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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  M3 beater - 2005 Audi S4
  By mark - May 7 - 5:52 pm

  BMWs M3 really is a phenominal car quick, solid and good looking, but how many do you see around. The S4 is understated and, for an estate, very attractive. Straight line the BMW will win, driving entertainment and again the M3 pips the Audi to the post but for sheer aural entertainment nothing can beat a V8 (except a V10). Not only that, but Audis Quattro system means that 344PS is avaiable come rain or shine an awesomely inspiring piece of German engineering - next time Audi, a little rear bias on the Quattro and that sacrifice in grip will be more than made up for in driving entertainment.

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  Wow and Wowee... - 2002 Audi A4
  By triangleguy - May 7 - 10:00 am

  This car far exceeded my expectations and everything Id read. I didnt think Id go for one but when I drove the 02 Passat and then the 02 1.8T, I knew that the Audi was for me. Tighter, smaller, quicker, and, yeah, more money. Dont believe what everyone says that the Passat is a better value: drive both to see what suits your driving style, etc. best. Dont get me wrong: my 99 Passat was terrific but this is car is "Wow!" The quality of craftsmanship in this car is incredible.

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  So far, exceeding all expectations and then som - 2014 Audi A4
  By G. Beck - May 4 - 6:54 pm

  This is one fine example of German automotive engineering and technology. In the month Ive had it, its delivered everything it promised, and a lot more. Cant say enough good things about this car. Handles wonderfully, no matter what mode its in. I prefer sports mode because it suits my driving style best, but ordinary Drive mode is nice when just cruising on the freeway and getting 30+mpg. Im averaging 29 miles per gallon, city and freeway, much better than expected and far exceeding what my V6 Honda ever got, even with cylinder deactivation. Accelerates very smoothly, just a hint of a pause and then it kind of "jumps " off the line and up to speed seemingly instantly. Feels much faster than what is written, and probably is. Definitely under 6 seconds to 60mph, but thats not what they say. Very happy with the transission and wouldnt have got the car with a CVT, so it was a Quattro or a different make. A bit hard to find in my targeted budget range, with the trim and color I wanted, but persistence, hard work, and determination paid off....and the willingness to travel over a hundred miles. Kudos to Circle Audi of Long Beach for sending me a Uber ride to get there, and treating me well at the dealer. No "over the top" selling with these guys, straight to the point and excellent product knowledge, whats you definitely want in a salesperson. I laid out my specs to them, they found me the perfect car right away and got me the kind of deal I was happy with. Such a great deal I dont want to say what it is, and its a certified pre-owned Audi with some warranty, always a plus with a used car. Thought I would miss my old car, and I do a little, but Ive found a new love and her name is Audi Quattro. Im hooked and as long as maintainance is low and the car remains dependable, Ill be in Audis for the foreseeable future. All the car reviews of this car were spot on, and maybe even a little underwhelming for this car. I cant really say anything negative about any aspect of the vehicle, only that the steering is a bit too soft at times and combine that ease of steering with how well the car moves and you have to be very careful not to change lanes by mistake because you turned your writ a half centimeter...its that precise and easy to turn. Sport mode firms it up a bit, but still very effortless and I like more of a road feel in my hands. I like to drive, not be driven by my car. This car has both available, which is nice. Electronics were simple to learn, navigation is so precise its scary, and nothing feels cheap and not corners seem cut, to save a few bucks and annoy the consumer. Im a big fan of companies wh "tighten all the bolts" and arent lazy, and cheap, about quality. Nothing rattles, and exterior noise is virtually eliminated. Engine has a nice little growl to it thats not over the top, but just loud enough to tell you that its no ordinary 4 cylinder under the hood. No sound of the turbo at all, which is really amazing, you really dont know its there until the toque really kicks in and speed jumps up pretty fast. I have to really pay attention, or I may be getting speeding tickets because you definitely dont feel the high speed, and 65 doesnt feel all that different from 100....not that Ive ever gone that fast, but to illustrate.... Thanks Audi for a fine automobile. Im very happy with it so far.

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  fell apart - 2001 Audi A4
  By jenna - May 4 - 6:31 pm

  i love the look and feel of the audi A4 but now that I own one i dont know if Id ever buy another. I bought a 2001 in October of 2003, only three years old and within 4 months of owning it I had to replace the entire engine, due to sludge build up (not caused by myself but a defect in the engine-not under recall). Ive had the car for a year and a half and every two months there seems to be something else wrong with it. Ive replaced the tires, engine, battery, water pump and control arm, totaling $9,000. Maybe if I bought this car brand new it would have been great, but after a couple years, it just fell apart.

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  Awesome Car - 2005 Audi A6
  By MythirdA6 - May 4 - 3:01 pm

  This is my third A6. My first two had the 2.7, V6 engine. All the things I did not like about the previous A6s appear to be corrected, ie. Navigation display, front seat storage, sun glasses compartment, cell phone charge outlet, acceleration delay, body roll on cornering, electronic instrument panel. The only item not fully corrected is the cup holders, however, with the power and fun this car gives you, you should not be worrying about cup holders. Audi has out done themselves on this vehicle. I had great success with my previous A6s. After 3000 miles I can say that "I LOVE MY CAR!"

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  Great Car - 1993 Audi 100
  By Andrew - May 4 - 12:42 pm

  This was my first quality car purchase and I am glad that I decided on this vehicle. It has been a great car. Reliable and safe. It handles great, especially in the snow and ice. The exterior and interior are near perfect which is pretty amazing for a car that is 12 years old. Everything works great except the cruise control which stopped working at about 95,000. The car is fun to drive and very solid. If you are thinking about purchasing a car like this, do it! It is worth every penny. The only thing major that I had to replace was the steering rack, about a $600 job. Other than that it has been fantastic. I would buy it again.

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  ExtremeCar - 2004 Audi A4
  By FunCar - May 4 - 10:00 am

  This car has the best interior quality and features compared to any other in the same class. Car is extreamly smooth and has a ton of power. Shift into sport gear and you will experience G force. You feel accelleration even with a slight touch of the gas pedal. It becomes an extention of you.

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  BETTER than $BMW$ - 2004 Audi A4
  By BOILER84 - May 4 - 10:00 am

  This car has it all. For any would be 3 series buyers out there, do the test drive and try in vain to match the superb performance.

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  Incredible Machine - 2005 Audi A8
  By SMA8L - May 4 - 2:19 am

  This 05 A8L is my 5th Audi. Last was an 02 allroad. I cannot believe how incredible this car is. Stunning ride quality, acceleration, comfort and stability. Here in Colorado there is NO better choice in a luxury vehicle. Awesome traction in snow and total command in every imaginable driving situation. I am most impressed with how quiet the car is. And I do really love the drivers seat. Incredible amount of adjustments enable you to dial in a perfect fit and comfort level. But the rear seat guests have the best environment - better seats than most luxury autos provide for the driver. Stunning exterior styling and interior finish. This is a great drivers car.

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  Incredible Machine - 2005 Audi A8
  By SMA8L - May 4 - 2:19 am

  This 05 A8L is my 5th Audi. Last was an 02 allroad. I cannot believe how incredible this car is. Stunning ride quality, acceleration, comfort and stability. Here in Colorado there is NO better choice in a luxury vehicle. Awesome traction in snow and total command in every imaginable driving situation. I am most impressed with how quiet the car is. And I do really love the drivers seat. Incredible amount of adjustments enable you to dial in a perfect fit and comfort level. But the rear seat guests have the best environment- better seats than most luxury autos provide for the driver. Stunning exterior styling and interior finish. This is a great drivers car.