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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  One Drive and Youll Fall in Love - 2005 Audi A6
  By Aintlion - March 11 - 11:50 am

  Im not an automotive enthusiast. When the opportunity arose to upgrade to a mid-level luxury car I decided to test drive all the major brands. I tried a Lexus GS430, Mercedes E500, BMW, Acura and then I found an Audi dealership. I took a "loan" of the A6 4.2 (they just give you the keys to borrow and tell you to come back when youre done) and I knew immediately I had to have that car. The power under the hood and the handling was simply awesome. It was more comfortable than anything else and features for the money beat all the competition. When I brought it back I tried the 3.2 but it was too late I was already spoiled. Ive been thrilled with my A6 4.2 ever since. Nice ride!

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  Still a head turner-- - 2005 Audi TT
  By Mike - March 11 - 10:17 am

  I Love my 2005 Audi TT. I switched from BMW 330 and havent regretted it. I have not experienced any problems since I drove out of dealership eight months ago. It is quick and really performs once you reach 80 mph. It offers superb handling and braking ability. I cant wait for the 2006 model.

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  Everything You Would Want in a Car - 2005 Audi A8
  By D SWARTZ - March 11 - 10:13 am

  I did a lot of research and test drives before purchasing a 2005 Audi A8. I road tested a Mercedes-Benz E320, Jaguar S-Type, and was given a Jaguar XJ8 to try over a weekend. The Audi blew all of these away. I was on the Florida Turnpike in an absolute monsoon and the Audi never waivered. It stayed glued to the road. The car offers a luxurious ride with the handling of a much smaller car.

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  Fabulous car - 2005 Audi TT
  By colleen n. - March 11 - 10:01 am

  My 2005 Audi TT is the nicest car that I have ever driven. It handles beautifully, both on road and highway. I have total control, even at high speeds. I wouldnt change a thing but the coffee holder, which is in a lousy location. I cant wait for nicer weather, so I can take the top down. So far so good in the snow and rain, which is a big relief here in Chicago. Im glad that I bought this automobile!

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  Love my new A8L - 2004 Audi A8
  By Vatche Y - March 9 - 2:23 pm

  My 2004 Audi A8L is an outstanding sports sedan. I love the quattro in the rain. It is an outstanding highway cruiser. There is limo-like room in the back.

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  Better than my Mercedes-Benz S500 - 2005 Audi A8
  By DJS - March 9 - 1:13 am

  My 2005 Audi A8L has been a dream to drive. I looked at it only after BMW desroyed their design and Mercedes-Benz started dropping on the quality ratings. This car drives as good or better than my Mercedes-Benz S500.

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  My S4 - 2004 Audi S4
  By tmiele - March 8 - 3:25 pm

  My 2004 Audi S4 is a great car! I had a 2000 S4 for four years and 50,000 without experiencing any problems. It was fun to drive all year long. The 2004 is even better. Everything has been improved.

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  Beautiful Headache - 2001 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By Blackroad - March 8 - 2:00 am

  After two plus years and 46,000 miles, Ive got mixed feelings. I got the famous 45 mp wobble, a vibration that starts at that speed. The dealer balanced and aligned wheels repeatedly. I lost track of how many brake rotors they replaced. Finally the Audi rep had the dealer replace the TCM (computer software for automatic transmission) and it only wobbles above 65 mph. If that one problem could be resolved I could deal with the initial quality problems (all finally fixed) and I would love this car without reservation. But its like a nagging headache. I should have waited for a six-speed.

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  The A6 2.7T Rocks - 2001 Audi A6
  By pgacoop - March 7 - 4:03 pm

  My 2001 Audi A6 2.7T is my first Audi but it definitely is not my last. I love this car and everything about it. The inside display on the dash at night is by far the best of any European vehicle. My in-laws have a Mercedes-Benz and it doesnt even come close to this car.

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  Feels great - 2002 Audi A6
  By cliff - March 7 - 1:29 am

  My 2002 Audi A6 2.7T is really fun to drive. The touch shifting is great in the mountains and a adds a great deal to safety in slowing and cornering capability. The car is very quick between 40 and 80 MPH and handles very smoothly. I have the Winter package which adds tremendous comfort on the cold days. The Bose sound system is awesome!