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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  Buyer Beware! - 1996 Audi A4
  By meld - March 18 - 12:53 pm

  Do NOT buy a used A4 if you dont also purchase a full aftermarket warranty at the same time! My car was literally in the shop every month for the past year and has been in every week for the past 5 weeks. I am completely underwhelmed ....

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  Fun to drive, easy to own - 1997 Audi A4
  By someguynameddave - March 18 - 4:37 am

  Ive owned this car for nearly 2 years, and it has been a dream. The interior is plush and relaxing, but no adult human can fit in the back seats. Ample trunk space. The Bose sound system isnt too bad.

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  Owner - 2000 Audi TT
  By Dee and J - March 18 - 2:00 am

  Flawless.. o9nly car I have not gotten tired of.. its like a new car after 3 years.. just as much fun to drive each time.

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  ridiculously unreliable - 1996 Audi A4
  By rosanne2e - March 17 - 5:43 pm

  In its lifetime between 60-85000 miles its had several major problems including: 1) climate control display has broken 2) keyless door locking system broke 3) tie rod wear --needed replacing 4) one set of rear wheel bearings needed replacing 5) filter piece inside the coolant reservoir broke 6)oil leaks -needed oil pan gaskets replaced 7) car would die at low idle -an idle controller part needed replacement 8) dashboard trim around air bag separated from the airbag cover I will not buy another German car, especially not an Audi. Its been a waste of time and money to own this car. Im in the market for a small to medium sized Japanese SUV.

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  Love my 2003 Audi A4 - 2003 Audi A4
  By chuck/cbwallach - March 17 - 2:00 am

  This is my 2nd Audi A4 and its better than ever. They improved the torque ratio for better acceleration. The body style and increased interior room is great. Audi has the best 4-wheel drive system of any sedan. Great sound system and creature comforts. The 17" wheels/tires are a must.

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  German Junk - 1998 Audi A6
  By Buzzy - March 17 - 1:52 am

  Expensive to repair, many trips to the dealership

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  audi 2000 - 2000 Audi A4
  By harry k - March 15 - 4:19 pm

  car does great in rain or snow backseat is close good radio good pickup feels safe

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  Wonderful TTs - 2002 Audi TT
  By tlowe - March 15 - 3:24 pm

  With the exception of a few minor electrical problems this has been an excellent vehicle. at 20,000 miles the drivers electric window motor was replace and some of the electrics in the instrument panel have failed several times. It is a fine comfortable touring car, and can carry a good bit of luggage with the back seat down. Trips of up to 500 miles pass quickly.

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  A sleeper car to the uninitiated - 2002 Audi S4
  By SCCAFAN - March 14 - 11:24 am

  First off I dont see how Edmunds could rate this cars engine performance as 7.0, fun to drive 7.0 and value rating 6.0. What car rates a 9 or better? Ferrari or Porsche? This car was on Edmunds 2000 editors sought after list and it nows rates a 7.4? This car is a blast and a much better value dollar for dollar versus the higher praised BMW 3-series. Do the comparison and you have to go with the Audi. Given proper tires this car is an all-year round all-weather performer. A tuners delight, with the simple change of an ECU chip you have a 300hp+ rocket.

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  The All Around Driving Machine - 2001 Audi S4
  By Justin - March 14 - 2:07 am

  The Audi S4 provides nearly everything anyone could ask for in a car. High performance, luxury, sedan/wagon utility, all wheel drive/all weather performance all for what truly is not a bad price especially compared to the BMW and Mercedes competition. Its been incredible driving this car everyday. Everyone should be lucky enough to own one of these great cars. And this is before tuning. With a couple of reasonably priced modifications you can take on any new M3. If you have the chance to get anS4 I highly recommend you do!