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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  1.8T Quattro - 1998 Audi A4
  By Jaxtom - March 2 - 12:56 pm

  Bought this as a "certified" used vehicle 3 years ago - a 5-speed Quattro with already-installed performance chip (recommended!). Performance and handling are great. Had a few issues after purchase but all were taken care of under warranty. Back seat is small for three - you wont haul the family comfortably over a long distance, but as a daily commuter car its great.

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  2001.5 A4 - 2001 Audi A4
  By Barry T - March 1 - 10:29 pm

  I havent had any problems with the car other than rear wheel bearings and front tie rod ends.

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  Good ... not great. - 2005 Audi TT
  By PR Guy - February 27 - 3:47 pm

  This is my second TT. The first was a dream, the second has been a bit disappointing, with minor problems requiring service. Overall handling has improved, but Ive driven other sports cars with better handling. Excellent braking, even in the rain. First gear is a bit sluggish, but you can really kick it in other gears. Interior comfort is excellent for a two-seater and the well-designed top keeps exterior noise to a minimum. Wind levels with the top down are poor at highway speeds, but thats the price you pay for a ragtop. Audi continues to struggle with exterior finish quality. The finish is uneven and scratches and chips easily. Overall, it is a fun drive and a real attention getter.

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  Shocked - 2003 Audi A4
  By Bishop Canter - February 26 - 9:01 pm

  Looked at C-Series, 5 Series and the Audi A4. Shocked that I had never given Audi a chance before. Hands down, much better car over. Handles like its on rails. Great driving in the winding mountain roads. Sold for life. Without a doubt, one of the best all around cars that gives the most bang for the buck. Test drive one and even the most cynical of you, will have to smile and yes, probably be shocked at how great it is as well.

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  Improved over prior model - 2005 Audi A6
  By Hohman - February 26 - 4:30 pm

  Acceleration equal to prior 2.7T without the thrill of turbo sound. Larger size of body makes for a better ride without losing great handling. I elected to avoid the sport package this time and dont regret it, much better ride without losing tight road handling and performance. Great new 6 speed automatice transmission and vastly improved navigation system.

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  Expensive electrical problems - 2000 Audi A4
  By Joe in Virginia - February 26 - 3:10 pm

  We previously owned 2000 Audi A4 AWD 2 years ago. We have been astonished by the frequency and cost of expensive repairs. Our airbag controller and brake controller have failed, each costing $1000-$1500 to repair. We have developed an oil-leak costing $1000 to repair. The bumper scratches incredibly easily and ends up looking terrible. The interior trim is coming apart. Net-net, though a very pretty and comfortable car that is fun to drive, the cost of ownership is far beyod what one would expect. We will never buy another Audi!

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  A6 4.2-Pretty Good - 2001 Audi A6
  By A6 LTB - February 25 - 2:18 pm

  I last owned an A4 2.8q that was leased. I decided that I did not want to be restricted by mileage overages so we bought a CPO 2001 Audi A6 4.2. I think it is probably one of the best looking cars made and definetly the best looking Audi except for the RS6. It has a very aggressive look to it. It had the Sport package so the ride is firm but I like feeling connected to the road. It came with some pretty aggressive Yokohama 255/40/17s that are great in the dry roads but truly stink in the snow. The car could not get up a hill in our local area, so I had to back down the hill and start over. I guess the Quatro system is only as good as the tires. But for pete sake,these cost $200 a piece

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  Very happy after ten months - 2004 Audi A4
  By jeffjnewport - February 25 - 12:21 am

  I had the benefit of reading a bunch of reviews before buying my 2004 Audi A4 Avant, so I figured that Id add my two cents to the mix. The Audi wasnt initially on my radar screen. I was looking to spend $20,000 on a used wagon that could handle snow (which my BMW 528E could not). I was taken by the Passat Wagon, drove it, then almost sprung for a new one, but I got spooked by the aggressive discounting by local dealers, which usually means bad resale value in a few years. Then I looked closely at the Saab 9-5, BMW 3-Series, and Audi A4 wagons. Considering handling, comfort, volume, price, re-sale, the Audi blew me away. Now ten months later, I can further confirm that this is a great car.

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  Worst Car Ive ever owned! - 2002 Audi A4
  By Bad Audi Experience - February 24 - 1:16 pm

  In my 30+ years of driving, Ive owned Corvairs and AMC products that would be considered "problem cars", but nothing matches the unreliability of an Audi. I purchased both a 2001 and 2002 A4 and have become very familiar with the local wrecker companies. The 2002 is now having its 4th engine installed (after only 50,000 miles). The stereo system has been replaced three times. We traded in the 2001 at a loss after being towed three times for coil issues. Stay away from Audi! This is the worst car Ive ever owned, including the 1964 Corvair I paid $100 for in 1974!

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  very smooth - 2004 Audi A4
  By T A-G - February 24 - 10:00 am

  Awesome car. Looks and feels great.