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:

• 

  Audi A6 - 2002 Audi A6
  By Rayden003 - May 12 - 11:45 pm

  I have read some Bulletin Board comments regarding some reliability problems with the Audi A6. My experience has been completely opposite. It is the most reliable and well-built car I have owned. My last car was an Acura TL, also a very reliable car, but the Audi came out ahead on almost every detail. Bought it new in 2002 and after 42,000 miles have never had a single problem.

• 

  Love is this... - 2005 Audi TT
  By Mansoor - May 12 - 9:40 pm

  After I got this car as a gift from my parents I was excited. They had to suffer because on weekends instead of going home, I take long trips to unknown places in Texas. I just love how I can trust this car in the middle of nowhere. No one can take it from me. This car is a magic on the empty highways on middle Texas. I am taking this car to Seattle from Austin, TX in two days and looking forward to the fun I will have. Just a delight, you will love how the world looks from the inside of this beauty. Believe me, you will fall in love with this car even if you dont want to.

• 

  Constant Improvements - 2005 Audi A4
  By Ronald S. Ross - May 12 - 4:40 pm

  My fifth Audi...solid, thoughtful in small touches, far more torque than expected. I am delighted. having owned an A6 and two allroads plus an S4 Avant, this car is a delight for much less money.

• 

  A6 fun to drive if it starts - 2005 Audi A6
  By ouchiea6 - May 11 - 6:43 pm

  My Audi is less than 6 months old, it has 4200 miles on it. Twice in three weeks it refused to start using the "Smart Key" Feature. I tried to use the traditional key instead. Not only did that not work as well, but the car refused to let me retrieve the key. The Audi also froze in Park, and the power would not go off. By the time it was towed to the service center, the battery was dead. It was in the shop for 6 days the first time, its been in for 7 days now for the second time. The service center still can not find out whats wrong with it. They did give me a nice loaner, however.

• 

  Overpriced - 2003 Audi TT
  By paulto817 - May 11 - 10:09 am

  Two plus years into owning a TT is disappointing. I have had model cars that held paint better. Chips and pits galore. The keyless remotes constantly require reprogramming, and the Audi comprehensive warranty is not all it is that good. The dealer will decide when you get what fixed, regardless of your feedback. Brakes wear, well we understand they are soft but they are within .000001 inch, so no replacement. Come back after the 50,000 mile waranty and we will be happy to replace them for a fee. My first and last Audi, just to much money for an underperforming vehicle.

• 

  I love it, but it frightens me... - 1999 Audi A4
  By Saint - May 10 - 6:43 pm

  I bought this 99 from Audi with 34k miles, now has 55k. All service needed has been under warranty: Both rear bearings, new radiator, brake rotors, replaced from bushing. For the first year it was in the shop once a quarter, it seemed. So far this year - no problems. I love to drive it, looks great, handles great. But once the warranty ends this year - what will happen? Will it turn on me or be "one of the good ones"? Dealer has been good, and so far I am OK with the experience - thanks to the warranty!

• 

  Fun to drive by excellence - 2005 Audi TT
  By bernard mollet - May 10 - 1:41 am

  Very powerful, fun to drive, very exclusive design, one of the best third car you can imagine to drive on the sunshine

• 

  My 2012 Q5 flooded in Harvey so I got another Q5! - 2017 Audi Q5
  By John Paulus - May 9 - 10:55 pm

  It has the most stylish lines of any comparable SUV on the market. Handles like a sedan with permanent 4 wheel drive. The 2017 is much quieter than my old 2012 too and with the B&O speakers, thats a plus!

• 

  Like but trouble - 1997 Audi A4
  By ed - May 8 - 11:23 pm

  Great car to drive. Can not beat it in snow with 4 snow tires. Many problems with repairs. Front end parts, electronics, leaks, trans. Will not get another German car they are very nice but too many expensive repairs.

• 

  Best car Ive owned - 2005 Audi A8
  By Bo - May 8 - 1:08 am

  This is easily my favorite owned car- beautiful from every angle, performance to beat sports coupes, luxury that would stun a king. I just smile every time I look back at the car, which is often.