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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  NICE RIDE!!! - 2004 Audi A8
  By unknown man - May 13 - 2:00 am

  very very nice ride

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  This is a keeper! - 2004 Audi TT
  By ron murfin - May 13 - 2:00 am

  Bought the car with 2,000 mi and in almost a year only one minor adjustment....great drive....electric top is perfect...plenty of power in the little 4 banger with the turbo....and high marks for Champion Motors...excellent sales and service personnel.

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  Poorly Built Car - 2003 Audi A4
  By Kerstin - May 13 - 2:00 am

  We have had our Audi for less than a year and it is one problem after another. We the car arrived the convertible top was coming apart at the seams on the interior. It took a week to repair. Then the compartment in the trunk (used for storing the roof) broke and it took 2 trips to repair it. Last time it was in for service they found a "small" transmission fluid leak. Two months later, it is in again and now they have to replace the transmission! Worst made car weve ever purchased!!!!

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  Can Rule the Road - 2016 Audi Q5
  By QUEUE5 - May 12 - 6:36 pm

  Pros: Awesome interior Good speakers Driver view Cons: No USB ports Outdated technology Summary: I have had it only for a month and below are a few observations. The drive is really good and driver vantage points are numerous. Quite a good amount of legroom for the driver. The road looks well lit with the awesome lights. The parking assist is really helpful. A few minor hiccups are, there are no USB ports. Has one connector in the glove box to hook up an iPod classic or older generations. Can add the new iOS connector as an attachment but cannot have the phone connected to it and Bluetooth on at the same time. Got only the Audi care package included and declined the packages for paint n dent protection. Got a ski rack included with the vehicle, its lying indoors and will stay dead till the year I ski. A prospective buyer should probably negotiate for a cargo carrier if not interested in the ski rack. The drive and music are good, will know about the maintanence costs only after a few years.

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  A6 2.7T - 2004 Audi A6
  By siravast - May 12 - 2:00 am

  The car is quick however not as agile as I would like (as compared to my BMW 528i with sports package). God use of space and quality materials throughout.

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  great car fun too drive - 2003 Audi A4
  By omari35 - May 12 - 2:00 am

  the car drives well and handling is great but it does need a little more power for the turbo.

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  Love/Hate - 2000 Audi S4
  By eastcoasttkd - May 11 - 2:00 am

  Love it: Fun to drive, especially in the twisties of the North Georgia mountains. Plenty of room for the family of four and trunk space for travel or sports events. Still my favorite car since my 67 Firebird Convertible (and drives much better). Hate it: In less than 35000 miles it has needed a new radio, transmission, clutch, flywheel, drivers airbag, and in-dash electronics. Also, on third set of tires (Bridgestones went at 6k and 17k). Most (including tires) has been covered under warranty (3 years only).

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  Audi TT is the best sports car going - 2004 Audi TT
  By Dez - May 11 - 2:00 am

  Ive only own my TT for 1 year, but Ive been wishing for one longer than that. Its the most refine, tight sports car Ive ever had (and Ive had others). I cant imagine anyone having a TT and not being in a good mood after driving it.

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  So much for so little - 1999 Audi A4
  By mutinyno9 - May 9 - 2:00 am

  I have had this car for about 4 months now and really love the car. Not just the looks but performance. I felt the 150hp wasnt enough, and one mod(Chip $400) made me happy with 200hp and 243ft/tq. You wont be dissapointed when buy this car the AWD helps out nicely when driving in snow/rain or just everyday use. The cost of repairs is a little steep, but it lacks there it makes up in exceptional gas milage (for an AWD/Turboed car) of 23/32, and looks and perfornace

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  Even with Ext. Warranty - 2000 Audi A4
  By DPS - May 8 - 2:00 am

  My car is cute and fun to drive. I love it...It just doesnt love me. After 50K it is beginning to fall apart. Faulty airbag, faulty steering column, disintegrated fuel pump (which led to bent valves and an engine replacement), whiny turbo, faulty o2 sensor, faulty master air flow sensor... In the past year, the vehicle has had ~$8K in repairs. Luckily I had an extended, but I still sacrifice my time and $50 every time the check engine light comes on.