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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  My new A8 - 2004 Audi A8
  By RPXXPR - December 3 - 2:00 am

  Ive had the car for only 2000 miles, I love it so far.

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  Awesome - 2006 Audi A3
  By khan29 - December 2 - 4:33 am

  This car is awesome!!! Fun to drive, fast and plenty of room in back seats for adults. We had two child seats and very easy to get children in and out.

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  160000 miles Just like new - 1999 Audi A8
  By tire - December 1 - 2:00 am

  Just keeps rolling along. No repairs, normal maintence, 160000 miles. Still makes 23 miles to a gallon.

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  Fun car... but not with all the probs!!! - 1999 Audi A4
  By EncinoMan2 - December 1 - 2:00 am

  These are great cars, but mine was in the shop more than my garage! From 50k to 60k miles it needed over $8000 in repairs, thank god for the extended warranty

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  Be careful what ya dream about - 2002 Audi A4
  By sarge1 - December 1 - 2:00 am

  Car has all options .Never again!!!For a car in this price range to have so many problems.Coil pack failure (stranded),brake failure(stranded)horn failure(needed for inspection,took 7 months to get)and many other problems.Dealer acts like Im bothering him with my problems(they left fog light trim off and wouldnt return my calls)so Audi USA says to drive 60 miles to the next nearest dealer for future service.Like many others, Im leary about taking this car on an extended trip.Glad I kept my old 1999 Olds Intrigue.Its my daily driver and has never let me down.

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  My Audi - 2003 Audi A4
  By JWKISER2 - December 1 - 2:00 am

  Nice car and has all the extras, but needs more power. The inside is spectacular and looks so nice at night when it is all lit up. Bose stereo is good, but no like a Harmon Kardon or a Mark Levinson in a rivial sedan. Fun to drive, but just not as fun as my old BMW. My openion is, this car is nice, has plenty of options and extras, but if you can afford it buy a BMW 3 series because it is a better vehicle and funner to drive. I promise!

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  Audi Convertible - 2004 Audi A4
  By mls0902 - December 1 - 2:00 am

  Great ride, however I am having an ongoing problem with the Turbo Intake Hose, I have been back to the dealer 4 times in 4 months!

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  a great car - 2004 Audi A4
  By drew22204 - December 1 - 2:00 am

  an outstanding car that feels much more expensive than it is.

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  Awesome A4 - 2002 Audi A4
  By GeoffL - November 30 - 10:00 am

  I have a 3.0 Tiptronic Quattro. Ebony inside and out. Leather too. This is my second A4, and I must say that the 2002 model is 100% improved from the previous generation. I thought the previous generation was great, but the 2002 model feels soooo solid and well built. It is better in every regard. The fuel economy ratings are right on target; I consistently get 25 MPG on the highway and a little over 18 in the city. Im not faulting the ratings, I just wish the fuel economy was a little better. I think the front seats are a little firm, but that is just my taste. Perhaps theyll soften up as time goes on.

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  Unbelievable handling - 2002 Audi A4
  By D. Snutz - November 30 - 10:00 am

  The handling in this car is unlike any other car Ive driven. The BMW 3-Series 4 wheel drive doesnt compare. The car rides a little bit rough at lower speeds and its pick-up is good but not great, but where this car really excels is on the open road. Extremely tight handling at higher speeds, this car is extremely fun to drive. One major drawback for me has been that the Check Engine light will not go off despite repeated trips to the dealership.