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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  The Best Kept Secret In The Auto World - 2007 Audi A4
  By DamonH - June 30 - 9:15 pm

  The A4 can justify the price and gives the owner a sense of exclusivity. I wanted a sensible economy car, and thats exactly what I got. Its not overly fun to drive, doesnt have drop-dead good looks, but it is reliable, has excellent fuel economy, and the fit and finish set the standard. The Audi is an all around good car, and I have never second-guessed myself for purchasing one.

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  47,000 Miles My Last Audi ? - 2005 Audi A6
  By PGM - June 28 - 2:31 pm

  This is my second Audi, I had an A4 3.0 Quattro that I just loved. While I had several issues with the A4 (failed ignition coils & cam pulley came loose), I still decided to buy the A6. I have had nearly as many quality and dependability issues since purchased. The most disappointing is a hesitation upon first drive of the day. I gave the dealer 4 tries before contacting Audi US. Still not fixed, so I will get rid of it in the fall. This car is beautiful inside and out. It is very difficult to drive smoothly, the steering is overboosted. I have always wished you could dial it down using MMI, why not, it is electronic? Speaking of MMI, simple and works great.

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  Beautiful Headache Redux - 2001 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By Blackroad Again - June 27 - 2:00 am

  I reviewed my car at 46k, now a follow- up at 73k. The headaches are fewer, but the car didnt shape up until after 50k and MANY dealer visits. Audi put on same tires as A8 and balanced them right. Vibration gone. The brake rotors warped after 23K more miles - Audi refuses to help. 3 visits to fix leaky w/washer system. It never ends. I love this car, but never again.

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  pres - 2004 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By jonroe07508 - June 27 - 2:00 am

  turbo lag bad bad fuel millage especially in city harsh ride over minor bumps esay to drive and fun to drive very well built

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  The Audi A4 - 2005 Audi A4
  By seattle a4 - June 18 - 6:50 pm

  After 2 years driving, Ive gotten a chance to reflect over the experience. First off, I would not buy an Audi. The A4 has shown me the entry level luxury field is somewhat of an oxymoron. And the A4 is one of the better entries in this market. The A4 is both luxurious as it is questionable in build. Those looking into buying a quality product should settle with the japanese offerings. At least then you would get a car that wouldnt be in Audis wonderful service centers every week. 14 repairs in 2 years of ownership has kept me quite in the know about how cars work. The benefits of Audi products balance out some of the problems, but I would prefer driving my car daily, not a rental.

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  my A4 is falling apart - 1998 Audi A4
  By Joe Azzi - June 9 - 2:03 pm

  Have dreamed about the A4 for years.Once I got it I was so glade my car was assured. Audi paid for: rear differential, clutch, faulty suspension, brake recall…I was praying that the car holds up when the warranty expired. Since then I replaced the timing belt twice in 30k, tensioner, water pump, the oil cooler, and now a ball bearing problem.A4s are overrated.Dealers have monopoly on servicing Audis, you can’t change your motor oil without going to the dealer! Audi unwilling to assist.

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  An 800-Mile Impression (now thats new) - 2003 Audi A4
  By Linda - June 8 - 10:00 am

  The fit and finish of this vehicle is amazing. If you want to know what I mean, check out the door jams between the Audi A4 Avant and the Volvo V40 the next time you are at a car show. The paint is perfect. We already have one tiny nick and can see the undercoating - no bare metal. So the metal is very well protected.

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  Expensive - 1997 Audi A4
  By hitman0304 - June 5 - 1:18 am

  Bought for 5k, over 3k spent on ball joints (bad design), tie-rod ends, sway bar links, steering rack and hose, lots of money! Suspension design is a joke with the exception of the struts, never need to replace, stupid stuff can break like my $1780 steering rack/hose installation. Good vehicle for a high roller who can afford to be robbed on parts and labor.

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  06 Audi S4 Sedan Manual - 2007 Audi S4
  By S4BB - June 1 - 10:21 am

  Very fun car to drive, incredible engine. Love the sound of the V8, do not love the gas mileage of the V8, but always worth it. Still the best interiors on the market. Only negative is that the brakes sometimes squeal.

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  Cool points out the window - 2001 Audi S8
  By greyjag - May 30 - 11:25 pm

  Well I must admit to being newly enamored with the S8 as I just bought one. I like others dont care for the Nav system compared to what $200.00 will buy now, I suppose it was ok in its time.