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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  1999 Audi A4 2.8 - 1999 Audi A4
  By Aaron - March 30 - 8:18 pm

  The 1999 audi a4 2.8 wagon is on of the best cars i have ever owned it has 147,000 on it without a single problem. The Quattro goes throw just about anything and that 2.8 has a lot of power at higher rpm but down low is not bad. I do all my own servicing i run amsoil in it and it seems to like that the best. Mileage is just ok could be better.

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  What a Car! - 2010 Audi A5
  By kwward1 - March 30 - 3:59 pm

  This car is absolutely phenomenal. The looks, the handling, the acceleration. Oh - did I mention that the B&O stereo is out of this world?

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  Think it over - 2008 Audi A3
  By zhengsmassage - March 30 - 1:00 pm

  When I first bought this car I loved it! It is fun to drive, the stick shift is fast and with a few modifications this car can look nice. Good gas mileage, good sound system. I really like everything about this car except. It has given me so many problems. My car is only two years old now with 40,000 miles and currently in the shop again. My battery has gone bad after only two years! Unbelievable! I replaced the starter in the car twice, once at 8,000 miles and another at 20. Dont know how long Audi will cover it but I think there might be a bigger problem causing it. I also replaced the stereo system because of a malfunction and the windshield wiper sensor (hazard with no ww in the rain

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  Fun in the Sun - 1998 Audi Cabriolet
  By JAF - March 29 - 4:33 pm

  This is a very solid vehicle. It has a nice ride and very low wind flow with the top down, thanks to excellent design and a helpful rear wind screen. A nice bonus is that you can take two extra riders in the back with you, either kids or small adults. Putting the top down is very simple. This has been a very reliable vehicle.

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  My 3rd Avant - 2010 Audi A4
  By Bubbles - March 28 - 5:39 pm

  Ok Ive been sold on these cars for awhile. This is the 3rd one Ive leased but its the 1st one Im thinking about buying. The B&O stereo is excellent, the NAV is way improved, I like the rear camera, and the extra few inches of width/wheelbase, the seats with the sports package are also much better. Yes the suspension is stiff for a family ride but Im not looking for a minivan with all wheel drive. I want something fun. This is by far the best Avant yet. These cars are a great mixture of fun, practicality, efficiency, safety and overall value.

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  From AMG to Q7 - 2010 Audi Q7
  By Mike M. - March 27 - 2:44 pm

  Some thought I was crazy to go from my E55 to a Q7 but I really think it as a great choice. Mileage is 23 mpg, tdi power is plenty although a little slow the first second or two. Got the S Line w/21 inch wheels and the dynamic handling, so ride is not as soft as but the handling is great. As a long time MBenz owner (still own SL55) I think Audi is on to something. MMI is a pain compared to MBs system but I am learning.

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  Amazing Car (Prem + w/ sport package) - 2010 Audi A4
  By blwrx20 - March 27 - 2:34 pm

  I must admit I have not had this car very long to date, but the fit and finish of this car is excellent. The engine power is adequate from the 2.0T base, but with aftermarket performance upgrades that are safe and relatively inexpensive this car can really be made to move. Im 62 and interior fit is nice, sport seats are comfortable. Ride with the sport package is great and fuel economy thus far is about middle of the road. Highly recommend this car.

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  All around best used car I ever bought - 2001 Audi A8
  By Car buff - March 24 - 4:31 pm

  Dumped my 06 R350, to much time in the shop and issues never fixed. Should have got an another Audi-well now I have- this is my 2nd one and I love the big car feeling, plenty of power, great handling all the creature comforts, get one used if you can and save a few $$. Put 9k miles on it so far and it just does what it supposed to do! It now has 145k and feels like new. Great car.

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  Love Love Love It! - 2008 Audi A3
  By Jeannek - March 23 - 11:21 am

  I had to get a 4 door b/c I was pregnant but I wanted as close to a sports car w/4 doors as possible. After much research and reading, I found the A3. I am a true car junkie- grew up reading my dads car mags & this car does everything I need it to and more. I have the S-Line & although I got the automatic instead of manual trans (hard to shift & find binkies), it is a blast to drive! The acceleration esp when you go to pass is amazing- put your foot down &/or downshift & it just goes! I know its a little small (Im 52") but my 6 husband & tall step kids all fit w/my Britax car seat. I love the hatch & when the time comes, Ill just get another one!

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  Worth every dollar! - 2010 Audi A5
  By David W - March 22 - 10:53 pm

  I have been researching this vehicle for a long time. I have owned many BMWs and a couple of MBs, but this baby is something else. The A5 3.2 has two personalities, one the one hand, its elegant and chic. On the other hand the A5 3.2 is ruthless. When the car is in Sports mode, the car is angry but with confidence. The Quattro AWD adapted from the Lamborghini Gallardo grips the road, as if it is going to tear up the asphalt. The cockpit interior design hugs the driver in preparedness to launch like a skunk work black-ops project. The A5 is a fantastic vehicle. If you can afford it, get it!