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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  Long term review of certified car - 2000 Audi A4
  By JM - October 20 - 8:52 pm

  I am positive the car did not receive a detailed review as part of the Audi certification process as too many things were wrong with the car within the first several days of ownership - cruise control, computer display, rear window switches on drivers door opened the wrong window.

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  Mixed Review - 2006 Audi A4
  By jim delaney - October 18 - 8:53 pm

  This is the second Audi purchased by my family. The first, an Audi A6 had major brake problems at 20k. We recently purchased a 2006 A4 with a S- Line package. It does have a nice look and ride but we have had major problems with it since the purchase. It has been in and out of the shop for several months with constant rattles, speakers not working, and a major problem with the front end. The car will randomly lock up when turning corners and there is a constant rattle from the the wheel being turned. This is a major dissapointment, because the vehicle is fun to drive and does perform well in poor driving conditions.

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  Not too bad - 2003 Audi A4
  By DTA43 - October 9 - 10:11 am

  Ive had this car for over 3 years now. Had to get the windshield replaced in the first week: it had a defect that made everything look "wobbly." The fuel pump gave out at 1.5 years/30K miles, stranding me at 5 am (very frustrating!). I have since witnessed about 4 other identical models stranded in parking lots or on the freeway. Since the fuel pump, the car has not given me any problems, aside from strange electrical issues such as the mirrors rotating out of memorized position.

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  Disappointed.... - 2002 Audi A4
  By adsf - October 7 - 10:00 am

  Had to bring it back to the dealer many times... Sunroof motor, A/C relay, Master cylinder, power window motor, valve tap at start up...

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  Luxury Worth A Look! - 1998 Audi A6
  By Sean - October 4 - 6:57 pm

  Perhaps the first thought that comes to mind for many drivers is the Quattro AWD on this car, a feature that helps in the Snow Belt of the country. Yet beyond this, the handling is adept and definitely unique to this car nothing short of amazing, this car remains supple without wallowing. This car is solid, large, and comfortable for 4, the 5th will feel out of place, especially if a full sized adult. Power is just fine for this car, and gas mileage is suprisingly good (mid 20s). Quality of build is wonderful, although most repairs will require garage intervention-this is not a shady tree mechanic car. Audi went above and beyond with this car, and it really shows.

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  The True Review - 2004 Audi A4
  By JRMLIVE - October 4 - 10:00 am

  The cars 1.8liter and 4 cylinder engine with a 170HP sound worse than the actual performance that comes out. I previously owned a Nissan Maxima 6 cylinder and the audi from 0 to 60 leaves the maxima in the dust. However, the car reaches higher rpms much faster and begs the driver for quick shifting. The handling is excellent, however after 6 months with the car, the front struts and axls are creeky. In addition, the car has begun to make louder idle noises. The maxima is as quiet as a pussycat. Overall, it is difficult to compare the two being in different categories and the sacrifices that I made switching to a smaller car (interior is small).

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  Long-term review 2003 180HP TT Coupe - 2003 Audi TT
  By JP - September 18 - 3:53 pm

  Driving before the turbo kicks in is painful. The paint is EXTREMELY susceptible to scraches, dents, and road damage. The Tiptronic chip had to be replaced along with the battery at 8000 miles. The instrument cluster had a problem at 28000 miles. The glove compartment handle broke during normal operation at 5000 miles. It tookthe dealer two CD changers (CDC) and several complaints to get the CDC working right. The brakes would "scarily push back at your foot when depressed harshly" the dealer never found anything wrong. Just like the exterior, all the nice brushed aluminum accents are extremely susceptible to damage/scratches.

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  A6 unreliable - 2005 Audi A6
  By CB - September 14 - 12:04 am

  Audi A6 drives beautifully when it works, but is very unreliable. Have had my A6 serviced for same problem of all of a sudden shutting down and not accelerating properly 5 times in last 3 months. EPS computer fault system continues to fail. At times wont change gears properly. Buyer beware, and Audi no longer offers free service. Audi so far is refusing to replace the vehicle despite servicing it 3 times for these same issue in last 3 weeks. If you like taking your car to the dealership for service a lot, this may be your car.

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  A great choice - 2007 Audi Q7
  By Liam - September 11 - 8:37 pm

  Got the Q7 about 3 months ago, and love it since. Before I was driving the FX35, which was a bit quicker but you cant really compare the quality and features that come with the Audi. As a surfer, I manage to fit a 96 longboard inside the car together with my wife and two kids! A great buy with cool looks.

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  Great car - 2003 Audi A4
  By tom - September 10 - 2:50 pm

  Bought it brand new 3.5 yrs ago and had only 2 problems. Oil sludge build up at 43K miles which the dealer fixed right away. Fuel pump went out at 57K, warranty had already expired at 50K, but dealer replaced w/50% off. Other than that, its been a great reliable car. Would purchase another Audi in a heartbeat.