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:

• 

  VERY Satisfied - 2002 Audi A6
  By jsw - June 6 - 2:00 am

  I now have 9800 miles on my 2002 A6 4.2. It has performed flawlessly, and is as much fun to drive as the three Porsches Ive owned (in 70s and mid 80s). Its fast quiet beautifully designed interior interesting, German-type technical features (loaded with them!) and, in the mountains the Quattro is invaluable. Im running Dunlop Winter Sport M2s for Winter (Tire Rack purchase they stick like glue, in Boulder snowstorms and on ski trips, even on ice!) and the provided 185/40/17 Contis which were stock, and came with the car. Not a rattle in 10K miles. Dealer service impeccable. Id buy another one..

• 

  Audi A3 is my favorite car I ever had! - 2006 Audi A3
  By Barbra - June 5 - 12:36 pm

  Its such a cool car. Less trips to the gas station is a big plus and its got room for two kids, a stroller and a trip to the grocery store! Audi has found the answer to needing a mom car but still wanting something fun and awesome to drive. Thanks Audi!

• 

  Take Warning - 2005 Audi A4
  By Audisucks - June 5 - 6:53 am

  This car is worthless. The electrical system has been shot since day one. My car has been in the shop 61 days and counting and Audi refuses to do anything about it. Ask your salesman why they include a manual crank for the sunroof. Its because they cant design a good electrical system. No one should own one of these after the warrenty ends. You would have to be a millionaire to keep up with the cost.

• 

  YOWZA!! - 2004 Audi A8
  By audi fan - June 5 - 2:00 am

  The handling was firm, responsive and impressive. Solid throttle response. Cornered in rain at 35 without a problem. Adaptive air suspension adjusted to conditions. Stunning body style,interior look/feel and comfort. MMI seems intimidating-not true. Sharp, clear visual display and options on the MMI and all dash components. So quiet and comfortable you can forget youre driving. Surround sound is near symphony quality. Ill sleep in this car over my bed anyday! Kids will not get these keys.

• 

  Nice Little Rocket - 2002 Audi TT
  By johntt - June 4 - 2:00 am

  I love the TT, it is quick nimble and just a hoot to drive! My wife love to drive it too, she thinks its the sexiest car on the road. if i could change 2 things, 1. give it more power. I had an M Roadster and, to me the TT seems too slow for something this cool. 2. sloppy shifter. Once again, the BMWs shifter was much more precise. Overall, we love out TT and never plan on selling.

• 

  Love it, Hate dealer - 2002 Audi A4
  By great car! - June 4 - 2:00 am

  First of all the obvious: needs more power, more leg room, a better sound system, and the loaner car program is a joke. besides that what a great car: fun to drive, excellent build (tighter finish and better materials than the past three infinitis weve owned), the CVT is great and very interstate friendly.

• 

  My boss thinks hed paying me too much.. - 2002 Audi A4
  By The Red Baron - June 4 - 2:00 am

  I gave my boss and some other coworkers a lift the other day, and my boss was impressed. "this is a great car. Im amazed at the interior." It is a great car. I looked at BMWs, Volvos, Saabs, etc., for style, safety, and performance. The A4 has it all. Its a toy and its a statement. For safety, I dont think it can be beat. On my way home tonight, a Jeep Cherokee ran a red light. It was rainy, the roads were slick, I was at speed and yet the Audi prevaled. I braked and swerved my A4 steered right around that Jeep like I was dancing with butterflies. I am fast becoming one of Audis best salespersons.

• 

  The Audi youll remember - 2000 Audi TT
  By JohnDoe120934 - June 3 - 2:00 am

  This might be the best car Ive ever owned. A few minor issues - wheels seem to need to be aligned a little to often. It handles very well, very very well. No complaints about horsepower - although I know a few people have. Seats are very comfortable and the interior and exterior are eye catchers everywhere you go.

• 

  Love my A4 - 1999 Audi A4
  By notfollowing - June 3 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car about a year ago and love it. The AWD is fantastic - I dont like to drive cars without it now. The 99.5 has a reconfigured front cabin with a conveniently placed cupholder - if you have a choice, go for the newer one.

• 

  All looks - 2003 Audi TT
  By Neichnm - June 3 - 2:00 am

  While the ext/int design is incredible, the matls & fit and finish make a great 1st impression, it cant hide the VW Golf roots. The handling is all understeer. The all on/all off throttle make the tubo lag feel worse & the engine shakes at idle. The 6 speed autotrans is excellent & masks the turbo lag some. Shifts are crisp, smooth & timely, making the most of the engine. Rear 3/4 blind spots are huge. The view out feels like an igloo with low set windows. My head hits the roof getting in and out. This is rolling sculpture. Its not a sports car. As long as priorities fit, this is a great car. The wife loves it.