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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  Wouldnt buy an Audi again - 2001 Audi A4
  By Miami mama - October 3 - 2:00 am

  While the 2001 Audi A4 can be fun to drive, its had FAR too many mechanical problems for such a new car (45,000 miles). Windshield fluid pump, brakes (had to change the entire brake set, couldnt do just the pads!), airbag, now something with a faulty oil system (its been there the last 3 days), and other strange things. Also do not like its low clearance, it just invites ripping off the front bumper guard on a parking space divider. Would never buy Audi again after this one. I cant wait to sell the car and go back to Toyota.

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  Outstanding Car! - 2001 Audi A4
  By Multiple Audi Owner - October 3 - 2:00 am

  I own three Audis: a 2001 A4 2.8Q, a 2000 A6 2.8Q Avant, and a 1997 Cabriolet. All three are wonderful cars, and serve different purposes. The 2001 A4 is great fun to drive, and at 30k miles, Ive not had one mechanical problem. Also, the 2.8 engine does not have the coil issues present in some 1.8T engines. The design of the 01 is a classic: clean lines in the Bauhaus tradition. Note: At 75K miles, Audis can have gasket leaks (my 2000 A6 Avant did), but thats not uncommon for any German performance car. Fit and finish are flawless, and my dealer (Nalley Audi / Atlanta) is first rate. I will own nothing but Audis!

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  Audi quttaro roadster - 2004 Audi TT
  By James Vandervort - October 1 - 2:00 am

  A sheer pleasure to drive every time I get behind the wheel. I also own a 2002 BMW 5 series that this Audi will run circles around.

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  the turtle car - 2001 Audi TT
  By N.Hennigar - October 1 - 2:00 am

  I flew to Buffalo N.Y to purchase this vehicle. I was Was not looking forward to the drive home to Clearwater FL.Boy was I wrong. Fun to drive, excellent gas mileage (32)Excellent handling. cool cruiser. Coming home one afternoon seconds ahead of me I noticed a large turtle at 40 MPH. I turn the wheel "slalom like" going off into the wet grass. coming back on the same way.Thiscar was possessed. With the Quattro all wheel drive/EDL,car was back on course in seconds. I almost wet myself. It did thtings in that 1.2 seconds I never experienced before. Its like the car took over. Turtle and I survived.

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  4.2 quattro..the way to go - 2002 Audi A6
  By jshuchart - September 30 - 2:00 am

  Maybe favorite car ever...Ive owned em all. Great excelleration...comfort, every option...just wonderful car

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  Awesome Car - 2004 Audi A6
  By Bradster202 - September 29 - 2:00 am

  This automobile is fantastic! I love driving it to work. It is very comfortable and fun to drive, with lots of power.

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  Dissapointing A-4 - 2002 Audi A4
  By jetchefg4 - September 29 - 2:00 am

  Bought car new, traded a 99 2.8Q, had it for a week and had to return for a clutch"adjustment",they actually replaced the clutch. First snow storm my windshield wipers failed completely @ 2000 miles. The driver side seat squeaks like crazy, the trunk never closes correctely, and now @ 11000 miles the sunroof sticks when it closes, very fun when it rains. Oh for potential and current owners avoid the front end bra. I had mine dealer installed, it flops like crazy over 80 miles an hour, it will destroy your paint job, dealer says its just the way it is. It looks cool though it doesnt work, kind of like the car it was designed for.

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  FunDriver - 1996 Audi Cabriolet
  By jck - September 28 - 2:00 am

  I have no complaints whatsoever. Its fun to drive, maneuvers well and is a great car overall. Anyone who drives it should be impressed.

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  Art In Motion - 2004 Audi TT
  By jpelkin - September 28 - 2:00 am

  WOW. With the new 250 HP engine, the TT delivers even more zoom than before. If youre looking to buy any other coupe you owe it to yourself to drive this car first. One thing is for certain about this car, unless you buy a $100K + exotic you will never get more stares and compliments on your car than with a TT.

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  Audi TT - 2003 Audi TT
  By Mobilesonics - September 27 - 2:00 am

  A great car, and a blast to drive -- not much to complain about. Got the 225HP, and wouldnt mind just a little more power. But amazing performance for a 1.8 litre 4 .. and awesome fuel mileage for a true sports car. We get about 31MPG. Its my wifes car, and is perfect for her. Im 511" and its just barely big enough to be comfortable for me. If youre over 6, this probably isnt the car for you.