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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  Simply Fantastic! Coast to Coast! 2018 S4 Prestige - 2018 Audi S4
  By Chris - June 8 - 9:29 am

  Coming from a 328i and being a BMW fan in general I was very skeptical, with high expectations, for the S4 and I felt like I was taking a risk when I purchased this car. Looking back, I honestly feel I could not have made a better decision. This car is simply amazing in every way. I recently drove this car coast to coast from New Jersey to San Diego and had plenty of time to break it in. Ride comfort: 40 hours and 2 1/2 days never went so fast... the Quattro handled torrential downpours to aggressive cornering like a dream. Fatigue was not an issue with the 3-way massaging seats! Driving Dynamics: The S4 accelerates like a rocket and handles like a dream at any speed. The different driving modes are critical as road conditions change. I loved how the Dynamic mode handled the winding mountains in the Southwest with ease and the comfort mode was smooth sailing through the various construction work zones across the country. Tech: The high end gizmos in the new Audis was what finally pushed me away from BMW and towards Audi. The adjustable color heads up display with Navigation and speed sign recognition worked great! Crossing America, I never had to worry about the changes in the speed limit from a high of 75 to a low of 45 in the work zones... The cameras always caught the sign changes. I had never used lane keeping assist before so there was an adjustment period but once I got used to it... it was a blessing. After hours of driving and possible fatigue it felt like you had a guardian angel by your side giving you gentle nudges to keep you on track day or night. Having Navigation on dual screens is quite nice and extremely customizable, especially zoom in/out with the scroll of your thumb. The only negative I have is that the download speeds of the Audi Connect when searching weather or traffic updates was a bit slow but not surprising considering all the digital processing constantly going on with the car. Overall this car is a dream machine that I plan to enjoy for many years to come.

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  SUV shopping fatigue - 2017 Audi Q7
  By Sam Marranca - May 30 - 6:55 am

  We looked, drove : Mercedes , Volvo, Infinity, Acura: Test drive of the Q7 SOLD us on the quality, ride, quiet, workmanship of this impressive vehicle. I was worried about being "too big" , but drives & handles super. Would strongly recommend the 6CYL engine upgrade. The ride control/performance choices provide varied and even "fun" options. The graphics option of virtual dash well worth the extra dollars...Navigation outstanding with large picture in front of drivers view & adjustable via steering wheel controls. Not overly impressed with sound system , but BOSE upgrade pricy for sure...if you can afford it ...do it! Really like the panoramic large moon roof. All in all, and because of a "year end special deal" this Q7 was clear choice over the competition.

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  Love my Audi Cabriolet - 2003 Audi A4
  By dasarnow - May 24 - 10:00 am

  I love my Audi Cabriolet convertible. It has beautiful lines, is well manufactured. Ive received multiple compliments on the car. I miss my Quattro. The handling is not as crisp as my A6 with Quattro. The suspension is too springy. I love the CVT transmission! Raising and lowering the top is simple. The cars lines remain beautiful because the top disappears into the trunk. I put the top down every chance I get as a result. The trunk is large when the top is up & not too small when the top is down. The GPS uses CDs rather than DVDs & requires 11. The CD changer is in the trunk and is inconvenient. You must get out of the car to change a CD.

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  Very nice, problems with reliability!! - 2004 Audi A4
  By Dai85 - May 11 - 2:00 am

  Bought one of the first 2004 models off the lot, its been 4 mths n I had 6 visits to dealership ever since. Though service is very good, but Im getting fed up with the problems, first with electrical problems, then engine oil problems, then the keys dun work n system immobliser wouldnt start the car with any key! Yesterday, the rear wheel part under the fender fell off!!! Dunno if its because of the cold winter here in Montreal but I bought this car to be a winter car! Not very satisfy with it!

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  Never Follow - 2002 Audi A4
  By bootnet - May 10 - 10:00 am

  Have owned many "luxury" cars in the past and although the A4 is more an "Entery luxury or near luxury" model it clearly outperforms much more expensive cars even those not really in its class. An absolute dream to drive and a wonderful experience overall. Can not praise this car more!

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  Great car with an extended warranty - 1998 Audi A4
  By cary - May 4 - 10:00 am

  Bought car new almost 5 years ago. Love driving it but theres no excuse for having to replace the battery 3X, the instrument panel 2X, the alternator, turn signal stalk, tiptronic magnetic switch, computer, coolant temp sensor, fuel tank sending unit, coolent reservoir, cam tensioner seals, hazard flasher switch, radio, 2 speakers, and 2 CV boots in 48000 miles. I keep looking behind me to see if the extended warranty company has sent Tony Soprano after me!

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  Dont blow a tire - 2004 Audi A4
  By Margie Determan - April 30 - 10:00 am

  I am looking at $1500-2000 of repairs to my gas tank,wheel lining and shock absorber, not to mention the replacement tire,which was $180, because I had a flat tire on this vehicle at 2389 miles. To my dismay, neither the dealership, nor Audi of America, will stand behind their vehicle and cover any of this cost. I apparently had a leaking gas tank for several days before the "check engine" light alerted me to a potential problem. It would seem that the design of this automobile should address the severe damage that apparently can be caused on this car from a flat tire. It makes me concerned about my safety.

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  1.8 Turbo w/6 spd - 2004 Audi A4
  By Happy Guy! - April 30 - 10:00 am

  The turbo lag is noticable, but winding the engine up, even just a little, on take off takes care of this. The 6 speed also helps quicken the car up a great deal as compared to the automatic. We went with the Sport Package which does make the ride firm, but mini vans and SUVs really become annoying on on and off ramps :)

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  This Car Does It All - 2002 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By williar - April 27 - 2:00 am

  This is an excellent sports wagon, best-in-breed for a wintertime vehicle, as well as crusing at 100+ mph. Its agle, fast, sure-footed, and well-engineered. This car can take on the bush or carry a family to the mall with aplomb. The auto-tranny is good; the 6-spd. is great! After 10K miles, reliability has been excellent.

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  I LOVE this car - 2003 Audi A4
  By diabolique - April 27 - 2:00 am

  This is my first car purchase and I am deeply impressed with the exceptional service I have received (so far). The dealer (and Audi) both were very gracious and accommodating in helping me through this process and they bent over backwards to give me a great deal. If they keep this up, Audi will have my business again for many years to come… The styling is OUTSTANDING. You can tell that Audi used quality materials on this car. I bought a Dolphin Grey A4 and I turn heads everywhere I go! Audi knows how to make a classy looking car. Also this car is a compact and can fit into tight spaces, but you’d never know by its roomy trunk and interior.