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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  Fun to drive but not fun to own - 2001 Audi S4
  By markk911 - October 4 - 2:00 am

  The car is fast and very fun to drive. The large trunk allows me to use it like a truck. Although, my experience with the car has been going down hill since I drove it off the lot. With less than 30k miles it is already making "creaking" noises in the cabin. The radio has already been replaced b/c of failure. I have the 6M tranny and the clutch has already failed (requiring the car to be in the shop for 2 weeks). Immediately after that it went back into the shop for a week for a failed thermostat. This is the last Audi I will purchase. I plan to sell it before the warranty expires.

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  Mistake - 2000 Audi A4
  By Mike S. - October 3 - 2:00 am

  I will start by saying I love the design and performance. But....I have never had a car in the shop more. Yes, because of the good warrenty, it hasnt cost me anything other than time. I have replaced more headlights than I care to remember. The car has been towed once, had a brake rotar replaced, conciquental gagets not working properly, and other misc. problems. The shop I deal with has been a horror and Audi has not done anything to address my concerns. My lease ends in January and I cant wait to get out.

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  Mistake - 2000 Audi A4
  By mike s. - October 3 - 2:00 am

  I will start by saying I love the design and performance. But....I have never had a car in the shop more. Yes, because of the good warrenty, it hasnt cost me anything other than time. I have replaced more headlights than I care to remember. The car has been towed once, had a brake rotar replaced, conciquental gagets not working properly, and other misc. problems. The shop I deal with has been a horror and Audi has not done anything to address my concerns. My lease ends in January and I cant wait to get out.

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  So much for the money... - 2012 Audi A6
  By Lumpy McPhoomph - October 2 - 8:07 pm

  Always find an after-market shop for repairs. NEVER go to an Audi Dealer, unless you have no other choice. In my case this is $85/hr for a very good after-market shop vs $155/hr at the dealer. I recently retired my 2000 A6 Bi-turbo with 424k miles. Anyone who says Audis dont stand up over time is talking rubbish. But at such mileage almost any luxury vehicle is going to nickel and dime you. Thus, my move to the 2012 A6 Prestige.

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  This Audi Has Won Me Over - 2006 Audi A4
  By Robert - October 2 - 4:50 pm

  The 3.2 L V6 has everything you want in a luxury sport sedan and more. No question the bigger engine is worth it. And opt for the 6-speed manual-- the driving experience is pure pleasure. This car hands down beats the lexus IS 300 (I owned one) and with its Quattro engineering BMW 330 drivers have nothing over it. The interior and comfort only add to the driving experience.

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  quality for the wiser consumer - 2002 Audi S4
  By C Murder - October 2 - 2:00 am

  The command of the S4 is great. It took some getting accustomed after driving an American and Japanese car for so long. I wanted a luxury car that was different, a gamer and something I can put 300,000 miles on within ten years. The interior of the car cant be challenged. My BMW friends get more attention and a higher car note in the M3 but that is all they get.

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  Not as good as they say - 1999 Audi A4
  By dojisan - October 2 - 2:00 am

  Most things with this vehicle are good, but the bad things are very annoying. Tiptronic which shifts too soon and cant make up its mind what gear to be in. Brake pads which bind in their seats. Brake discs warping. Unfortunately, it is a blast to drive.

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  like... German - 1996 Audi A4
  By mishon - October 1 - 2:00 am

  I bought it when it was brand new, I mean in pearl white it looks all shiny and classy at the same time. Now, at 75,500 miles its been running pretty good, no major problems, even though Ive beaten the living **** out of the poor thing over the years. Amazing. Eats brakes like theres no tommorow, and they spit tons of dust, so a week after you wash it the rims already look filthy dark. Oh and they squeak a lot, kinda like an 18-wheeler during emergency stop. Power windows scream a lot too, when you roll them down in a hot day. Power with the 5-speed is adequate.

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  Why All Audis Rule - 2002 Audi S8
  By AudiDriver2002 - October 1 - 2:00 am

  This is BY FAR the best Audi I have ever driven, and Ive driven quite a few. The ride, power, luxury ... just awesome. Any doubt that anyone has about this car is purely groundless. Quattro = best 4-wheel drive system ever. Cannot be beat. One and only flaw: Doesnt exactly sip gas... but not really hard on it either (a 1998 A6 is harder on gas) since it is made of aluminum. Which is also nice, since it improves stiffness and safety without increasing weight (but increasing price :). Still definately worth it. 360 hp = awesome power. Every possible luxury appointment has been added. Just an all-around awesome car.

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  Nothing but Audi - 2002 Audi S6
  By Paul_S^ - October 1 - 2:00 am

  This is my second try for Audi after Audi 80. And I would say nothing better than this car has ever been made, even stupid-bulky Mercedes couldnt be even close by to this vehicle, I have a friend of mine who ownes S500, he really envy me. :))) although my Audi slightly smaller than his potato carrier.