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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  UNBELIEVABLE - 2005 Audi TT
  By TIM BOWLES - January 19 - 12:49 pm

  My 2005 Auti TT is the greatest car that Ive ever owned. I also own a 66 Jaguar E-Type and a 52 Jaguar XK120, so I know great cars. The quattro all wheel drive is just unbelievable. Nothing can stay with it on a twisty road. The gas mileage is great for a sportscar, I average 30 mpg. I still never get tired of looking at it, it has the best interior in the business. Having said this, I had a fuel pump go out at 50,000 miles, which was inexcuseable. Other than that, ive enjoyed the ownership experience. I plan on getting another TT in four years, most likely the straight 6.

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  This car is great - 2005 Audi S4
  By aes - January 18 - 1:00 pm

  My 2005 Audi S4 is great. It has lots of power and the engine is very flexible. The interior is laid out very nicely and looks very clean. The car is a great sleeper. Most dont know what the car is of what it is capable - until you blow by them. The fuel economy is a little low though. The low mileage wouldnt be as big a problem if the car had a bigger tank to increase the cruising range.

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  Get out your wallet, this car is junk - 1999 Audi A4
  By ShamusFu - January 18 - 12:33 pm

  You would have to be INSANE to buy an Audi A4. I drive mine 12,000 miles per year TOPS and have done $3,000 worth of repairs with less than 60,000 miles on it. Ive had bad wheel bearings, timing belt (which will destroy the engine if it ever breaks), water pump, radiator hoses, mass airflow sensor, and now the thermostat. The dealer charges $400 to replace the THERMOSTAT!!! (a $30 part). Even in peak operating condition, this car would get killed by a Honda Civic in a drag race, and gets lousy gas mileage. Do not be fooled by the Audi badge, these are Volkswagens in disguide, except the maintenance is twice as expensive. Get a Lexus.

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  My review - 2003 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By The Honza - January 18 - 10:00 am

  This car is totally great idea for the people interested in offroad use and dont want to give up the luxury, in other words those who dont want the hassles of a huge sport utility.

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  Great bang for the buck... - 2001 Audi TT
  By bad_mecha - January 17 - 2:12 am

  After deciding to replace my VW, I decided to try and get one of my dream-cars," the Audi TT. Speaking with friends and trying their cars, combined with familarity with the A4 convinced me to research the Audi further. After two months of research and hunting down the exact color, mileage, and price, and I couldnt be happier (do the hunt, its worth it in the end to get the exact ride you want). You really can find this car at the right price. The car is an unbelievable value, its fast, torquey, handles like a dream, corners like its on rails, is comfortable, and just looks awesome. Everybody looks twice at this car, even if theyre looking at your taillights as you pull away.

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  1st Audi - 2005 Audi S4
  By AudiGuy - January 16 - 6:49 pm

  My 2005 Audi S4 is about my 20th new car in my lifetime and the most fun to drive. I carefully compared all the obvious choices and decided the S4 provided the most bang for the buck. It fits the need for superb perfomance yet everyday drivability. It is a little small to get in and out of but reasonably comfortable while seated. It goes like a bat out of hell and the sport mode for the 7 speed auto is dynamite! It is a real performer. Its a much better value than any BMW. My only complaints are the lousy drink holders and no GPS system. Aftermarket is the answer. The auto A/C unit is a little hard to adjust for maximum confort. But the throatty V8 and the acceleration makes it all worthwhile.

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  You can have your cake and eat it too - 2005 Audi S4
  By Sean - January 16 - 5:01 am

  My 2005 Audi S4 is the true balance between genuine sport preformance and luxury. After driving the BMW M3 and Mercedes-Benz C32 AMG, I completely understood Car and Driver magazines review when all these cars were tested head to head. Besides the awsome traction in all conditions, this car can handle off roading like a king, which I found out by mistake during my journey to Lake Arrowhead California. This car is the master of all trades.

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  S8 Smokin - 2002 Audi S8
  By drp - January 14 - 5:32 pm

  As a former BMW M5 and 7-Series owner I have to say that the Audi S8 tops them both. The S8 delivers the comfort of the 7-Series with the all-out performance of the M5 (but without the cramped cabin). The ride is stff but not harsh and the lightness of the aluminum body and suspension makes it feel like a much smaller car than it is. Nimble like a sports car, yet with plenty of leg room and a humongous trunk, the S8 gets my vote for the best high-end sports sedan of all time.

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  Convertible Top Troubles - 2004 Audi A4
  By Charles - January 13 - 5:53 pm

  This past December while lowering my soft top, I heard a rip. After raising the top, a small tear was noted. With Audis inclusive warranty, I called Crown Eurocar (my dealer) and was given an appointment for 2 weeks. When the car went in to Crown the service department rep said, "yea it is ripped and would need to be replaced (first day lostthey had refused to just look at it without appt.). Returned 2 weeks later for repair.Loaner given and told it should take a day to repair. Next day the only tech who could repair it was out. Finally it was determined that a defect was responsible, the car had slipped quality control and the entire top had to be replaced (after ok from Audi)

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  Best So Far - 2005 Audi A8
  By nthomp - January 13 - 10:33 am

  This is the best car I have ever driven for its type, having traded a Porsche 996 and Mercedes C320 for the Audi. Its a joy to drive and on long journeys its interior space and just plain comfort cant be beat