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:

• 

  first audi - 2001 Audi A6
  By maurizio - October 11 - 2:00 am

  The audi a6 4.2 is a great car in any weather and is extermly good for small road trips. The quattro actually pulls you through turns and the v8 is very responsive. I would definitly recommend the audi a6 4.2 to anyone.

• 

  Quattro Delight - 2005 Audi S4
  By Myko - October 11 - 2:00 am

  I have a 2005 and while we have only had it for six weeks I cant overemphasise the delight and fun it is to drive. The car does not scream out visually but does so in terms of performance and sheer enjoyment of driving and handling on mountain roads. It is a bit of a glutton for gas. A real wolf in sheeps clothing. Lots of fun.

• 

  Silver Streakin - 2001 Audi A4
  By JDBryson - October 10 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this vehicle with plans to moderately modify it with a chip and possibly Euro Xenon headlamps since the specific car that I was looking at did not come with Xenon lights. Well, who knew that Id have a lot more than just those modifications? Along with the chip(s) and lights, I have added Stasis Tracksport coilovers, StopTech brakes, Neuspeed rear anti-sway bar, Strat short shifter, Bailey bypass valve, a boost gauge in the center vent, APR snub mount and AWE DTS to firm up the drivetrain as well as a few other mods. The more I add to this car, the more I enjoy it at drivers schools via the Audi clubs and other high performance driving schools.

• 

  Instant Classic! - 2004 Audi TT
  By Patsfan - October 10 - 2:00 am

  Whats not to like about this car? Even though its been around for 5 years, it still turns heads. I bought mine a week and a half ago and it looks better every day. Its fun to drive, very comfortable, and not to jarring for a car that handles so well. The fit and finish is excellent and everything is well put together. Build quality is second to none. I look forward to years of exciting commutes to work and cant wait to see what it can do in the snow this winter.

• 

  I hate my car!!! - 2003 Audi A4
  By Wiseguymc - October 10 - 2:00 am

  This car is loud, has no power, and it handles like a truck. Audi service is poor. I have received better service from General Motors, Honda and Toyota dealers. Do yourself a favor and buy a CLK320 from Mercedes.

• 

  audie a8l - 2005 Audi A8
  By don boen - October 9 - 2:00 am

  This is the most comfortible vehicel I have ever driven.The all whell drive provides great stability in wind, rain and snow. The air ride is wonderful and the computer system provides you with valuable info.The front seat massage keeps you alert and relaxed when driving long distance.And the incredible room in the back seat gives great comfort to those passengers.

• 

  Great car - 2005 Audi A8
  By kingaudis4 - October 9 - 2:00 am

  Great car, all features are great and a blast to use!

• 

  Audi A6 4.2 Quattro - 2000 Audi A6
  By Nate Affleck - October 8 - 2:00 am

  Have had numerous issues with upper and lower control arms. Something to consider is the enormous costs because of the Audi name and the German parts every little things costs an arm and a leg. All in all I believe this to be a lemon.

• 

  Awesome, But. . . . . - 2001 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By Pedrop - October 7 - 2:00 am

  I love this car more than any others I have ever owned. But the quality leaves a little to be desired. At 5k miles, the power steering pump blew up. At 10k miles the waterpump cracked. Battery kicked out at 12k miles. At 30k miles the air suspension developed a leak - one the dealer kept insisting they could not replicate. All items were eventually taken care of professionally by Audi. But you have to wonder about a car that listed at close to $50k new.

• 

  Fun to drive - 2004 Audi A4
  By ron from nh - October 7 - 2:00 am

  The Audi A4 might not be tops in its class in any one category, but the overall blend of style, performance, and exceptional handling make it a blast to drive. In six months of driving, I just havent found a thing not to like about the car.