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 vehicle - 2005 Audi A8
  By Javed - February 16 - 7:25 pm

  I just recently purchased an Audi A8l after trading in my almost brand new Mercedes CLK 320. The comfort and the drive is so beyond description. Not one bit of sound in the pot holes of NJ.

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  Excellent Bahnstormer, Minor Flaws - 2005 Audi S4
  By Steve - February 16 - 4:13 pm

  A unique car, if you focus more on content than styling. While the car is plenty handsome, it looks much like the lesser A4 - a car that is some $15k cheaper. The rims, spoiler and aluminum mirror housings help differentiate it somewhat. Looking at and touching the leather, wood and excellent plastics is a pleasure. All controls are precise, well-placed and expensive feeling. I chose this car for its more sporting nature than the A6, the more youthful attitude than the Cadillac CTS, and the extra doors relative to the M3. To my eye, it is better looking and sportier than the choices from Japan and the US. Finally, at $52K, it is significantly less expensive than V8s from MB or BMW.

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  Spend on whats important - 2017 Audi Q7
  By JJM - February 15 - 11:00 pm

  I have a few audis with all trim levels. I opted for the 3.0 premium with cold weather and electronics package with nav and apple play. The basic options on the car really are great and span the vast majority of what is important. It drives almost as nicely as my A6, has ample room and is arguably the best moderately large SUV out there. Not as big as a suburban but infinitely nicer to drive with great gas mileage. The model I have kept the price below 60k. You can get another 10k plus into it but in my opinion there is no need. Really pleased with this 2017 Q7

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  1999 audi avant--my 6th audi--best yet! - 1999 Audi A6
  By wyogold - February 15 - 4:00 am

  great all-around, all-season automobile...comfort and poise whether driving through southern wyoming mountain passes, or down I-25 to the denver airport (unless you lose key going thru customs and have to rent a car plus shell out $187 for new laser- cut key)...overall a great automobile that I still enjoy driving...

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  Amazing Car! - 2001 Audi A6
  By Zimman - February 15 - 2:00 am

  This car does it all. The quattro system and twin turbo engine combine to provide an amazing level of everyday performance. Ours has been dead reliable, and the free scheduled maintenance is a great perk. Its even something of a bargain, compared to other cars in its class. We tried all the usual suspects (530i, E320 4Matic, GS430) and found that this one had an unbeatable combination of virtues with few drawbacks. We have enjoyed every mile, and I still look back at the car when I walk away - is that love, or what? ;-) Oh, and one more thing - the 2 people who suggested that this car is slow and soft obviously DIDNT drive a 2.7T. 0-60 in 6.6 is FAST in anybodys language....

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  Love it! - 2001 Audi TT
  By citygator - February 15 - 2:00 am

  Great car! Love the ride and the interior. Great looks!

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  My review - 2002 Audi A4
  By Rod - February 15 - 2:00 am

  Great car. Not a problem yet -- only fun.

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  What A Superb Car! - 2002 Audi A4
  By A New Car Buyer - February 15 - 2:00 am

  I wanted a car that was safe, sporty, luxurious, well-engineered, fast and reliable-- but not an SUV. I ckd out & test drove Volvos, BMWs, Mercedes, VW Passats & the A-4s. Audis commitment to building safer, superb cars was impressive, as were the test drives. The 3.0 Quattro. Whoa! Just too hot. The 1.8 w/Quattro w/manual was absolute perfection. Power, safety, superb engineering, craftsmanship & attention to detail. (Detroit, are you listening?!!) I bought it.

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  I love this car! - 2002 Audi A4
  By Mtnpdlr40 - February 15 - 2:00 am

  This car is awesome and pleasing to look at. Hope it is as trouble free as I hear!

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  2005 Audi A6 Nightmare - 2005 Audi A6
  By Darrell Brown - February 14 - 8:17 pm

  I purchased the 2005 A6 on 11/22/04. It has been the absolute worst car purchase Ive ever made. Since the purchase I had a total of 5 separate issues, including issues with the seats, loud engine noise, car needing to warm up when first starting, and both front seats shaking and rattling. While everyone at the dealership is professional, there is a level of defensiveness that exists. Their first reaction is that there is nothing wrong with the car, its the driver. Ive had 7 cars in the last 10 years and Ive never experienced these many issues. The worst part is that the customer advocates in Mich are unresponsive & not helpful. I wrote to the VP on 1/3. No response