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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  Best luxury sport sedan under 35K - 2003 Audi A4
  By Proud Audiowner - April 8 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Audi A4 3.0 after test- driving BMW 3 series, Audi 1.8T, Mercedes 240, Acura 3.2TL Type S, Infinity G35, and Saab 9-3 Arc. They all drove very well, but the Audi was the best value for money. I got the car for $600/- over invoice. I must say that I am very happy with the buy. The accleration is good, the CVT gives a very smooth acceleration. The car is quite even at 90 mph. Gas milage is excellent, a full tank of 17 gallons goes 475-550 miles. Bose stereo rocks. Display looks rich. Interior is very high quality. The controls on the steering wheels are very convenient.

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  Audi makes great cars - 2001 Audi A4
  By getdamemo - April 7 - 5:10 am

  My 2001 Audi A4 1.8T quattro Sedan handles well and is easy to maintain. I only wish there was a little more power with the AWD system. I have no regrets buying this car!

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  how to ruin a good thing - 1994 Audi 100
  By J.Moore - April 7 - 1:36 am

  Drives like sports sedan. Just so expensive to maintain, repairs are redundant and not anyone can work on them. Forget oil changes at Jiffy Lube or any quick change shop, they dont even have the proper tool to remove cap on oil pan. Love driving it, but cant afford the maintenance prices and constant shop visits that require extended time and return visits to get it right. Ignition & cooling systems are the major culprits. I will still take a chance on the new Audis when I get a chance-maybe Im just a glutton for punishment, but the drive and handling are so terrific, try one.

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  pros and cons of S4 convertible - 2005 Audi S4
  By Rick - April 6 - 11:49 pm

  A fun car to drive. The quattro is awesome and adds much performance. This car is as much fun in snow as it is with the top down in summer. Great handling in ALL weather conditions. I think that Audi is improving its customer service but it is not yet as good as Lexus or Mercedes. You will need to soon replace the standard performance tires that come with the car. I recommend getting all weather tires to rotate onto the car in winter for both performance and economy. Tiny trunk if you put the top down. The cars interior has very little storage. The drink holders are awful expect a spill. Tiny rear seat not comfortable for adult. However, overall, I like the car, drives great, and it is fun!

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  good but not great - 1998 Audi A4
  By BillytheWIZ - April 4 - 3:52 pm

  the 1998 Audi A4 is a great drivers car and has nice styling, but its not really a performance car compared to my BMW. The AWD system is awesome, the car handles well, rides smoothly, and has tons of cool features for the money. My mileage was a little less than I expected, 23 MPG highway / 19 MPG, city but not horrible. I have had issues that the (GM) dealer took care of when I purchased the car (oil leaks, control arms, and tie rods). Do not take your car to the dealer for repairs. Get a good mechanic that knows these cars.

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  Hamptons secret - 2005 Audi A8
  By taylor hoge - April 4 - 12:41 am

  Best car to go to NYC and back to the Hamptons! Fast, comfortable, very sweet ride, better than anything on the market, only one issue, why not sooner?

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  High Cost of Ownership - 1999 Audi A4
  By smalltownsith - April 3 - 8:05 pm

  From day one my 1999 Audi A4 has had problems. I bought it used with low miles and the certificed / extended warranty. It has had tons of electrical problems. Im not sure what they did with when declared it a certified vehicle. the sensors and leaks continually need to be fixed. I think it says it all when the dealer has a special service price to check the airbag light - $200 before repairs and then another $800 for the acutal airbag that is only five years old. Even normal maintenance is just a rip-off, such as $1,000 for a new timing belt and water pump. The water pump started leaking after the twelve month parts warranty. Be strongly cautioned against "Audi workmanship."

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  Dont waste your money - 2001 Audi A4
  By Scott - April 3 - 4:29 am

  I leased my 2001 Audi A4 1.8T quattro Sedan new. It was great for the first year. Since then it has been in the shop with multiple problems at least every other month. Ive been to four Audi service centers and each one does a worse job than the other. Audi customer service didnt seem to care either. Im finally fed up with the car and contacted Audi of North America for details on turning it in early...they finally want to talk, but its too late. We also have had two Volkswagen Jettas with similar problems. I wouldnt recommend an VW/Audi product.

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  Dont Buy A6 - 2000 Audi A6
  By Rob - April 2 - 6:03 pm

  I bought this car brand new in March of 2000. It has been driven very little, only has 58,000 miles after 4 + years. It has lots of problems. The dealer service was passable at best. Recently though with only 57,000 miles, I was told I need new turbo chargers at a cost of $6,200 dollars. I was shocked and even more surpirsed to hear Audi USA they wouldnt cover any of the cost. I have owned 4 Audis previously and I will never buy another one. Its too bad because when it works, its a great car to drive. Doesnt hold value like a BMW or Mercedes.

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  Almost Perfection - 2005 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By James Walsh - April 2 - 5:13 am

  This car is the best Ive owned. It combines very good performance with sufficient interior space and a feeling of luxury in its ride, handling and appointments. And the fuel economy is really pretty good if you drive reasonably. Ive received compliments on its styling from stangers...and young ones at that. This ones a keeper.