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:

• 

  S4 - Audis Premier Sports Sedan - 2004 Audi S4
  By Lawrence Green - March 21 - 2:00 am

  This is one super automobile. Car is 4 months old with about 7500 miles. Performance is outstanding even with the 6 speed Tiptronic. Handling is superior with the 18 in tires. Car is a smallish, tight rocket ship with 340 hp and a V8 engine. Recaro seats are superb. Fit and finsih are superb. On- Star Telematics with built in phone is a real plus. S4 is expensive, but on balance, worth it. Unless you can afford the RS6, this is the car to go with. Forget the M3, go for the S4 with awd.

• 

  Cant Leave The Drivers Seat - 2002 Audi TT
  By speed07 - March 21 - 2:00 am

  Oh my gosh, this has to be one of the most fun driving cars ever. I went to a car show and was strolling around and found an Audi and there was a TT Coupe and i had to sit in it. Once closing the door I fell in love. I couldnt figure out wether it was how quiet the cabin was or how it felt like I was going fast while standing still. So when I got home I researched them and decided to buy used and got a 2002 Audi TT Coupe 225 Hp and am never getting another car until this one quits. No matter how fast your going with the quattro you can whip it in and out of the curves with no slipage and the engine keeps pumping out RPMs.

• 

  Love my Car - 1998 Audi A4
  By prcannel - March 20 - 2:00 am

  My first Audi. Reliable, comfortable,safe and somehow . . . lovable. My satisfaction with my A4 helped persuade at least 4 other friends to purchase their A4s, A6s and TTs. Ill never be able to go back to 2WD after driving Quattro!

• 

  A4 rules - 1996 Audi A4
  By Gene - March 19 - 2:00 am

  My A4 has been very good to me. I bought it used, in 2002. It had one problem, a coolant leak in a place thats tough to get to. I had it fixed and haventhad any other problems since. Knock on wood.

• 

  A4, AWD, 3.0 Has Been Good to Me - 2002 Audi A4
  By Paul7321 - March 19 - 2:00 am

  Sorry for those of you who have had trouble. Maybe the A4 3.0 engine is little more friendly. I wouldnt trade mine for much of anything else on the market. One draw back, back seats lack room.

• 

  fun $$$$$ car - 1998 Audi A4
  By jspring - March 18 - 2:00 am

  Bought this car with 40000 miles and have spent $7000 in 2 plus years replacing almost every moving part - shocks,wheel bearings,ABS control module and complete front end . Have not touched engine nor transmission and hope to sell car ASAP

• 

  my tt - 2002 Audi TT
  By michellemms3 - March 18 - 2:00 am

  I love this car. Fun to drive, and in good driving/weather conditions it takes care of you. I have the performance tires so snow & ice can be tricky, but the all wheel drive is wonderful in the snow. This car has very confident acceleration, and handling.

• 

  great car! - 1993 Audi S4
  By crymer - March 17 - 2:00 am

  This car truly is a great example of German automaking. Fast, fun, reliable, it does everything well. Quattro makes it able to drive fast in rain or snow when other cars just cant get traction.

• 

  MY AUDI S4 IS AWESOME - 2004 Audi S4
  By dkandel1950 - March 17 - 2:00 am

  I had been waiting for my lease to end and have been holding out for a car that offered performance, 4 doors, and all- wheel drive. The M3 only has 2 doors and a manual tranny The AMG lacks some sportiness, body style is ok but unassuming, also costs more too. This car hauls and the all-wheel drive makes the tires power all 4 wheels while gripping the road like glue. The tires are special continental 18 inch high performance tires that came with the car and are specially tested and matched to the audi S4 at the factory.

• 

  5 Years and Going Strong - 1999 Audi A4
  By st-elias - March 16 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car new 5 years ago and I have had a smile ever since. I have comfortably driven it in temperatures ranging from -56F to 103F. The quattro traction system is unbeatable on snow and ice the car provides a great sense of stability and security. I have maintained it to the manual and at 70K miles I replaced all the belts and water pump as a preventative measure. I had only minor problems during the warranty period and all were repaired quickly and completely by the dealer. The Avant gives me most of the storage capacity of an SUV without the penalty of bulk.