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:

• 

  Great to drive as long as it runs. - 1995 Audi 90
  By Dudley - January 28 - 2:00 am

  My wife and I got the 90S as our first nice car and its been in the shop every two months. Every time that it goes in for repairs it is at least $600. In the 15 months that we have owned it the repair costs add up to the same amount we have paid off on the loan. We are selling this car to get a more reliable, less expensive to repair car or truck. This is the second and last over engineered German car that I will ever buy. I love how it drives but money talks.

• 

  One Awesome Car - 2003 Audi TT
  By racechick - January 28 - 2:00 am

  This car is hot! I bought it because I wanted a sports car I could drive year round in Colorado, and of course couldnt bring myself to buy another front wheel drive vehicle. The AWD handling is making me rethink my preference for the rear wheel drive, actually. The Quattro system is a dream drive and nothing Ive ever driven handles small, winding, Colorado mountain roads like this car. While it may not have the top acceleration of the Porche, the power it has for a 4 cylinder at this price level is incredible, really. A true bargain!

• 

  buyer beware - 1997 Audi Cabriolet
  By mrs. h - January 27 - 2:00 am

  I love the look of this car, but would NEVER buy another Audi. I had serious problems with many aspects of this car - for example, replaced the battery 3 times in 4 years. Had to replace the entire steering system - and the car only has 46000 miles on it.

• 

  The wagon that thinks its a sports car - 2003 Audi S6
  By DHH - January 27 - 2:00 am

  "...does not display the power/style differences over other models to justify the extra cost...". Well lets see, the only other real competitor is the Mercedez Benz E320 4Matic wagon, which has 221hp compared with the Audis 340. In terms of style, I like them both. From the front, I have always liked the E-Class, but after that, its all Audi. The same goes for the interior, which is top shelf. Is it worth the money? As someone who loves sports cars, but also has a family to think about, this car does both, and brings a smile to my face whenever I drive it. So for me, its worth every penny.

• 

  Good surprise - 2000 Audi A4
  By John Harper - January 27 - 2:00 am

  Had to get a station wagon because of dog. Was very pleasantly surt how much I liked the A4 Quattro 4WD. 4WD is seamless and much appreciated in CT winters. Interior is very high quality right down to cup holders. Have had it for 3 years and because of quality, it still looks like new.

• 

  A6 2.7 turbo - 2003 Audi A6
  By Chris Lewis - January 27 - 2:00 am

  This is the second A6 that I have purchased, (the first being a 98 A6 2.8 tiptronic). Being an architect, the design brought me in, and then the quality and attention to detail made me hang around. The difference in the power and thrust in the 2.7t from the previous 2.8 is astounding: even faster than my 2001 TT roadster 225. Having the available 6-speed manual has made my A6 ever so much more fun to drive. As good as the Tiptronic was, it is just no match for a manual.

• 

  Great Car - Big Time Maintenence - 1997 Audi A8
  By Xialater - January 25 - 2:00 am

  Great car, I miss mine every day......I just wish it didnt cost a small fortune to maintain the car

• 

  Great!.. .but some 1st model yr bugs - 2000 Audi TT
  By Capt Nemo - January 25 - 2:00 am

  The TT is incredibly fun to drive. The quattro provides great feel for the road at high passing speeds as well as in cornering. I expected to sacrifice some reliability in return for having a unique car the first few years, but Audi has had their problems coming to terms with how to satisfy their customers. Go to the audiTT forum website (use your search engine) and youll see for yourself. I would recommend the 225jp version if power is your main desire, but the 180hp version can satisfy most. You wont find another car that looks as good for the $, so be willing to put up with a few service inconveniences. I love my TT.

• 

  Audi A6 2.7T - 2003 Audi A6
  By Phillyhockey1 - January 25 - 2:00 am

  This Audi is far better than the BMW 5 Series. It has a smoother ride, more powerful engine, and wonderfully exicuted interior design. The 2.7T is possible the best engine I have ever driven. Thats a big statement because I have driven a 530i, E320, Saab 9-5, and its predisessor the 100 S.

• 

  AWESOME CAR - 2003 Audi A6
  By GTR_ALTIMA - January 25 - 2:00 am

  Overall this is a grate car for its money I got a very good deal too. Luxury and exclusivity is unsurpassable, performance could be better but I don’t expect much form a 3900lb car. Sport suspension is a just perfect, but steering and brakes are num. Lots of room and comfortable seats. Safety is unbelievable, a domestic car side swiped me, my car had a little dent, but the other car was completely smashed I got a crystal blue metallic, and for my knowledge there are only 3 in existence. Bose system could be better, but this is after a $2,000 after market stereo.