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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  Beware of A4 - 1998 Audi A4
  By jaycepe - May 23 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car used with 35k in 09/01 and it has been a big disappointment. Two weeks after I drove it off the lot it needed a new front bearing. Since then Ive had to bring the car in to the dealer for numerous problems (The Check Engine light seems to appear every 6 months). Most of the problems were minor and were covered under the Audi Assured warranty but the real kicker is my engine died. The car was in the shop for three weeks. Audi did replace the engine and turbo at their cost, but during the three weeks the car was in the shop they refused to provide a loaner

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  Worst car I ever loved... - 2003 Audi A6
  By Audi Burner - May 23 - 2:00 am

  Every day I travel steep, twisty mountain roads. The first time I took the 2.7T (6M) up the mountain, I couldnt believe how it clawed at the hills and turns, wanting more throttle than I had the guts to give. Even in rain and snow, the A6 has never blinked. When it goes, it really goes, however, its seen more than its fare share of time in the shop, 10+ times for major and minor stuff. :(

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  Vehicle as Art - 2001 Audi TT
  By Holloway12 - May 23 - 2:00 am

  My Audi TT has the baseball glove interior, xenon headlights, and special wheels. The overall effect is unlike any vehicle in its price range for artful syling. I test drove the Porsche Boxster but was VERY disappointed in the interior styling. I wanted a vehicle that would provide me a wonderful driving experience along with a beautiful/artistic interior. The Audi TT Quattro convertible provided me both thse characteristics I sought.

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  Fast Twin Turbos - 2003 Audi A6
  By nopainno - May 22 - 2:00 am

  I finally bought a AUDI 2.7T, it is a great car for the money and otherwise also. Having driven MB E430 prior to this and a BMW and prosche. This car has a very good feel. Almost like 4 door porsche boxter. Very Fast. There is absolutely no turbo lag. But definitely you have better road feel (via the steering) in the 5 series and the porsche, but I think with the 235 45 17 Tires and the sport suspension the road handling is as good and will be great in snow with the Quattro. All in all it is a almost perfect car.

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  CONTROL ARMS CONTROL ARMS - 1998 Audi A6
  By MIjack - May 21 - 2:00 am

  I had constant problems with the control arms. I spent over $5000 in maintance in 2 years. Beautiful ride, spacious interior, & a nightmare to maintain.

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  Great Car - 1997 Audi A4
  By AudiMan - May 21 - 2:00 am

  This was my third Audi and I loved it. Good power, great brakes, and a sweet ride.

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  1998 Audi A4 2.8L Quattro - 1998 Audi A4
  By nolamurph - May 21 - 2:00 am

  Difficult to beat for the price. I felt that way four years ago when I purchased it, and I feel that way now.

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  great ca - 2001 Audi TT
  By ttone - May 21 - 2:00 am

  have owned everything: ferrari, porsche, bmw, mercedes...this is the best of the lot. Most fun without the service hassles, and the easiest to drive. Excellent above 80mph.

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  utility and comfort - 2003 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By kwan - May 20 - 10:00 am

  Elegant style, more subtle and comfortable ride than the X5 or ml class. Engine powerful, quiet and smooth, turbo lag is not that apparent once one gets use to the trottle.

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  Love It!! - 2014 Audi Q5
  By Sandra F - May 19 - 7:32 pm

  The only issue I have with the Q5 is that it isnt as quiet a ride as I expected. Although Audi dealership did try to do something about it, I tend to get wind noise in around the windows. The navigation system isnt as intuitive as I hoped. Other than that, I absolutely love the car and may end up buying a newer model when Im ready to get a new car.