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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  Audi Is German for Crap - 1998 Audi A4
  By stacie - April 30 - 2:00 am

  suspension replaced $1700, dealer thought the head gasket could be sealed but coolant still leaking. Was told that it is now a cracked block. I already paid $1500 for the head gasket now I have to cough up $3000 for the block. I was going to sell the car and now all I can get is trade-in value. Do not buy this car.

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  A6 3.0 is good to go - 2002 Audi A6
  By peteman - April 30 - 2:00 am

  The 3.0 isnt the fastest, but definetly an excellent package for the money. It has good power and handles very well. Its heavy enough to give a smooth ride. Its large enough to for three child seats, which isnt the norm, but has happened. It comes well equiped and is a definite eye catcher with a sexy set of chrome wheels and medium profile performance tires.

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  Fun and sporty, but small - 1997 Audi A4
  By jffordem - April 29 - 2:00 am

  Before I bought my Acura TL this was my favorite daily driver. I really enjoyed owning my A4 1.8TQM and regretted that I never chipped it. I sold it 3 years later to afford my dream home. I found this car a lot of fun to drive, and raced it in Solo 2 (Autocross) for two seasons. I also liked the surefooted behavior on snow when I took it skiing. However, I was disappointed with the service, and encourage owners to keep an eye on fluid and air pressure levels in order to avoid unfortunate, avoidable run-ins with the dealer.

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  A4 Quattro with performance chip - 1998 Audi A4
  By TheLock - April 29 - 2:00 am

  I purchased a used A4 Quattro in early 02, and its been wonderful. Its a blast to drive - handling is exceptional, and an upgraded performance chip (boosts HP to 190) mated with a 5 speed provides great acceleration from a standing start as well as while going down the highway. The car isnt necessarily the biggest head-turner, but the styling is clean and the fit and finish are great. I get about 25 MPG commuting, and 30 MPG on longer trips. Ive only had one minor problem (power window got stuck) which was covered under warranty without a problem.

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  Great Car but be careful! - 2003 Audi A6
  By Jim Easop - April 29 - 2:00 am

  The 2.7T is a fine automobile. The issue I have is that this specific model does NOT have the multi-function steering wheel. The brochure, web site and quick reference guide that came with the vehicle all depict this capability. The fact is this capability / feature is not available on a 2003 2.7T. My dealer did not inform me of this. Needless to say I am not happy. I have sent a letter to Audi of America expressing my displeasure and they have not responded.

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  GREAT CAR - 2000 Audi A6
  By HI - April 27 - 2:00 am

  SUPER HIGHWAY CRUISER AND A DREAM IN THE MOUNTAINS. LOADS OF POWER. QUIET ON INTERSTATE HWY CRUISING.

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  TT Times 2 - 2003 Audi TT
  By FJP_TT - April 27 - 2:00 am

  My second TT (the first a 180HP coupe) has taken the fun up another notch. The 225 hp 1.8 liter coupled with the 6-speed is a huge improvement in capability. Both of my TTs were Quattro-equipped and I wouldnt have it any other way - the stability of the car on the road is never in question. The ESP makes cutting loose on gravel much more enjoyable since it keeps the nose pointed where you steer it. I recommend a switch to all- season tires from the factory performance treads if you live near snow. Otherwise, I wouldnt change a thing! Ive never enjoyed driving more...thats even including my younger days driving Triumph ragtops.

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  2003 A6 3.0 CVT - 2003 Audi A6
  By Nickzdacarguy - April 27 - 2:00 am

  The CVT is nothing like I have ever experienced before. It is seamless and smooth like a true automatic transmission shoul be. Also, watch out because you climb up in speed quicker than you might realize. The detail and quality Audi puts into their cars is one of the reasons I bought an Audi. The A6 is roomy and can still give you that sporty feeling. I love the styling because it doesnt look like other cars. If youve noticed, all the cars now-a-day look the same.

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  Funsville, USA - 2001 Audi TT
  By abruzzi - April 27 - 2:00 am

  The turbo and the quattro the key to the performance. It leaps between 2nd, 3rd and 4th. Cruises effortlessly at 90- 95 in 5th. And takes long mountain curves at 90+ like its nailed to the road. Was going to buy the classic silver, if I got it new, but then saw the new colors this one is denim blue, or as I prefer VOODOO BLOO. Plan to rechip it to take HP from 225 to 265, add a diverter valve to get rid of turbo lag, and may redo the air intake and exhaust. Am actually trying to find a way to race this thing. Any ideas out there????

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  Munches Auto Glass - 2001 Audi TT
  By GlassMan - April 26 - 2:00 am

  On hot days (100+ degrees), windshield cracked from passenger side (just at the dash) across the field. Parked and reading newspaper. Two cokes and three newspapers later, heard a muffled "piff". Looked up to see crack grow 4-5 inches. Temp 102+. Month later, car parked for about a week (drove beater to work every day). Had a 100+ day. Found crack growing from the same spot as before. My new friend, the auto glass man, confirmed increased TT business in the area... A couple of weeks later, the glass man returned for his third visit. Hot day, car parked. Design flaw? Crummy glass? Bum installation? Body flex?