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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  Snow Monster - Love It - 2010 Audi A6
  By Schack415 - February 10 - 5:59 pm

  Ive had this car 3 months, and love it. Comfortable, handles great, and fun to drive. This car is a monster in the snow. Nothing holds it back in the white stuff. I test drove all the usual suspects, and picked the winner.

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  A Jewel of a Car - 2009 Audi R8
  By ayrton - February 10 - 4:45 pm

  Silver/Carbon Blade/Black interior, every option offered. The R8 is designed, engineered, and built beautifully. The engine is very smooth and revs like a 4-cylinder with the power of a V-8. Handling is great with mid-engine & low polar moment. The car is so confidence-inspiring that you want to go 10/10ths through every curve and turn. V-10 power might be welcomed but the car is very well- balanced and quick with the V-8. You do need to keep the revs up past 4000 to extract max power & fun. The seats are the best Ive felt in an exotic, as comfortable as my A8L. Lots of comfort for two but not much space for things. Footwell space is also minimal, especially on the passenger side.

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  First Update - 2010 Audi A3
  By Martin - February 6 - 9:53 am

  Passed 1000 miles with flying colors. Able to push it a bit and diesel torque is evident. Combined mileage at about 35 mpg, highway over 45. If the reliability holds up -- so far, so good -- will likely sell my second car (98 BMW540). Couldnt be happier but am looking forward to an A4 wagon with diesel. More wheelbase, more power. Caution: This is a small car, not for large people. At 57" and 130 lbs, its just right for me.

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  Love My A4 - 2009 Audi A4
  By Barrels41 - February 4 - 3:16 pm

  A smile is on my face every day I drive this fabulous car. Youngsters compliment me on its looks. It sticks to the road like glue. Unbelievable confidence in bad weather. Great fuel economy. Incredible handling and steering. Stops on a dime. Sports package 18" wheels and sports suspension/seats option.

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  More Luxurious than My Vette - 2010 Audi S5
  By tboy - January 31 - 5:47 pm

  Having been a vette owner for years-the price of the new ones compared with new technology being introduced by other automakers made me look in a different direction. I drove new Corvettes, MB, Infiniti, and Lexus. When I finally drove the Audi S5 Cabriolet-I knew it was time to change. The style, the punch of the supercharged engine, the interior design, the technology Audi offers and the limited availability of the S5 Cab made me want one. It is roomy, enough power to cruise with some fun, sounds great and the tech gadgets are incredible.

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  The car of my dreams - 2010 Audi A4
  By LadyDriver - January 30 - 6:24 pm

  I bought the car a month ago - and I enjoy it so much I take it for a ride on weekends just for pleasure. The car has a Start button (amazing) with a Advance key and a SideAssist(very useful). This is the car you love more and more with time, something you really need to know to appreciate. Everywhere you go - people would notice you. To drive the car on highways is just a pure pleasure, the car loves the speed. The only downside- it is expensive with options, but its worth every penny.

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  Officially switched from BMW to Audi - 2006 Audi A8
  By RD - January 30 - 4:23 pm

  After owning two BMW 3-series for the last 14 years, I decided to go with one of the large, luxury sedans. Was considering the 5 and 7 from BWW and the E-class Benz. Then I drove a friends A6 and was blown away. Added the A6 to the list and started looking. Decided to check out the A8 and I was immediately sold. Nothing else compared after that. The A8 was extremely hard to find, but the one I landed on was nearly perfect - just about every option available and only 27k miles! LOVE this car.

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  TDI is a winner - 2010 Audi Q7
  By Dave - January 30 - 1:18 pm

  Just purchased the 2010 Q7 TDI a week or so ago. Excellent build quality and impressive driving experience. Averaged over 23mpg for 1st tankful, divided between city and interstate--- about 27mpg on interstate portion--- GREAT!!! killer audio--mmi takes some getting used to but eventually makes sense. Absolutely no diesel smell or lag and engine noise is negligible--- could be a game changer for US consumer acceptance od diesel. 3rd row seat for kids(or our grandkids!!) only, but the 1st two rows have plenty of room. Love styling. Only minor complaint is low overhead entering drivers seat. Overall a great vehicle---drives smaller than it is with excellent performance and mileage

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  Little Green Machine - 2010 Audi A3
  By W Kayen - January 28 - 5:37 pm

  Traded in a 2008 Prius that had a lot of technology but no comfort. The A3 is amazing and so beyond all I could ask for. It is very upscale inside and out. The mpg is excellent and the torque is a thrill. The Ipod interface allows me to have a lot of CDs in an organized fashion, and the Bose sound is so clear and deep. The Navigation has real time traffic and a crisp and clear screen. I love the LED lights front and back. The car in Ibis white looks very European, especially with the black open sky roof. The transmission feels like a manual without all the work. Storage room is a little better than the Prius. I highly recommend the A3 TDI for MPG as well as practicality.

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  Two weeks old - 2010 Audi A3
  By Martin - January 25 - 2:47 pm

  Just had my A3 TDI for two weeks but, so far, its an outstanding little vehicle. Peppy, quick steering, and great to shift in the manual mode. Build quality and economy are excellent, ride is a tad choppy but sure-footed, comfort is adequate, and interior and exterior are show- stoppers. My other car is a 540 BMW, so the downsize is taking a bit of adjustment -- dont know how Ill like the A3 on a long trip -- but so far, a big thumbs up. Anxious to take out to the interstate for a 500 mile shakedown.