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:

• 

  S4 Cab,,,, the best of all worlds! - 2004 Audi S4
  By tmS4cab - July 2 - 2:00 am

  Amazing looks, performance, comfort, safety, room for 4 real people, top- down fun and .... all-wheel drive! The 6 spd. stick is precise with crisp, short throws. Keeping engine rpms below 4500 in this break-in period, but there is a ton of torque on hand in any gear! Cant wait to "air it out". Ordered the car back in January and took delivery *exactly* when expected. The Light Silver Alcantra interior is rich and luxurious and contrasts against the Black trim beautifully. Chose the optional Carbon-Fiber trim rather than the dark brown walnut. Ordered mine Moro (dark) Blue with matching Blue top. Car feels *very* solid, hugging the road.

• 

  awesome car! - 2001 Audi A4
  By art311 - July 1 - 8:20 am

  An amazing car to own. It still puts a smile on my face quite frequently.

• 

  Pocket Rocket - 2004 Audi TT
  By Ratbert - July 1 - 2:00 am

  Traded in my BMW330ci for this little monster. Got tired of seeing myself come and go at every light and this TT is distinctive. More than enough zip-- Sufficient room for 2 and luggage, this is a head turner. Quick, tight and FUN to drive, I love it.

• 

  Luxury car goes easy on the wallet too - 2002 Audi A4
  By TheVone - July 1 - 2:00 am

  I had this Audi for a while and just love it. It has got the good looks plus the drive is fun too. The CVT feature helps when you want to get the power out of the car, which is not too evident when in automatic.

• 

  140000 great miles - 1999 Audi A4
  By ls - June 30 - 2:00 am

  140,000 miles and we have had two failures, both casued by husnad in a hurry. The plastic on the dipstick handle broke when twisted incorrectly as did the plastic surround for the parking brake. This car has just been terrific to drive and it is outstanding in rain (we live in Western WA, we know rain) and snow. Engine has been bulletproof, interior shows virtually no wear on any surfaces. Our third Audi, certainly not our last.

• 

  Fabulous Choice! - 1997 Audi A4
  By volkchick - June 28 - 2:00 am

  This car is a great choice for anyone looking for a medium sized 4 door sport sedan. Great for the younger market. Price is excellent for the amount and quality of vehicle that you get. At 7 years old my vehicle is in great condition and runs like a dream. The get up and go is amazing, unlike other sports cars of its age.

• 

  Cabriolet Review - 2005 Audi A4
  By VRB - June 27 - 10:00 am

  Have only had for a week. We traded in a 2002 TT Roadster due to bad visibility driving with the top up. The A4 is sensational, roomy and fun to drive.

• 

  Audi A6 - 2004 Audi A6
  By vasovagal - June 27 - 2:00 am

  Sumptious interior, understated elegance, quiet cabin, powerful engine and solid smooth ride are the charastics of my A6. Build quality teutonic, I have no complaints. Dealer service is terrific the few times needed.

• 

  Should have bought a Mercedez - 2004 Audi A8
  By Coralreefmastr - June 25 - 2:00 am

  I bought a brand new car and within 3000 miles it broke down. The dealership has had our car longer than we have. We have no idea when we will get it back. A car that cost 85 thousand dollars shouldnt break down in less than a month. Im very disappointed with my first Audi and I will never buy another one. I should have bought a Mercedez.

• 

  Great for those who really know Audi - 2003 Audi A4
  By Genesis Audi - June 25 - 2:00 am

  2003 1.8T Quattro Red with all options. Installed KN Filter, new air intake and a module for the turbo. Increased the HP from 170 to near 210. The AWD is great for snowy winters in Connecticut. Excellent handling in the rain and slippery conditions, tight ride - very tight and rigid - good for German lovers. Slight turbo lag, but overall excellent speed - plenty for acceleration and high speed passing on the turnpike. Brakes are as good as they get - at times I worry about people behind me. Good stereo, excellent heating and A/C. Displays are clean. Stereo: 6-CD Changer at your reach - really happpy with it. Gas milage struggles past 20 in city.