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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  Thoroughly Enjoyable - 2003 Audi A4
  By CarreraRS - November 4 - 2:00 am

  I purchased an A4 1.8T quattro with the usual options, but without the sports suspension. My salesman told me that the 2003 suspension is firmer than last years, and I am very pleased. I did insist on the 17" wheels, however. After a 3000-mile trip I am very impressed. The car performed flawlessly, with the sumptuous smell of leather and the smoothness of the controls making the trip a delight. The quality of paint, interior materials, and the style are exceptional, particularly considering this Audis entry-level vehicle.

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  Long time coming - 2006 Audi A3
  By wash - October 30 - 1:26 pm

  I use to own a 83 Audi 4000s God I loved that car until it die with over 200k miles on it, ever since I wanted another audi but the A4 just did not appeal to me, now the A3 it just called my name and had to have it. Love the car is fast and agile and very convenient, I love the look on those BMW and SUV owners when they look at it with a gaze.

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  Just what the doctor ordered! - 2003 Audi A4
  By dthahn - October 30 - 10:00 am

  Prior to this purchase, I had looked at the BMW 330i, Lexus IS300, & Infinity G35. The exterior/interior quality, performance, and amenities make the A4 the best choice. The CVT provides quick acceleration; the premium package offers great comfort. I cant say enough about the sports package which makes this car a joy to drive. I love the automatic heated and dimming sideview mirrors, dual climate zone, fully automatic seats, and Bose sound system. This car is SOLID!!

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  Just got it and love it - 2006 Audi A3
  By john m - October 30 - 5:00 am

  Just bought my A3 yesterday and I have to say that I am impressed. I went from the VW Jetta GLS VR6 to the smooth 2.0 T and it is night and day. The DSG transmission is a must. The open sky is very enjoyable. The car drives smoothly at low and high speeds and has enough kick to make it a sports car.

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  Amazing for the buck - 2004 Audi A4
  By Ron Sqr - October 24 - 10:00 am

  Luv it, cant wait for the S4 Cab Quatro!! Lt. Slvr Blu

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  best ever - 2004 Audi A4
  By keypro8 - October 24 - 10:00 am

  best car to drive, sporty and elegant luxury. you cant ask for more!!!! plus it has the BEST INTERIOR of any Euro car. THANK YOU AUDI!!!!!!!!

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  excellent car audi a4 1.8 t - 2004 Audi A4
  By randy - October 24 - 10:00 am

  This is the BEST car I have ever owned . The performance is unbelievable. You cannot go wrong with buying this car.

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  Best Damn sports sedan - 2004 Audi A4
  By AudiA42003 - October 24 - 10:00 am

  Its a great car thats fun to drive and has steering like a race car. It has great higher end acceleration but has turbo lag early on. The car would be perfect if the cup holders were easier to use.

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  Loved it... but it beat my wallet into submission - 2002 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By daniel911t - October 21 - 6:11 pm

  This was a fantastic car. I had a 2002 purchased with about 45K mi on it. It was immense fun to drive, thirsty, and practical. However, once things started to break... I had trouble finding mechanics that would work on it, then the bills were staggering. I sold the car with 120K mi on it after the final straw fell... while on a long road trip the alternator failed - not a big deal, but the repair was $1.1K! Timing belt and other minor work was $5k, clutch was $3k... it was just crushingly expensive to keep alive. But it was AMAZING when it worked right! If youre a mechanic, or are friends with one, then go ahead and buy one.

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  Highly recommend buying - 2004 Audi S4
  By nothingleft - October 18 - 2:00 am

  I also got one of the first cars available. The power is available at anytime and comes on smooth and consistent. The seats are the best I have ever seen, and the car just begs to be driven and driven hard. I find it hard not to grab the keys and head for the twisties everytime I look at it. The S4 is surprisingly a very comfortable ride without the harsh and punishing rides often associated in this class of car. I feel I could drive this car across the country without a single complaint from me or my passenger. The V-8 rumble is irresistable to the ears!