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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  The Car I Thought I Always Wanted - 2001 Audi A6
  By Jesse - June 22 - 2:00 am

  The 2.7t in a word: amazing. Connection to the road: excellent. Cabin: very nice. As my lease comes to an end, I am pleased to say so long to my “dream car”. My problem? Maintenance! When the Audi Advantage plan ends prepare to pay. My car has spent weeks in the shop driver seat, dashboard lights, and brake pads all replaced. Plastic pieces broken turbo pieces cracked and it seems both the check engine or airbag light is on. The newest problem is sounding like a serious suspension problem. These problems could be attributed to demanding driving, but most of the time this car is simply a commuter. Choose this car be advised of a high maintenance bill!

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  2006 Audi A3 2.0T - 2006 Audi A3
  By Sportback - June 21 - 10:23 pm

  The Audi A3 combines all of the fun-to-drive characteristics of the Audi TT and the VW Golf GTI (with which it shares a platform), with an elegant design and a real backseat that adults can use.

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  The Sweet & Sour Audi - 1996 Audi A4
  By Jack Gross - June 21 - 2:00 am

  Alas, my experience with the 96 A4 has also been of the approach-avoidance type. Agree, beautiful to look at and to drive ergonomics are great. Also agree that the 2.8/175HP engine was not big enough for a compact this hefty. Having steered at least a half dozen other buyers to Audis, I was taken aback to be told that a recent whining noise was emanating from the 5-speed manual transmission and that it needed replacing. This is with only 55,000 miles. And this is after replacing the front suspension twice. My heart says get another one, but my brain just wont let me.

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  No more SUVs for me.... - 2003 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By airgross - June 18 - 2:00 am

  sports car handling, adjustable suspension, luxury....the perfect urban assault vehicle!

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  2004 V8 vs. 2001 Biturbo - 2004 Audi S4
  By adeshpa - June 18 - 2:00 am

  I traded in my 2001 S4 biturbo for a 2004 6-spd. The 2004 is very quick (with MT clocking a 5 second 60 MPH sprint, versus the factorys 5.6 est.), with an incredibly usuable torque curve. Unlike the 2001, there is no lag in acceleration, and it pulls hard from 2k RPM all the way to 5k before tailing off--you dont have to work the engine hard to bring a smile to your face. The torque is noticeable on the highways as well, where 60-90 MPH sprints pass by in a blur. Minuses--Fit and finish is poorer, mileage is terrible, harsh ride (esp. if you live in the NE), adaptive steering and handling generally can be irritating. Gripes are small.So far I love it.

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  over priced - 2004 Audi A6
  By woops - June 18 - 2:00 am

  My 2001 has had no major but many, many problems. Broken sunvisor, 3 blowers, many caliper problems. It is comparable in quality to my 92 Taurus but for twice as much. Without a warranty it is not a keeper. Simply it is a good looking problem machine.

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  My Audi Experience - 2003 Audi A4
  By pgreen - June 18 - 2:00 am

  Awesome experience in and out

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  Proof that you can improve on perfection - 2004 Audi TT
  By ThirdTT - June 17 - 2:00 am

  I was a prior Porsche owner when I got my 2000 TT. When, in 2002, a 6 speed ALM became available, I simply had to have that red coupe. The 6 speed manual made driving such a pleasure, even in traffic. I so loved that car, I knew I would keep it forever. But then the 3.2 was introduced and a review by TechTV impressed me. I had to have that new transmission and it was time for a convertible. I have never regretted the decision.

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  Great Roadster.. - 2004 Audi TT
  By alpinex - June 17 - 2:00 am

  Log in 500 miles on my TT so far and the car has exceeded my expectations. The car acceration is extremely quick from a dead stop. Handling is very responsive on tight turns, you also feel in control. Ergonomically the instrument panel is flawless and extremely easy to operate. The cabin space is fairly spacious for a 2 seater, much more spacious than the Z4. The TT is extremely fun to drive and worth every penny!

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  My 2001 Silver Audi TT Coupe - 2004 Audi TT
  By DrCatug - June 17 - 2:00 am

  I love the car. The only knock has been aimed at the electrical system and on board compter. Too many false readings. With the Audi assurance package, however, all reapirs are covered and usually performed quickly. I bought my 2001 used. There have been fewer problems recently. Audi must be getting their act otgether and learning from past mistakes.