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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  Audi allroad - 2002 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By BennyNY - December 5 - 10:00 am

  Great alternative to an SUV. Great build quality and roomy. Very quiet and handles great. Terrific snow/rain car. Great for the family.

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  Its a keeper - 1998 Audi A4
  By gerardrj - December 5 - 10:00 am

  During the warrany period, my A4 had quite a few little things go wrong: wind shield wiper pump, seatbelt case broke, trip odometer panel went dim (2x), all were repaired/ replaced under warranty. The only things that have gone wrong since the warranty expired where a direct result of abuse (usually by the car wash attendants), or normal wear (the break pads needing to be replaced). After 4 years the car still sounds and runs like the day I drove it off the lot.

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  Great Car - 2002 Audi A4
  By RBA4luv - December 5 - 10:00 am

  We just returned from an 800 mile roundtrip on 29.2 gallons of gas. Thats over 28 MPG! The car rides like a bigger car, but handles like a sports car. The 1.8T has plenty of guts, and you know this engine is designed for the Autobahn, as she really purrs at 65, and would love to be unrestrained by the low speed limits on our (US) roads. Seats are very comfortable, and adjustable and our "black beauty" looks really rich.

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  Very good car except needs more HP - 1999 Audi A6
  By kLiMaX - December 5 - 2:00 am

  its extremely fun to drive and handles like mostly no other!!! i just wish i can put the 2.7t engine in this car. i like the enterior better on the 2.8 then the 2.7t.

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  A real runner - 1996 Audi A6
  By d.fuz - December 5 - 2:00 am

  Purchased this car with 96,000 miles. Now with nearly 225,000 it still runs very dependably, handles mountain roads daily, and produces not a single rattle nor squeak anywhere in this car. Yes, it is getting long in the tooth and some shocks were repalced as well as a transmission seal and a few interior switches have broken but the engine has been flawless. It drives comfortably, firmly & with authority on mountain roads. Climate control system is needing work again electricals. I spend 6-10 hours a day in the car as it serves as my office. I got a good one!

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  2000 A4 1.8TQ - Problems after 50K mi - 2000 Audi A4
  By JGM - December 5 - 2:00 am

  In months 0-36, Audi replaced the front brakes, a CV boot, numerous headlights & the dash instrument cluster. In months 37-44 (SINCE THE WARRANTY HAS EXPIRED), I have had numerous problems, including: vacuum hoses, AC Clutch, radio, hazard flasher, drivers inner door assembly - about $1,300 out-of-pocket. The dealer suggested an extended warranty. Should a $30K+ car be breaking down less than six months out of warranty? Consumer Reports rates this car as a "Car to Avoid" for reliability. As an entry level car, its not good PR. I may try Acura RL/TL, BMW 3-Series, Lexus IS300 or Mercedes C-Class for the same money.

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  Great car! - 2003 Audi A6
  By ljb - December 4 - 2:00 am

  So, far this is a great car. I drove a bunch of BMWs, A Jag, a Lexus, etc. Some were fun (the BMW) some were soft and slow (the Jag, the Lexus, for example) and most were far more expensive, for the same features! I am very pleassed, so far. Drives great!

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  A4 is a Perfect Balance - 2002 Audi A4
  By jfaxio - December 4 - 2:00 am

  Although not as quick as the BMW 3 series, but just as refined as the Mercedes Benz C Class, my 2002 A4 3.0 Quattro is a perfect vehicle for my 40 mile reverse highway commute. Depending on your mood, leave it to the plush interior and sound system, or the "Quattro-supreme" road manners to keep you grinning from ear to ear. My only complaint is a lack of low end torque from the V6 engine. Ive had this car for 6 months, and still get a kick out of driving to and from work. JF

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  Should be illegal in US - 1998 Audi A8
  By pjbrady - December 3 - 2:00 am

  Ive had this car since 2002 and its amazing. FUN, FUN, FUN to drive for such a large car. The engine is so powerful, it should be illegal in the United States (Im glad its not). For a car of this size, the space frame makes it feel incredible light and nimble, but solid as a rock. I live in the mountains of Utah and the Quattro is a must have. I forsee myself buying A8s for many years to come.

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  My car is junk - 1998 Audi A4
  By financeman1440 - December 3 - 2:00 am

  I bought the car with 39k last October, since then I have replaced all front control arms, brakes all around, now it is the shop apparently needs a new rear differential and possible wheel bearings. The front of the car keeps falling off, when I park too close to a curb. Cup holders dont work, my 850 volvo gets better gas mileage. Love the looks, hate the car. Local dealer sucks.