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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  great car for a mechanic - 1993 Audi S4
  By car_nut - February 24 - 2:00 am

  I bought my S4 based on performance and longevity. What I didnt realize is the cost of operation. I saw these cars hitting 300k miles, many of them modified for extra horsepower. Well, I had many problems and could tell more were about to surface. For a car that had a sticker of nearly $50k you would think it would be bullet proof reliable. The drivetrain and quattro systems are incredible and a blast to drive in snow and push through turns on dry pavement. The problem is with all the other systems and components. This car never went 10k miles without some kind of repair or adjustment needed even when new.

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  Good looks and performance - 2003 Audi A6
  By d03 - February 24 - 2:00 am

  Great combination of performance and luxury. Looks great on the exterior and has a first class interior.

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  Unique - 1999 Audi A8
  By Dundee - February 23 - 2:00 am

  I love my A8. All wheel drive makes it a MUST in Michigan. $550 for a broken armrest, drivers side only is a bit insane, but I expected it. I cant find any performance accessories for it on line.

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  Extraordinary - 2003 Audi S6
  By Vincenzo - February 23 - 2:00 am

  I drive this car in extreme conditions, and on uninhabited secondary roads,and highways, its performance is spectacular. This car has been through deep snow and ice conditions with amazing stability and confidence. There are still a few places out west where you can push a cars limits , this car has seen speeds of 164mph! It remained as stable and quiet as it was at 80.My dealership is as great as the car itself,reliable,courteous,efficient . They know how to treat someone who loves cars and pays that much for one (they are a value at $62,000). Audi should be as proud to have their products sold there as they are of selling them.

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  TT Quattro is a great car - 2003 Audi TT
  By chief96 - February 22 - 2:00 am

  I own a 2002 TT. I live in Germany and have to traverse a windy mountain road to get to work. The ride is made enjoyable by the car. Its also a great car on the autobahn. I can appreciate the reviews about not holding the line in a curve as well as Porche and BMW, however I can drive my car in the winter while they are in the garage. There is always a trade off.

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  solid classy car - 1994 Audi 90
  By Bob D - February 21 - 2:00 am

  The 90S is a truly outstanding car for the price. The front wheel drive, even without the legendary quatro, gets me through the lake-effect snowy winters of Northern Indiana while the Benz and BMW drivers spin their wheels. The ride is firm and comfortable even on long trips. Only 3 negatives: Slowww acceleration at 30-60 MPH Very expensive repairs and no real cup holders!

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  Audi A6 2.7T More for your $ - 2000 Audi A6
  By PowerD - February 21 - 2:00 am

  For a great combination of performance, handling (including snow) and luxury, nothing that BMW or Mercedes offers comes close for the price. This car has virtually every luxury (except for rear window shades and navigation system) it retailed for $44.5K & I purchased it for $42K Reliability had been excellent. After 3 years and 36K miles, the car still accelerates, handles, sounds and smells like new. The front powered & heated leather seats and the heated rear seats provide liveing room comfort for 4 and will accomodate 5 adults easily. Road handling and dependability were a joy, on dry, wet and snowy New England roads.

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  Squealing Brakes "Normal"?? NO WAY !! - 2003 Audi A6
  By 5speed6 - February 21 - 2:00 am

  At 5,000 miles the brakes started squealing BADLY when stopping.Selling dealer inspected and sanded pads & rotors.30 miles later, squealing returned. Spoke to Audi of America, sent me to another dealer for opinion. 2nd dealer said there is nothing more they can do as Audi will NOT pay for replacing un-worn pads.They said this is NORMAL. So for 50 Grand, I squeal down the road and hate the car!!

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  The 740is & S430s serious alternative - 2003 Audi A8
  By faciem - February 20 - 2:00 am

  The A8 has provided me thus far with remarkable agility and comfort for a high class sedan. It has given me a unique alternative to its brethren at Mercedes Benz and BMW, a package that offers indivudual styling, the confidence of quattro, and a very stylish and yet conservative-minded atmosphere in the cabin.

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  Like Mike - 2000 Audi A4
  By wilson - February 19 - 2:00 am

  I agree with Mike S. While I love the performance of the car, Ive had to take the car into the shop for miscellaneous problems every 6-8 weeks for the last 18 months. Its never anything terribly serious but its always something. Dash electronics, water pump, thermostat, speaker, more dash electronics, another thermostat, and EVERYTHING RATTLES. Not quite enough trouble to qualify for a lemon but too much for a two year old car with low miles. Ive complained to the dealership and they pay lip service to helping me - but nothing ever changes. I really do love the car, but who has time to have their car in the shop that often? Im disappointed.