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:

• 

  Pain in the you know what - 1998 Audi A4
  By richard303 - August 11 - 2:00 am

  Bought it in 03. The thing is expensive to repair 1200 for a timing belt??? Also the control arm on mine is going or gone along w/ the tie rod ends and Ive heard that it is a problem on the 98s but audi has not officially made it a recall on all 98s...thats another 2k down the drain. The car is very good in the performance area but could use a hp boost seeing how a chipped 1.8T would already out do it in hp.

• 

  My 1998 A4Q - 1998 Audi A4
  By marstein - August 11 - 2:00 am

  I own this car for 5 years now. It has the sports package, Bose Audio and 6 CD changer. INterior is leather. The leather held up very well, the only scratches are from my daughter throwing a tantrum in the rear seat with her sandals, using the buckles. The only thing that bothers me is a light rattle when cold over my shoulder. Poblems fixed by a repair: some control arm broke down after 5 years and the transmission was leaking. Otherwise Ive been lucky. The car rides comfortably, the engine (30V) is very silky smooth but powerful. It does use some oil (1/2 l every month or so). The quattro AWD was useful for skiing vacation. I never slipped anywhere.

• 

  Awesome Car - 1999 Audi A4
  By derek177 - August 11 - 2:00 am

  Never had a problem with it. The AWD is incredible in rain and snow. Sport package suspension and seats are outstanding. All around great car.

• 

  Great car -- for the money - 2002 Audi A6
  By Sheldon - August 9 - 2:00 am

  This is a really great car. Its a hoot to drive, its fast, it looks hot, the quality is top-notch. Its worth another $10k (but Audis reputation cant support it) -- and it beats everything else in its class. And keep in mind, Ive owned BMWs, Porsches, and M-Bs. The Quattro is smooth. The turbos scream. Ive got the Sport Package -- and Im glad I do. Steering is a little vague not enough road feel. And...watch out for the front bumper. Its very low (for a sedan). You dont want to hook it on a parking stop.

• 

  I love this car!! - 2003 Audi TT
  By Scout - August 8 - 2:00 am

  I just picked up my car yesterday, I LOVE it. Im going to be 50 next year and I decided to trade in my 2002 Lexus ES 300 on something fun. Life is just too short! Im very picky when it comes to quality. I dont see anything about the TT I dont like. I decided on the automatic, simply because the traffic is so bad around here, I didnt want to do a lot of shifting. Audi even makes it fun to drive an automatic!

• 

  Great things come in small packages! - 2006 Audi A3
  By Bruce Market - August 7 - 10:13 am

  One part German luxury car, one part German sports car, one part family haulerwith loads of Euro panache! The DSG sets this car apart from all others. It works beautifully. On a recent drive across the state on a two- lane road where speeds of 55-60 are common, 33 mpg was the average. A very comfortable road car with loads of performance on tap.

• 

  94 audi - 1994 Audi 100
  By stevekottdr.stephenk - August 7 - 2:00 am

  good but many minor mechanical problems and hardware problems

• 

  Balance - 2001 Audi S4
  By s4orce - August 7 - 2:00 am

  1.5 years and 16,000 miles later I still love this car. As in life balance is the key. The right car for almost all situations. Power, subtle good looks, fun to drive, great handling, all-wheel drive, 6 speed manual, comfort, room for 4, large trunk, fit and finish, exclusivity etc.

• 

  really sorry BMW - 2004 Audi A8
  By terryo - August 7 - 2:00 am

  Great handling car with the looks to match. Very quiet and a great handling car. I did not like the 19 inch wheels because the car was more noisy and did not travel the road very well. However the 18 inch all season tires are better matched for my climate and driving. Also the CD player quit after 2 days,but it is replaced. The sound system is good in urban areas however the reception in rural areas is not as good as my old 98 A8 or my Town and Country.

• 

  Love the stares - 2002 Audi TT
  By gumby_europe - August 7 - 2:00 am

  Have nothing but fun with this car. Excellent Autobahn cruiser. What are you waiting for ??