prepare to go to an Audi dealer only and pay $125 p/ hour, or more. Ex: Power locks went out shortly after I purchased the car, ($650!) Now needs a new water pump, (a $30 part,) but to have the dealer put it on would cost $550! Its ridiculous. Only an Audi dealer can change the oil light every 3k miles, so prepare to pay for that. (The servicing light is the same way!) Its a very nice car to drive, but think twice before you buy. Make sure you have the money to burn. I dont.

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  Dissappointed - 2001 Audi TT
  By bobing - August 16 - 10:00 am

  I love the style and design and the interior touches. Too bad you have to be a contortionist to get in and out of the car. The seats are unconfortable, the cup holders useless, and the suspension creaks like an old lady every time you go over a speed bump at 3 MPH. Someone tried to steal my car ( too bad they didnt succeed). The ignition system was dammaged. It only took 2 months to get a duplicate coded key from the Audi factory - all the way in Germany. It cost me $2,000 in rental car fees waiting for the parts. But a BMW 5 series and forget the TT- or make me an offer and yo can have a silver 225 turbo. Fire sale!

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  Run Flats??? WTF did you ruin a fantastic car?? - 2017 Audi Q7
  By Jim Jezowski - August 12 - 4:22 am

  I was considering it, and it was my top choice until I found out they only come with Run Flats. After my experience with Run Flats on a Toyota, I will NEVER AGAIN own a car on Run Flats. They ride poorly, have no milage warranty, last half as long as other tires, and are EXPENSIVE to replace. Sorry Audi, I LOVE My A5 Cabrio, but will now buy someone elses car just because of the Run Flats.

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  Piece of Junk after 60K - 1996 Audi A4
  By Disappointed in Audi - July 9 - 2:00 am

  Loved the car, until I hit 60K miles - fuel pump, thermostat, two water pumps, CV Boots, coolant reservoir, radio/casette player. Treated like a human wallet by the dealer in Hermosa Beach, CA. Used to love the car, now I am going broke keeping it going.

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  Problem A6 - 1998 Audi A6
  By Charles Beall - June 7 - 2:00 am

  Nice design,easy to drive, frequent problems--brakes,ws washer pump,front bumper too low and has been pulled off four times when backing from curb(bad design) Trunk lock, glove box lock do not work, Interior pieces fall off.Cup holders do not work. Overall build quality poor. TOO FREQUENT MAINTENANCE. Would not purchase again.

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  Looks good, not so great - 2002 Audi TT
  By scottlbch - June 5 - 2:00 am

  Audi took an exceptionally styled vehicle and went nowhere with it. The paint quality does not maintain a shine and scratches very easily. Power leaves much to be desired at lower rpm. Interior design is well done, although a little more storage space would be helpful. It has a VERY rough ride on imperfect pavement.

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  Small problems drive me crazy! - 1999 Audi A6
  By Push-pole - June 2 - 2:00 am

  Great ride...but spent too much time in the shop...never had the parts...always took at least two trips to dealer: Window track broken - 3 trips Broke lock and messed up leather during repair - two more trips. Cruise control intermitant - never fixed. Cover on door storage would not shut - two trips. Air bag warning light on - 4 trips (last one took a week). Vacume line faulty - 1 trip. (surprise) Never any problems with the engine or drive train. Loaded with gadgets. Good looking. (I have a friend who bought one at the same time as I did and has had little or no problems with his and loves it.)