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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  amazing value - 2006 Audi A3
  By kimberly - November 3 - 7:46 pm

  Incredible. After test driving all the luxury vehicles and being shocked at what they were asking for price, I found my Audi. The price is not a reflection of what you get... you get so much more!! I love my new car!!

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  I love this car! - 2002 Audi A6
  By PokaNYC - November 2 - 4:29 pm

  Bought it at 102000 miles. The body is in excellent condition. Huge trunk. Nice leather. Quiet ride. Great handling. Mileage is great for this class. Big 6 engine allows for awesome speed on the highway. I like the dash- and the the red lights are sweet at night. Acceleration is quick. I love the tiptronic feature-I use it on the highway and fuel mileage gets better. This is my first experience with an Audi and I am impressed. Wipers are quiet. Bose system is loud and booming. Two cigarette lighters- perfect for charging multiple phones/laptop use. I had already expected high maintenance costs (cmon..its an Audi, not a Chevy). I replaced the air filter (w/K&N), timing belt and tires.

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  2003 A4... My "December to Remember" - 2003 Audi A4
  By TAP - November 2 - 2:00 am

  I drove everything in this category and always came back to the A4 as the best of the bunch. I wanted the 3.0 V6 but couldnt justify the expense. I purchased the 1.8T and am glad I did. In real world driving the 1.8T really is great. It may not have the peak HP of the V6 or IS300 but the torque curve is so flat it just flies up hills with ease.... and more HP is just a chip away. Compared to the IS300 it has a MUCH nicer interior, beautifully executed, with superb gauges, lighting and ergonomics, plus more rear seat room, fold-down seats and 35% larger trunk. Sorry Lexus, the A4 is my "December to Remember."

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  The Full Package! - 2007 Audi A3
  By Tuan - November 2 - 12:09 am

  The A3 is a very stylish, powerful, and gas efficient "mini" wagon. With a chip and performance downpipe, I was able to make 230hp and 263tq at the wheels. I have the S-Line w/ Technology package 2.0T FSI and some of the major known problems are as follows: 1. Divertor valve tearing (easy to remedy w/ new piston-type revision valve) 2. Burning oil (varies from car to car but personally I only add 1qt per 5000 mi) 3. Clogging intake valves due to the nature of direct injection (fixed by running a catch can set-up) 4. Cam follower wear on high pressure fuel pump (this is a wear item that should be changed out every 30k and check every oil change, only $50 part but VW/Audi wont tell you that).

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  I got lucky - 2004 Audi A4
  By JAG - October 31 - 4:45 pm

  As the original owner, now with 75,000 miles, I have only a few minor complaints about this, my favorite car of all time. Better handling, more comfortable and a lot more fun to drive than my wifes Lexus IS 250. The styling and performance are terrific. More power and better reliability than year models. One or the other of the tail lights have to be replaced every 6-12 months: Ive now bought the tools and now do it myself. The cup holder is a bit flimsy, and the arm rest storage cover has an easily breakable hinge. Back seat leg room is very cramped for adults (a non issue for us 2 empty nesters). I just recently discovered the 12 volt socket in the trunk.

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  Unique Design Separates Q5 from the Rest - 2010 Audi Q5
  By Marshall Placid - October 30 - 1:51 pm

  This is my very first car. My previous car was a 1997 Honda SUV that was handed down to me by my parents in 1997 when I was a teenager. Interior: A+ Amazing. Largest panoramic roof in its class. Great finish compared to other luxury SUVs. Audio: A+ The MMI interface allows you to control your Ipod on the MMI 6.5 (I think) screen. Very useful. There are also 2 more speakers, 2 more than other luxury SUVs. Performance: Drives like a sports-sedan. A+ Uniqueness: Hardest car to get in North America (Forbers article). Day-time running LED lights. Design and style is different than other "BOX" SUVs. Beats comparable SUVs like Lexus, X5, X3, Acuras, etc.

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  20 year Z guy gone Audi - 2002 Audi TT
  By fl81turbozx - October 30 - 1:10 pm

  The exterior lines of the 1st generation Audi TT are destined to be classic. With a factory spoiler it evokes thoughts more of a classic Porsche than a Golf or Beetle. Not only did the car redefine Audi, making cars like the R8 possible, but it also redefined a segment of which the 350z took many notes. As far as things falling apart, we will see. From experience, when a typical American is faced with a knob, switch or lever we are not familiar with, what do we do...we wrench, wiggle, push and pull on it until we brake it. God forbid we get out the manual! Handling is fantastic. Braking is better than anything I have ever driven. 370z included. Backseats, perfect, for my 2yr old.

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  Greatest ski car - 2000 Audi A4
  By Seattle skier - October 30 - 8:09 am

  7 winters of driving up the mountain to ski and this car has seen it all. Truly unbelievable in the snow and ice. Very fun to drive, likes to corner fast and enjoys staying up above 3000 rpm. Perfect Seattle vehicle.

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  So far so good - 1998 Audi A4
  By MR KQ - October 28 - 2:00 am

  I just got back from paying a $700 bill for a new throttle body at 67,000 miles. Other than brakes (at no cost because of Audis free 3 year maintenance), tires and front shocks, this car has been trouble-free. Ive read a few reliability horror stories which concern me, but I havent experieiced it yet. The car is 5 years old and it still feels like a new car. Performance of the 1.8T engine is so terrific (I have a 5sp manual) that I wouldnt take a bigger engine if you gave it to me.

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  Just Dont Call it a "Wagon" - 2003 Audi A4
  By MyDawg007 - October 28 - 2:00 am

  This is a fabulous car. Audi really raised the bar with their latest version of the A4 . First of all, it is one if the best looking mass-produced vehicles going. (Why would anyone buy the A6? Theres not THAT much more room.)Its design elements are in perfect balance - inside & out. The sport suspension works great (its hunkered-down stance looks fabulous too). Very, very nice car. Get one.