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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  Good looking car, poor build quality and horrible service - 2011 Audi Q5
  By skip37 - July 6 - 5:03 pm

  Under 15K mi & water pump went out, front brake pads need to be replaced, wipers already shot (I live in SoCal & the vehicle is garaged) & I have the backseat constant rattle that Audi will not fix. We were just about to drive through the desert before the water pump failure...that Audi didnt warn us about. Instead, it ruined our trip & they washed our car for the inconvenience. They also deny that there is a problem with the seat rattle. Just do a search on it & you will see all the problems so many are experiencing. Now, I have to use duct tape to muffle a rattle that Audi will not fix on its 45K vehicle that is still under warranty. This is my second Audi and my last. Money pit!

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  What a dissapointment!! - 2006 Audi A3
  By poja3 - July 6 - 3:14 pm

  Have had this car for 5 years now and Im completely dissapointed in the craftsmanship and performance of this car. So far I have had to replace: fuel pump, water pump and thermostat, air conditioner evaporator, left tail light bulb (about a dozen times) even though dealer swears there is nothing electrically wrong. Sun roof shade clips break just by looking at them. In addition, the paint on most of the dash board control buttons is flaking out and the paint in the pillars between the doors is about to fall off. Probably one of the worst cars I have ever owned.

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  Will never own an audi again!! - 2006 Audi A4
  By jpcjulia2011 - July 5 - 8:03 pm

  I purchased this car as a certified pre-owned vehicle at 26000miles thankful I purchased the warranty. In the 1st week check engine light came on. Few weeks later my fuel pump went out. A couple months later, some valves have failed in the engine. A couple months after that-some hose have melted and caused a check engine light.. Then coil pack. Then transmission. Transmisson again. Fuel pump.. again. Oil pump, engine valves. All in a 1.5 yrs. 70,000 miles now. Im selling this car as soon as I get it back from dealer. Never again! I only drive to and from work on the hwy, scheduled maint always was done, but it was a lemon. No help from dealer, or Audi USA-cant admit there is an issue.

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  166,000 and still kicking butt! - 1995 Audi S6
  By bigdaddyaudi - July 4 - 6:12 pm

  My 1995 S6 is still a blast to drive. A daily driver here in the mid-west, its my all season German uber car! Snow is no problem and on-ramps are a feast of power. People think it is a mid 2000 era car, the green paint still looks awesome. Only major repair was a A/C condenser, because of a mouse nest! So, all you folks under 166,000 be it rest assured, you have many miles left in your girl. I have been the 2nd owner since 2000, and oil changes of Mobil 1 every 3000 and a bath each weekend, and a check up every year to a Audi master mechanic are the cats meow. Still has original clutch.Drivers seat is wearing a little, but I am 66 340lbs, so it is what it is.

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  110,000 miles - 2007 Audi A4
  By mike5555 - July 1 - 9:33 am

  I have had a couple of smaller issues. Oil has been ok but as they car ages it uses more. 1 quart every 4-5K at 110K PCV console latch and poor leather trim with leather cracking twice. Tires last 50K or more 30MPG or more. Brakes - fronts replace at 93k orginal rear Turbo diverter valve went at 93K Cruise control brake switch at 85K Timing belt replaced at 105K All in all it has not been bad as nothing mechanical went until it had >85k coil packs replaced as part of recall. The car has done well for its class. Its a daily driver with economy, comfort, and style.

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  My Dream Car! - 2012 Audi A6
  By barry626 - June 29 - 8:31 pm

  Car is beyond words.Materials is of the finest. A6 flys like a rocket & FLAWLESS in everyway! I had a 2012 Mustang on order & one look at the A6 & I was sold. So much for the MUSTANG. The $60,000 + is worth every penny for this car!

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  Im in love - 2011 Audi A5
  By essoewhy - June 29 - 4:22 pm

  Packages: Premium Plus, Sport Package, MMI Nav, B&O sound system This is my 2nd Audi (1998 A4). Audi has hands down the best interior ergonomics and it continues with this car. I was disappointed that the new VW has a touchscreen, but the higher end Audi, doesnt, however given the layout, a touchscreen would be awkward and inconvenient. The MMI controls are laid out perfectly to where I can push buttons, shift and focus on the road all at once. Exterior design is a head-turner which blows away the 2011 335xi (I dont really consider MB or Lexus competitors if you go with a 6sp manual tranny). Less HP/Torque than a BMW, but also considerably less $$ than a 335xi.

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  DONT BUY THIS CAR IT IS GARBAGE!!! - 2004 Audi A4
  By jenna1095 - June 25 - 1:45 pm

  Bought this car in 10/08 1st repair 12/31/08 coil packs $363 (I had to have these done 2 more times between then and now) 2nd repair 2/25/10 Clutch $1677 3rd repair 2/4/11 Crank Case $242 4th repair 4/6/11 PCV Valve $254 5th repair 4/7/11 (Yes it broke down on the way home from the shop) Fuel Pump $595 I am missing one recipt for a valve cover gasket if I remember right around 12/10 $200 When Picking up from getting fuel pump installed was informed it needs a CAT Quoted $1500 Fathers day 2011 Had complete Brake failure barely missed a car hopped a curb flew over a ditch and hit a telephone pole (from what I understand this is a common problem) DO NOT BUY THIS CAR IT IS NOT SAFE!!!!

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  Beware of heated seat issues - 2011 Audi A3
  By studiodriver - June 23 - 12:19 pm

  In most categories, I love this car. I like the look, the fuel economy, its fun to drive and has a great stereo. The turbo lag does take some getting used to - When accelerating from a stop, it can take a full second or two for the turbo to engage. Its very responsive once youve started moving. Fuel economy is great and overall, its really a fun little car. However, you should be aware that the heated seats are basically useless. My dealer explained that they have heard numerous complaints about them and that they perform to Spec. If you Google Audi Heated seats, youll find several Audi forums discussing the issue. If you love heated seats like I do, know that they dont work.

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  A7, great new car - 2012 Audi A7
  By iowa80 - June 22 - 11:28 pm

  I was looking for a 4 door car can hold 2 golf clubs and good seats for long travel. I test drove A7 a month ago and I was so impressed with performance, handling, ride, dash board and everything. This is my first Audi I purchased and I am having so much fun driving. This car is so lively, smooth and never get boring. I still own Bentley GT and I would say A7 is as good as Bentley GT and this is more like little sister of Bentley GT. A7 has so much power, fast and fun to drive. Entertainment system and navigation system is much better than Bentley GT.