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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  Too Unreliable - 1999 Audi A6
  By RJWC - April 22 - 2:00 am

  Overpriced & very sluggish from lights, roars like a bull when driven hard. Poor quality interior (Rear cargo cover & first aid kit door broken, illegible radio display when cold, fading dash display when hot) Oil Leak, burns a lot of oil, fuel sensors replaced 3 times, Xenon light replaced due to moisture absorption, Intermittent rear cargo light operation (dealer unable to find cause) Safe car, handles well but well below par performance for a car of this price. The quality of these cars is hit and miss. If you get a good one youre lucky, if you get a lemon like me, youll never buy another. Car was be returned to bank after 2 years lease (14000 miles).

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  I love it, warts and all - 2003 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By Sportsman - April 21 - 10:46 am

  This car is now 7 years old, approaching 100K miles, and still looks and drives like new! I like this car so much Im willing to tolerate its high maintenance; I recently needed a new clutch and brakes; tires last for one year; the 105K maintenance is due soon ($$$). I have owned a BMW X5 and a Subaru Outback with similar functional images, but theres really no comparison to this Audi. Its a silly car in a way: the manual transs first gear is so tall that this car is a clutch-burner off-road and on boat ramps. I use this car to pull a boat trailer, haul bikes, kayaks, camping and skiing equipment, and drive fast, especially in the snow. My adult kids like to borrow it when theyre in town

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  Hot S4 Convertible - 2004 Audi S4
  By Sebastian - April 21 - 2:00 am

  I just got my New Audi S4 Convertible and I am in love. Not only does the car sound like a monster and moves like one too. I cant stop myself from reving the engine at every stop sign just to hear the engine. Not only is it a star on dry roads but drives even better in the rain. There is no convertible like it outthere.

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  Fantastic Vehicle - Highly Recommend - 2001 Audi A6
  By jhumphries69 - April 21 - 2:00 am

  We have been very pleased with this purchase. We test drove a Lexus GS300, BMW 328i, Acura TSX, and Infiniti I30t. The Audi was the best value: great price and awesome set of features. Who would pay 5k more for an inferior vehicle (GS300, 328i). For some reason pre-owned Audis are a great buy in the Atlanta area (well below blue book and Edmunds TMV).

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  Art in Motion - 2004 Audi TT
  By Mystro - April 20 - 2:00 am

  The Audi TT is a work of automotive art. Every piece and detail is well thought out and made of top material. In a world where most auto makers give the look of aluminum and leather. The Audi TT is the real deal. Nothing fake or cheap in this car, high-end all the way. This car is for people thats been around sportscars and have that "Been there, Done that" mentality with Porsches, Vettes,etc.. Audi WILL impress you. Quality is in the details and the TTs beauty is more than skin deep.

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  A4 is a total Lemon - Wish we didnt by the Audi - 2010 Audi A4
  By Ken - April 19 - 7:25 am

  This car has been a total lemon. It is constantly in the shop with one expensive repair after another. The Audi dealership in Raleigh also makes it even worse. Lexus provides a much better experience when we bring in our cars there.

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  Will not give up my 2.8 - 1999 Audi A4
  By Euro Auto Addict - April 19 - 2:00 am

  I dod a tone of research prior to buying an A4. After comparing to five other possibilities I took the plunge and have been the happiest driver since. Found a 2.8 Sport PKG with 5-spd manual with 60K. I have since added a tune kit(air induction, exhaust, brakes, and ECU) from Evolution Motor Sports in Tempe AZ and have had even more fun!! Although it is a little more money for the car in terms of initial cost and maintaining, it will cost the same as buying a cheaper auto that you have to fix coonstantly like the GMC Jimmy I had previously. Living in Colorado every aspect of the A4 is used and enjoyed. Cant wait to get a new one in about 200K miles!!

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  Not Close to an M3 - 2004 Audi S4
  By OLSONR - April 19 - 2:00 am

  Wide console rubs my kneecap constantly. Navigation system not accessible by navigator. No moving map. Just directions" on a 2X2 screen for a $1500 option. Wifes 1997 M3 gets 50% more mileage with same pickup. Torque-steer on front wheels annoying. Harsh ride. Gave back to dealer to sell with less than 400 miles on it. Will keep M3. A horrible car.

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  Who said, a car is a car? - 2003 Audi A4
  By PoorBoy - April 19 - 2:00 am

  Ive had the 3.0 for about seven months and really enjoy driving it whenever I get the chance. Im not overly impressed with the S4 this year as the cost/performance ratio is not that great. If your looking for a well built german auto, with all the options far below the cost of other brands in its market segement. The 3.0 is worth the money.

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  11 months in a fantastic little car, Audi 2017 Q3 - 2017 Audi Q3
  By Michael - April 18 - 12:11 pm

  Yes, this car could have used 50 more horsepower in the 2.0T model, however the highway mileage is a sensational 33mpg at 65mph (with 89 octane fuel) It has a nice tight suspension with a super quiet ride. I was looking for a car for 2 years prior to buying this Q3 and am very pleased. It has taken me from Key West to the mountains of Northern Maine in a confident, safe and secure way. The down sides: Be aware that the display is in desperate need of upgrading, the Pirelli brand of tire needs to be changed to Michelin.