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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  A must test drive - 2004 Audi S4
  By GSP - August 17 - 2:00 am

  If your in the market comparing M3 and the C55 AMG, you must drive this car. Easier drive than the M3, and not as showy as the C55. (sometimes you dont want people to know what you have). Quattro makes any roadway feel safe and stable, and V8 makes this car move.

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  One Happy Guy - 2004 Audi S4
  By DoltDodger - August 16 - 2:00 am

  Test drove several Mercedes, owned two BMWs, this car is about the perfect balance for me. I prefer the more immediate steering feel of a BMW, however Audi has done a great job with the steering in this car. (All wheel drive prevents it being any better.) I also perfer rear wheel drive, but this car doesnt have the obnoxious front wheel drive feel most AWD cars provide. The power is great fun, the ride exceptional given the performance envelope of the car. I cant find fault with the interior, & actually love the stealthy exterior. A BMW M3 may be quicker, but not by much, and the ride is much worse. Dont buy a performance sedan without test driving an S4.

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  new to me - 2001 Audi TT
  By britvin - August 14 - 2:00 am

  Love the car. It is the perfect car for Hawaii. Only had a problem with the sensor for the top. The light stayed on constantly and the Audi dealership (in Waikiki) got it right in and fixed the problem. Still under the warranty so time in the shop (1/2 day) was free.

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  awesome so far - 2004 Audi A4
  By fadious - August 14 - 2:00 am

  The car has performed perfectly so far. The dealer was very accomodating in the only service needed. This is my third Audi and the build quality has definitely improved. The car feels a lot more luxurious than a C class Mercedes and much more fun to drive.

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  Bring your checkbook - 1999 Audi A4
  By annp - August 13 - 2:00 am

  When its running well, its a great car. Handles great, plenty of power, it feels both sporty and safe. Its also quiet and comfortable. But the cars had one electrical problem after another. Its had 4(!) gas guage sensors, and needs another, among an assortment of other problems that were either fixed under warranty, or are not being fixed because the cost of fixing them is prohibitive. Every trip for maintenance is a $1500-2000 excursion. I think Ill go for a Toyota next time.

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  This is not a chevy - 2002 Audi A4
  By Jay-Hawk - August 13 - 2:00 am

  I bought a 2003 1.8T A4 just over a year ago and I still love my car. Its a fun car to drive while maintaining some functionality that I need. I would recommend this car to anyone considering buying one. I would also recommend getting the ECU reprogrammed by APR to improve the performance.

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  The Perfect Sleeper - 1998 Audi A8
  By svxit - August 12 - 2:00 am

  This car is fast, comfortable, low-key and generally a joy to drive. For a car with a 300 hp v-8 and all-wheel drive, it has an unbelievable range on the highway. And because of the cars rarity, its not nearly as likely to "walk off" (get stolen) as a Camry or Accord. Also, because these cars depreciated so heavily, they are a fantastic buy.

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  You are in for a treat! - 2004 Audi A4
  By jhpa - August 12 - 2:00 am

  While searching for a new car, I looked at the 3-series, G35, and A4. I have not regretted my decision! Gearshifts are flawless, turbo gives me power when I need a boost, road grip and driver response are excellent, craftmanship is first rate, aesthetically pleasing (inside and out), standard sound system is better than BMWs harmon kardon premium, excellent warranty (1st pair of brake pads, oil changes, servicing are all free), and its turning radius helps me corner through the small streets in SF! I test drove the 3.0 as well and besides the 0-60 and top-line acceleration, there is little difference.

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  Worth it - 2004 Audi TT
  By rbr2d - August 11 - 2:00 am

  I had previously driven an Audi TTR 225 roadster. While I enjoyed it to the end I was constantly hounded by the turbo lag that seem to be unpredictable in tight situations. I am not aggressive but there are times when turbo lag can affect safety. I now drive the 3.2 DSG roadster. Other than the problem albeit fixable one that I encountered with the overfilled compressor, it was a worthy change. No turbo lag. Though heavier, it still responds well. The tighter suspension also makes the drive more fun.

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  Better than Porsche - 2002 Audi TT
  By lou marinucci - August 11 - 2:00 am

  After shopping the Z3 and the Boxter, I chose the TT. 65,000 miles later I know I made the right choice. Much more confortable,with lots of features the others do not have, gorgeous interior, all wheather usability, and almost the same performance. Gets looks everywhere. Tremendous fun to drive. No comparison with the others.Very reliable and trouble free after 65,000 miles! A truly great car.