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:

• 

  This is a very nice car - 2003 Audi A4
  By waiting4thenewS4 - December 10 - 2:00 am

  Trade-in Mustang for this one to please my wife. So far she still loves it. Overall its very nice car, esp. the interior quality and design. Turbo lag could be made less noticeable.

• 

  Looks good, but built in cheap quality.. - 2003 Audi A4
  By Phil - December 10 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Audi on Feb this year. It was good at first time for every facts. Problem is now gettin serious. I got overheating once already. Suspension problem occurs at same parts three times. And little noise, bulbs out so many times....lots of problem. Im preparing to sell this car and never buy Audi. I would buy Japanese car next time.

• 

  Good buy - 1997 Audi A4
  By KenM - December 9 - 2:00 am

  Bought my A4 two years ago, and bought an extended warrenty. I had the turbo replaced under warrenty- I was happy to have it. The AWD is great for Michigan winters, and the rust protection seems to be very good. I plan on keeping this car for a while.

• 

  TTrific - 2001 Audi TT
  By ghileman - December 6 - 2:00 am

  A lot of the so-called expert reviewers knock the TT for performance (especially compared to peers such as the S2000). However,I think the car performs incredibly well for the avg. road driver and youre likely to be thrilled unless your an F-1 driver. The style and quality of construction have been well documented and there is no doubt in my mind that the TT is an instant classic destined to appreciate in value over the long-term.

• 

  Start of a Beautiful Relationship - 2002 Audi S6
  By yamslaughter - December 5 - 2:00 am

  I got the S6 just last month and I love it! It handles well, is responsive, and speedy (does as I ask it to, when I need it - especially in "sport" mode). Its the true "mid-life crisis compromise". The front end belongs to me and the back end belongs to the kids and the dogs. Great utility and fun! I hope it remains reliable in the future.

• 

  Audio Problem - 2003 Audi A4
  By Jin - December 5 - 2:00 am

  I bought a Audi A4 1.8T about a month ago. It runs good and is getting better and better as I get used to it. This is definetely well-built car but not electronically reliable.

• 

  Engine Ignition Coils Fail - 2003 Audi A4
  By Dissatisfied A4 - December 5 - 2:00 am

  My wifes 2nd A4. At 10,000 miles, two ignition coils failed-car undrivable. Dealer had car for one month. Had car back one week-third coil failed. Begged them to replace the fourth(final)coil. Audi wont let them (not enough parts). My wife is afraid to take the car anywhere beyond our neighborhood for fear of being stranded a third time Audi Client Services totally unresponsive. The dealership had over 20 A4s and A6s in the lot waiting for parts. Dealer says their hands are tied. Audi should be recalling these ignition coil problems, not waiting for them to fail.

• 

  Good Looking hunk of junk - 1993 Audi 90
  By audi_driver - December 4 - 2:00 am

  Heres the short list: Courtesy lights, water leak/cracked spot welds, Serpentine belt, oil leak, intermittent power loss, tachometer, Thermostat, Courtesy lights, fuel door lock stuck, 4" dent in rear passenger door while in for service, oil leak at head gaskets, EGR Valve, Tons of bad hoses & leaks, Convert AC, Replace Compressor/etc, Bad Ball Joints, Frozen Tie-Rods - Replaced assembly, CV Joint, Half Shaft, Rear Oil Pan Leak, Passenger Sway Bar Stabilizer Bushing, Brakes- frozen bleeder valves, Replace both front wheel bearings, Timing Belt, Drivers Door Lock Cylinder, Front/Rear Control & Trailing arms…etc.

• 

  Great Value - 1997 Audi A4
  By jlITE5784 - December 4 - 2:00 am

  This car has been great to own. I have experienced none of the mechanical failures reported by other edmunds.com owners. It drives great and looks beautiful. After a car wash, people think its brand new. It was a great buy considering the cost of a 3-series of the same year.

• 

  hot tt - 2003 Audi TT
  By agwinn - December 3 - 2:00 am

  This car is spectacular.