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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  pure enjoyment - 1998 Audi A4
  By A4fun4me - June 24 - 2:00 am

  I do alot of driving and absolutely love my A4 2.8Q. Bought with 50K I now have 140,000+ and expect to get 300K from this car. The Quattro is inspired. The Bose stereo is great for someone infront of it quite a bit. For this car the build quality has been fine with just the suggested maintenance needed to be done. Owning an Audi means you have to join the Quattro club and attend as many events as you can! I am an Audi guy for life!

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  Almost perfect - Highly Recommended - 2001 Audi A4
  By LI-George - June 24 - 2:00 am

  After driving a 1999 1.8T (Ive been loyal to American car makers for too long) - I pulled it off the used market and decided to keep it after a month. I will never go back to US cars. With all the complaints on this forum regarding some experiences with reliability, it pales in comaprison. I traded the 99 in with 80k and the engine and tranny were in great shape. Now own a 2001 2.8 and am amazed at the improvement over the crisp performance of the 99 1.8T. Its styling is timeless and classic and IMO belongs with such classic designs as the 57 Chevy, 67 mustang, among others. This is a keeper. Buy Certified if used.

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  Great car for the money - 2003 Audi A4
  By DonDiamante - June 24 - 2:00 am

  The best car you can buy for under $30K

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  Fun to drive - 2000 Audi A4
  By Taylorso - June 23 - 2:00 am

  The 2000 Audi A4, 1.8T Quattro is a well built, solid car with responsive handling and good acceleration with the manual, 5-speed transmission. The all wheel drive combined with the handling capabilities makes this a fun car to drive. Over four years, only one significant mechanical problem has been experienced. Japanese car owners should try an Audi to compare.

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  Why has no one heard of the S4? - 2004 Audi S4
  By chrisincalif - June 23 - 2:00 am

  I had an 03 A4 CVT (hated CVT) and upgraded to my S4. I actually laughed out loud the first time I drove it. An amazing car. The sound of the engine alone makes you want to get behind the wheel. The all-wheel drive provides a secure feeling around corners. Design-wise, no domestic, BMW or Benz or Japanese car even compares. I had a Nogaro blue with enhanced black/blue interior. The seats "hug" you and makes you feel secure while driving.

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  Purchased after Test Drive - 2006 Audi A3
  By TJ - June 22 - 10:50 pm

  Faster than the A4. Less expensive than the BMW. Automatic DSG shifts like a dream.

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  All new A4 Premium Plus - 2017 Audi A4
  By Steven D. - June 22 - 7:24 am

  I am brand new to Audi. I recently just purchased the all new A4 back in May. This car is a total blast to drive! I couldnt be any happier with the performance and quality.

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  I like it I love it - 1998 Audi A6
  By Michael Zimmerman - June 22 - 2:00 am

  I am overwhelmed by my pre-owned A6. I cant find a thing wrong with it.

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  Not Worth It - 2001 Audi A4
  By forunna - June 22 - 2:00 am

  I have a 67 Mustang that has less problems!!!. Nothing but electrical problems since Ive had it. ABS unit needed to be replaced twice (without a warning light...thats comforting), control box for door locks had to be replaced (couldnt even get in the car!!), most recently, had to have all dashboard electronics replaced after radio froze (couldnt change stations or anything) and dash disply went dead. If you have to have one, lease, and not for longer than the warranty.

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  Not Worth It - 2001 Audi A4
  By quattro boy - June 22 - 2:00 am

  I have a 67 Mustang that has less problems!!!. Nothing but electrical problems since Ive had it. ABS unit needed to be replaced twice (without a warning light...thats comforting), control box for door locks had to be replaced (couldnt even get in the car!!), most recently, had to have all dashboard electronics replaced after radio froze (couldnt change stations or anything) and dash disply went dead. If you have to have one, lease, and not for longer than the warranty.