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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  Is there a shoe waiting to drop? - 2003 Audi A6
  By ILM Hogan - November 6 - 5:15 pm

  Ive had my A6 for less than a month and keep thinking to myself: "This car is too good to be true". Bought used, this was the dealers loaner car and was therefore low mileage (less than 11k) and in good shape. I agree with other comments that Audi has done a great job differentiating their autos from everything else on the road: great design, but "under the radar" in terms of flashiness and ostentation.

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  Ultra-Sport is a must - 2004 Audi A4
  By dancape - November 5 - 1:18 pm

  I love this car. Its beautiful on the inside and the outside. Ive had many compliments on it.

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  Get this car! - 2003 Audi A4
  By AMonte - November 5 - 2:00 am

  I traded in my 2000 BMW 328Cifor a 2003 A4 3.0 quattro. The Audi is hands down my favorite. This car is solid as a rock in all weather. It handles just as well as the BMW and has much higher build quality. I would suggest this over the BMW anyday

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  My 1st Audi A6 - 2004 Audi A6
  By Santo - November 5 - 1:15 am

  I am extremely pleased with my new A6 2.7T S Line. The car has great acceleration & you can feel the turbo kick in at 3,000 RPMS. So far I found the car very comfortable and with no problems. Like most others in these reviews I too find the cupholder to be too small. I understand Audi improved this in the new 2005 model. Handling on this car is amazing. I find the seating to be comfortable and my children really enjoy the heated seats in the back. I really like the 6 disc in-dash cd player. One last thing...the trunk is huge & with fold- down seats it has all the utility room I need. I cant wait till the snow comes down to try the AWD.

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  2002 Audi A6 3.0 Fwd Sedan - 2002 Audi A6
  By dempetro - November 4 - 6:27 pm

  I enjoy this car because it drives smoothly, has a powerful engine, (for a 6-cilinder), has an excellent Interior. I have not experienced any mechanical problems yet. My A6 has a high level of comfort for the driver and passengers.

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  Audi S4 - 2005 Audi S4
  By papapushkas - November 4 - 3:28 pm

  I have owned this car now for six months. No problems so far with the exception of the wind-blockers design - very flimsy retaining clips. The engine is superb - too bad that the car is way too heavy, detracting from the performance. The poor fuel economy is due the weight as well. Nevertheless I am amazed that I could not think of any serious complaint about the car so far. I will have to get winter tires/rims for it and at 1300+ they are not cheap but they are essential for winter mobility. Would I buy the car again? In a heartbeat.

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  Maxumum S4 - 2001 Audi S4
  By Maximum - November 1 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned my S4 for the past 3 years and now its time for a decision between a new lease or Buy out. I drove the new V8 S4 and even though it seemed more refined in a luxury feel it was a pretty easy choice to continue on with my 01 S4. The S4 has been an all around performer, not as confidence inspiring as the Boxster I had previoiusly but still a real kick to drive. I never did chip it but I did drive one and its the next step since deciding not to go with an 05. Lots of aftermarket goodies will keep me happy for awhile. The power is great on back roads due to the high torque, not as great in a drag race. This car is a real kick when in and out of the throttle in the twisties.

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  I am glad that I bought this car - 2003 Audi A4
  By dombi - November 1 - 2:00 am

  This is my first Audi (after having a Jetta and a Tercel). Everything is amazing about this car. It is stylish, elegant, fun to drive and makes me feel safe. Some BMW owners complimented on the interior stying and quality. The car could be a bit quicker, but is actually fine for my taste. It does what I would expect from a 1.8L engine. Quattro is amazing, especially in the rain, the car feels very stable at all times. I had some issues, but the dealership has fixed them all at no charge and even provided a rental car (though a cheap one :-) ). I am leasing this car, but will probably end up buying it after the four years, it is just an awsome vehicle to own.

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  Quietly sensational - 2003 Audi A4
  By colin hansford - October 30 - 2:00 am

  This car is a joy to look at and drive. Winter in Upstate NY has been brutal this year and I was concerned that the 17" all-season tires would be an issue. Not so. I bought tiptronic as other family members cant drive stick but Tiptronic really is a great compromise, I use it all the time, slick fast and efficient changes. Cant wait for spring / summer to wash the salt off, get wax on, and get the sunroof open.

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  S4 ups and downs - 2004 Audi S4
  By LMstent - October 29 - 2:00 am

  Overall, I have thoroughly enjoyed my S4. Driving 25,000 mi / yr, the car has been an excellent performer -- the power, handling, and comfort level are all very nicely blended and what Im looking for in this market. Unfortunately a major issue developed. My car was in for its routine 25,000 service when an occult oil leak was detected. Apparently, there is a "watch" out on the engine where some "O ring" and sealant may need to be replaced (so I was told). Now, my car is in for sevice for a minimum of two weeks for the engine to be removed and repaired. This certainly took a toll on my confidence with Audi reliability.