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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  Not living up to expectations - 2005 Audi A4
  By Steve - January 26 - 12:56 am

  I have to admit, when I purchased the A4 it was my first car over $30,000. Over $35,000 really. But I needed 4 doors, needed 4WD and was tired of the SUV ride. After six months, the build quality of this car is absolutely terrible. I am totally surprised that sources like Edmunds keep recommending this car (and VWs). Its my fault, if I had read half of the discussion groups etc. before I bought, I never would have touched it. The last time I took it in for the 3rd injector replacement, all 12 bays had newer Audis in them. This is also a Porshe and Subaru dealer. When I mentioned it to the service manager, he just shook his head and said exhausted, "You have no idea!"

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  Audi Allroad - 2002 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By Dave - January 15 - 4:36 pm

  This car is AMAZING!!! Great car to cart the kids around and have fun while doing it. The 2.7 twin turbo gives out plenty of performance while the car is still very practical. The car handles extremely well and handles everyday abuse. Will reach very high speeds on the highway with extreme confidence.

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  Better than expected - 2007 Audi A4
  By retfalvi - January 12 - 8:33 pm

  Performance is better than expected, quality and finish are outstanding. Multimedia/NAV is the best, only I would add touch-controls. I tried BMW 325xi. A4 is smaller, firmer, more fun to drive (and feels faster). Recommend A4 over the A3 (especially when you buy it with quattro) or A6 (boring...), since I had both for a while before.

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  This car is worth its price tag - 2006 Audi A4
  By Elkton Hall - January 6 - 5:06 am

  When I went out to buy a car I had a acura TL in mind and not an audi. Both cars were equipped with same features but after driving both cars the audi just felt better. Although the acura had more horses, the 2.0T felt like it had more power at 200 probably because of awd. Overall the audi was easier and more fun to drive and worth its price tag.

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  From a Jack to a Queen - 2017 Audi S3
  By Terry Price - January 4 - 6:35 pm

  I traded in my 2016 Focus RS for something much more refined and just as much fun to drive! The AUDI S3 is quiet refined and very very quick when you want it to be. It can be economical as on a trip to Dallas last week, I recorded 30.4mpg driving 75+ on a 200 mile leg of the trip. Fit and finish is excellent. I enjoyed my boy toy Focus RS but now wish that I had tried or even looked toward the pocket rocket S3.

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  Audi A4 Cabriolet experience - 2004 Audi A4
  By kpfriel - January 4 - 2:00 am

  I was one of the early A4 Cabriloet owners. I now have 20,000 miles on the car. It has been terrific. It is quiet, sporty, a good road car for long trips, comfortable in winter and I receive many comments on how attractive it is. No problems since I got it.

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  Great, well-rounded Sports Sedan - 2000 Audi A6
  By Zimman - January 2 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I own 2 2.7Ts! What better endorsement could there be? They are fast, comfortable, quiet, luxurious and safe. They are a treat to drive, and mine actually makes my 70+ mile (round trip) commute in Chicago rush hour much less daunting than it used to be. We bought one new, and the other used, but Audi-Assured. I still turn to look back at the car when I walk away, and look forward to every trip in it. Test drive one, if youre looking at this class of car. Youll probably buy it.

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  small gripes with reliability - 2002 Audi A4
  By Werner - January 2 - 10:00 am

  If this car had the reliability of Lexus (which by the way most German cars dont), then it would be that much better. At about 5k miles, I have had to bring the car in for minor electrical glitches, not uncommon for European cars. Other than that, this car is a dream, puts a smile on my face. The sport package gives a slightly harsh ride but handles potholes and bumps rather firmly if not well.

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  So far so good - 2002 Audi A4
  By Mattias_Jonnson - January 2 - 10:00 am

  My expectation was average for this car as I had the past generation one. After 3000 miles, notice this car is a great improvement over last. This car is very well built. Transmission is a little notchy but will loosen up over time. Very sure footed on snow and on asphalt.

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  As close as perfection gets... - 2002 Audi A4
  By PetesA4 - January 2 - 10:00 am

  Before I bought this car, the hype was everywhere in magazines and other published car editorials. I took my 2000 Audi A4 for a service one day, and decided to walk around the showroom to see what the new A4, a Car and Driver 10Best car, is all about. Needless to say, I had the service department stop any work they were doing on my 2000 A4 as I decided to just purchase the 02 A4. I know there are other cars that are faster linearly, but the A4s V6 CVT was smooth. You have to get used to the gearless transmission, but this thing taps 60 mph in 6.8 seconds. You couldnt do better in a manual. On top of that, interior is top notch.