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 bad they dont make an A8 wagon! - 1998 Audi A6
  By mrburb - November 22 - 2:00 am

  Weve had gasket and seal issues, but they seem to have been resolved. Electrical is not the greatest, and rear seat legroom is tight - especially for a bunch of tall people. Those things aside, this is the most balanced, smoothest, most well- engineered car weve owned. It is a joy to drive - even if it is a wagon - though a little more power would be nice. If only it were a little bigger...

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  Falling Apart - 1999 Audi A4
  By Concerned Jonny - November 21 - 2:00 am

  Loved the car when I bought it but friends warned me to get rid of an Audi after 50k miles. How true! The door handle latch broke recently and then the water pump seized and left me stranded on the highway. Suggest that future prospects think hard about status vs. reliability. Me? Im buying another Subaru. They DONT fall apart.

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  Same Story - 2000 Audi A4
  By CrazyBear - November 20 - 2:00 am

  I bought this Audi for the Style, Fuel Economy, and how it handles with the Tiptronic transmission. I liked the idea of free scheduled maintenance for 50k. Then, like many others, I have lived at the dealership. Cruise control, blinking console lights, rough idle, and 5 new headlights. Too many problems for a former Honda Accord owner. Back to Honda!!!!

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  Unreliable - 2001 Audi A4
  By AudiArt - November 19 - 2:00 am

  Great handling, but it breaks down and the dealers cant fix it or get parts. Or, they fix it incorrectly and it has to be towed back.

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  fast 2.7t - 2004 Audi A6
  By srur54a - November 19 - 2:00 am

  Great car to play with. I installed an aftermarket chip in the 2.7t and it flys. Also installed Euopean spec audi nav plus system. Best interior out of any car in its class (or above for that matter.) Good reliability. Any problems I have had are minor and covered under warrenty. A lot of car for the money. A bargain but not a bargain car. Cant bring myself to spend a few thousand more for BMW or MB. 4 wheel drive rocks! I really enjoy this car. It may not corner like a BMW but I dont take corners at 60mph. Great muscle car with lux abound. Perfect for American drivers. Cup holders are a little small.

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  Lovin the A8 - 1999 Audi A8
  By polly - November 18 - 2:00 am

  Had the car three and a half years. Installed S8 suspension. Excellent build quality and style, still gets compliments. Excellent milage for 300 hp V8. Very comfortable for long trips. Excellent ride handling compromise after intalling factory S8/sport suspsension Had a few minor issues covered under warrenty but my dealer (Hoehn) has been great.

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  Sleeper - 2004 Audi A8
  By Chichay - November 18 - 2:00 am

  This car is incredible in what it delivers for the money compared to "the other two brands". Smooth, powerful, roomy, excellent workmanship both inside and outside. Well thoughtout controls.

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  Pretty Disappointed - 2004 Audi A8
  By formulalu - November 17 - 2:00 am

  Aside from the "tyre" pressure monitor not indicating which tire is low, the main problem is jolting acceleration. Powerful engines can still have smooth acceleration. The rear seat headrests are so ill-designed that it is just a matter of time before fatalities occur during lane changes due to an unnacceptably wide blind spot that requires the driver to contort his neck to see if the coast is clear. And what is the deal with the coat hooks which are the size of thumbtacks? Dont bring more than one hanger when you travel or your clothes will be all over the floor. Dont buy this Audi on looks alone. Test drive it first with my comments in mind.

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  Eye Candy - 2003 Audi TT
  By MikeSJ - November 17 - 2:00 am

  This hot little sportster is a eye catching whiz. Everybody looks, everybody wants to know how much it is! I have only one problem--the tilt wheel does not move the wheel far enough down or up as other car models do. Other than that the car is packed with fun accessories and a nice little learning curve on how to use them!

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  Love my Audi - 2001 Audi A6
  By cbelden - November 17 - 2:00 am

  Not since my 89 Acura Legend have I driven a car theat cost me so little in repairs. The car has been completely reliable, so much so I fully expect to get the next version A6 when it comes out in 2004.