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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  frustrated - 2004 Audi A8
  By hate it - May 8 - 2:00 am

  I couldnt be more frustrated. Ive had it in the shop six times in five months. The electronics on the car keeps failing. The technicians cannot figure it out. The MMI system and the keyless remote keep failing. I wish I could get rid of it. But Audi does not back up their product.

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  Fun car to drive! - 2001 Audi A4
  By fbellay - May 8 - 2:00 am

  This is a very comfortable and fun car to drive. I like the feeling of control when driving the car, thanks to the Quattro transmission. Ive had only one minor problem with it. An aligment wheel which got covered by the waranty. The sad thing with these luxury cars is the depreaction which is pretty steep. My only regret with this car is its lack of power (1.8T engine). It sometimes feel underpowered. My next car will also be an A4, but this time with the bigger engine V6 or even the S4 if I can afford it.

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  2004 S4 Brilliant Black - 2004 Audi S4
  By mwrose - May 7 - 2:00 am

  great every day performance car. With proper tires, a capable winter car. Very linear power delivery, well balanced handling, and suspension that works with the driver.

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  S4Joy - 2004 Audi S4
  By pedro3 - May 7 - 2:00 am

  This is my daily commuting car(110 miles r/t), and it is very sporty and handles exceptionally well.The suspension is stiff but the comfort of the seats more than makes up for that.Its great for a short haul or a multi-hour drive even though the back seat is a bit tight.The interior/exterior build quality is excellent.The gas mileage is a bit worse than I had initially expected at an avg of 14mpg. With this much torque and HP one could easily drive this car in 6th gear most of the time where I see 18mpg+, but the lower gears make for a lot of fun!The Quattro system is just as good as I remember from my old A4.

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  This is a performance car - 2004 Audi TT
  By robertq - May 7 - 2:00 am

  The articles I have read on the internet regarding the Audi TT must be referring to the four cylinder versions. The 3.2 DSG has exceptional power and handling. The exhaust note is particularly impressive and it is amazing to drive. The only problems I have with the car are due to its size. Their is very little room in the cabin, the cupholders are useless, no armrest and the trunk is ridiculously small. With that said this car is not meant to be practical. It is meant to be a fun car with performance and it lives up to that billing.

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  Used Buyer Beware - 2001 Audi A6
  By notaudifan - May 7 - 2:00 am

  After almost 4 years, I will soon be rid of this vehicle, as I will not purchase it at the end of lease.The car has spent more than 7 weeks in the dealer service department (this does not count 1 day trips). The dealer has been quite helpful, but after 3 computers, new coils, injectors, driver window, 3 catalytic convertors, and other assorted bits, I will say goodbye.

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  Great Mountain Car if you can afford it - 1997 Audi A4
  By skirat - May 6 - 2:00 am

  I love this car! I bought it used at 85k miles and have a 117000 now. Its smooth, good pep- not a barn burner, but adequate. The naturally asperated FI V6 is very nice. The car is solid like a Benz and has a strong hint of Porche in it. Its a cat in the snow. The wheels never spin-never! I recently bought a 2004- I like it even more! Repairs are expensive- Its cheaper to lease a new one covered in warranty, then to keep pouring big bucks into the old babe- Nothing lasts for ever...

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  Amazing. - 2004 Audi S4
  By FrontLine - May 6 - 2:00 am

  Audi wasnt even in my vocabulary when I went to look for a new car but I passed it walking out to test drive a few Porsche vehicles and thought, what a beautiful understated car. I went out in the Porsche and went back and said lets take the S4 out. Needless to say 100mph through a cloverleaf with no traction loss and I was sold. Its a beautiful car inside and out my ONLY complaint is the cupholder in the dash stinks.

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  My Track Car - 2004 Audi S4
  By ashear - May 5 - 2:00 am

  I raced this car stock and it far exceeded my expectations. Zero brake fade, like the old model had. Tourqe from all speeds, I constantly skip gears when I normally drive, it has more power than it really would ever need.

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  Only Oil and Gas - Great car - 1996 Audi A4
  By RichGilb - May 3 - 2:00 am

  This has been a great car. It is fun to drive, its been VERY reliable (only oil and gas), and it has a great stereo. Definately get the 2.8 quattro. It hugs the road and does well in snow. I was worried about Audi because of the 5000 issues in the 80s. But this car has won me over!