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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  a411 - 2005 Audi A4
  By fes - May 15 - 7:50 pm

  I do not regret rejecting the new BMW 3-series.

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  Many trips for repair shop - 1998 Audi A6
  By Gary - May 15 - 3:12 am

  Purchased in 2002 with 25,000 miles and loved the car until 50,000 miles when all the repairs started. Now have 100,000 miles 3yrs later. Have replaced all control arms, (2)oil leaks (rear Cam Adjuster seals @ $1,300 each), wheel bearings, dash readout, heater control flap, tie rods, headlight washer pump. Check Engine light comes on at least every 4-5,000 miles and cost $25 to reset. Luckly I purchased an after market warranty for $1,000 and have had $7,700 in covered repairs. Warranty ran out at 100,000 miles and Im debating weather to keep the car. I love driving but worry what repairs are next.

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  First Audi -- Love It 75K later. - 2000 Audi A4
  By Anthony - May 15 - 1:05 am

  Its strange to hear people complain about all the "little" problems theyve had with their A4. Ive had no major problems AND I chipped it and installed aftermarket brakes, shocks, bypass valve and exhaust -- everything the dealer tells you will hurt your car -- after the original equipment wore out. ALSO, Ive always been diligent about using synthetic oil EVERY 5K miles and letting the engine idle at least 1 minute before shutting down if Ive run it hard. If you want a car like the status quo, get a Honda or BMW. If you want style and performance and are willing to take care of it, get the Audi. Also, understand maintenance will cost more than most Japanese cars, but less than BMW.

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  2000 Audi A6 2.7T - 2000 Audi A6
  By firing_dog - May 13 - 10:00 am

  great car, fub to drive

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  2002 what a difference - 2002 Audi A4
  By kb - May 13 - 10:00 am

  I was originally going to purchase the car in 2001, but held off for financial reasons. I recently purchased the car with audi of fairfield in CT. One of the most consumer friendly dealerships I have been to. The 3.0 was a little out of my price range but the 1.8t was perfect fully loaded with almost all the options of the 3.0 plus the quattro for 30K on the nose. New new styling is much better in the rear but still could use a tweak or two to make it more like the A6. Overall it looks great but the best part is the creature comforts audi gives you inside. Hands down the best interior out of any comprable car.

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  first A4 - 2002 Audi A4
  By TurboManiac - May 13 - 10:00 am

  Love it a lot. Ride is really smooth even with the Sport Package. Inside/Outside mirrors also dim, really cool.

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  Best luxury sedan - 2002 Audi A4
  By Rascal - May 13 - 10:00 am

  Ive been smiling since the day I picked up my baby. Rides awesome, minimal body roll, no under/oversteer thanks to Quattro. Interior space matches that of 3er and C-Class. Xenon is really bright.

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  One classy ride - 2002 Audi A4
  By superstation - May 13 - 10:00 am

  Door shuts like no other, if ure used to closing Japanese car doors, ud have to close this cars door a couple of times. 4 Heated Seats, individually variable. Steering is precise and on-track.

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  Many to choose from, but only ONE to buy - 2002 Audi A4
  By GrayMatter - May 13 - 10:00 am

  It came down to the Audi A4 1.8t, BMW 325i, and Mercedes C240, with the same order in price, cheapest to most expensive. 1.8t ran about 30k loaded, 325i 37k loaded, and C240 over 40k loaded. What made it easy was the fact that the A4 trumped the rest of the competition with its beautiful and classy interior! Im sorry, but the C-Class is quite cheaply made interior wise, and the Bimmer was looking more and more dated. Very solid ride, typicaly Teutonic. Must see in person, very muscular and athletic looking, handles like its on rails.

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  Hands Down... This is Audis Best Yet! - 2005 Audi A6
  By One Happy Owner - May 13 - 3:35 am

  This is my third Audi dating back to 98 and now the all new 05 A-6. Ive never been let down but honestly always lifted up with how much Audi seems to fine tune the already finely tuned vehicle. This new A-6 is truly a masterpiece. I test drove the 530 and 300 series cedes and theres just no comparison.The Beemer may have had a slight advantage with steering at slower speeds but that was absolutely where it stops for comparisons sake. You just cant match the quattro with anything. Audi is lightyears ahead of any all-wheel competition and the comfort and solidness you feel is really unlike any driving experience. The MMI is such a breeze and so functional too. Way to go Audi. Very Nice