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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  Sweeeet!! - 2005 Audi A6
  By NewAudiLover - June 1 - 12:50 am

  I just replaced my Lincoln LSE with my first German car and what a difference! The quality of this car is fantastic and it drives nice. Great value.

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  New 3.2 Rules - 2005 Audi A4
  By saoc - May 30 - 11:42 pm

  I just replaced my 02 A6 2.7T with a loaded A4 3.2. I got everything except the tire monitor and the rear parktronic. I looked at the TL, G35, Lexus and just couldnt leave the Audi family. The build quality is so much better than the Japanese cars. Everything in the A4 is so tight. I loved my A6 and had no problems in 41000 miles.

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  Target Guy - 2001 Audi A6
  By Taregt Guy - May 30 - 11:39 pm

  I have only had this car a month, I love it! The zip it gives is impressive! The car is a blast to drive.

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  Still Holding Up - 1998 Audi A4
  By Brian - May 30 - 11:35 pm

  Ive had this car for three years and its held up fairly well. My only problems so far have been a broken switch for the right rear window, faulty door seals in the left rear that allowed water to leak in when it rained hard, and the headlight sprayer hose caused a leak to the washer fluid reservoir. Other than that this car has been fantastic. It handles well, still gets compliments on its looks, and the FWD version (which is a few hundred lbs lighter than Quattro) is fast enough to pass anyone I want, even in 5th gear on the highway. Ive got 93000 miles now and I plan to drive this car into the ground:)

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  Audi 1.8T Experience - 2003 Audi A4
  By AudiOwner - May 30 - 7:27 pm

  Purchased 2003 A4 1.8T last month. The turbo lag is very noticeable. Almost had an accident because the Audi hesitated while accelerating from a stop sign. The gears grind when shifted into Drive in the morning. Car has 29,000 miles. Glad I got a CPO vehicle, certified up to 100K miles or 2009. I knew not to expect a flawless vehicle from Audi. I do love the handling and looks of the car. Blk on Blk looks great, with 17 inch wheels. I get a lot of compliments, as Im the only A4 owner in town. If you can spare extra $3K, buy the 3.0. I wish I had.

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  A6 4.2 - 2005 Audi A6
  By Johnny - May 30 - 5:10 pm

  I strongly recomend the Audi A6 4.2, which is about equal to the A8. I have owned the BMW 745IL and Mercedes S class. The build quality of the A6 is equal to the BMW and better than the Mercedes.The car has more horsepower, a ride that is slightly inferior in the comfort area, but more athletic than the others. It is $25,000.00 less in price, thus the value is much greater. For those who want a very nice luxury car but do not require the more upscale badging of the other two fine vehicles, this car is best. I had the Lexus LS 400 and 430 also. Both were junk. Within 15,000 miles both cars needed new tires, a replacement motor for the steering wheel and more. Rearend slides in rain.

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  Style over substance - 2002 Audi TT
  By Brandon Keener - May 29 - 10:10 pm

  This was my first German car after one Toyota, one Honda, and two Acuras. This was such a wonderful change from the Asian generic look of my previous cars, but the warranty issues were not something I was used to dealing with (bad clutch at 12K, haywire windows, faulty airbag, dead radio, oil burning). Regardless of these issues, I still love the car. Woefully underpowered for $39,800, it all comes down to the look. I have never been looked at more in any car I have ever owned. My relationship with the car was so strong that I forgave all its deficiencies....almost....see improvement needs....

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  Best Car Ive Ever Owned! - 2005 Audi A4
  By HPfleger - May 29 - 6:01 am

  This car is loaded with so many options! I got Dolphin grey, Ebony interior, Premium package, lighting package, sport package, audio package. It is so much fun to drive and the gas mileage is amazing for the amount of horsepower the car has. The fit and finish is beyond my expectations!

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  Doesnt get any better!!! - 2005 Audi A4
  By Michael Nicola - May 28 - 5:34 pm

  Have had any number of converts over the years, and have two other Audis currently (2004 All Road and 2005 A6 4.2) this is the one that I cant wait to get into.....even on a really cold day, as long as its not snowing (I live in New Mexico). The stability of the 4xdrive and the 3.0 make is a total blast to hit the high road. I can even get 4 people in it. Cant wait for real summer! Just buy one!!!

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  Audi cabriolet - 2005 Audi A4
  By colby - May 28 - 4:31 pm

  Drives great, lost of fun to drive with the top down. Looks great in black with tan interior. Small leg room in the back seat, but still comfortable.