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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  01 have trans problems-still fun 2 drv - 2001 Audi A4
  By joplinstadium - August 31 - 10:00 am

  I have had the 99 and now the 01 - the 01 has a lot more problems than the 99, expecially a very rough and uncomfortable transmission - also fuel economy is very very bad for this car, average only 17 - maybe because it is so fun to drive and zip around everywhere. Despite these problems, i still do love to drive it, but it will probably be my last Audi.

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  A blast to own! - 2002 Audi TT
  By Chris Spida - August 26 - 11:22 pm

  This car caught my attention when it first came out. It was always a dream of mine to own one and now I do! I cannot go anywhere with out getting a compliment on the car. People always love the red interior and want to ask questions about the vehicle in general. If get the opportunity to own one of these beauties be prepared for a lot of attention, especially outside of affluent areas. However, there is a down side. There have been a number of problems with the drive train on the car and Audi of America has been less than helpful at some of the turns. Be prepared to go through some hassles. But if you can take it in stride it will pay you back!

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  Good Car, but.... - 2006 Audi A4
  By Jeff Matthews - August 25 - 6:11 pm

  Overall, a very nice car. Powerful, solid frame, handles well. We have the technology package with bluetooth and memory seats, etc. We have enjoyed the car except for one feature: the adaptive headlights. These are Xenon headlights that move as the front wheels move. A neat idea, but weve had continuing problems with one headlight cutting off when it gets sufficiently dark for the "auto on" feature to work. Unfortunately, and despite a good effort, they have been unable to correct the problem and we are getting our money back through the states Lemon Law. I would recommend the Audi A4, but not this adaptive light feature.

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  Fun Car! - 2001 Audi TT
  By Kris - August 22 - 4:13 pm

  This is a great car. My first convertible. The power roof is easy and quick, I can drop it down or put it up easily at a stop light. I have also had an issue with the squeak/clunky noise that a couple other reviewers noticed but it hasnt caused any major issues. I have had a couple expensive repairs with the water pump and oil gaskets and such. but its been basically very reliable. and its a beautiful car! My favorite is the baseball leather interior, makes the car stand out from all the other black leather-clad interiors of comparable cars.

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  A4 - 2004 Audi A4
  By colo4474 - August 22 - 7:07 am

  Fun car to drive and handles well. Audi and VW can capture drivers on the appearance and handling alone.

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  Smooth and Refined - 2007 Audi Q7
  By Nick - August 20 - 9:44 pm

  I bought my Audi Q7 to replace my Honda Pilot. I needed the extra towing capacity and I wanted a luxury SUV. The Audi Q7 did not disappoint me. The inside is typical Audi, comfortable, quite and well thoughout. The controls are all first rate and the cars performance and handling are top notch. The mileage is averaging about 16.3 mpg in mixed driving. If you select the sport mode on the transmission, it makes a huge performance difference, but it does hurt your mileage. All in all probably the best SUV on the market today.

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  Audi not what I thought it would be - 2005 Audi A6
  By Thew - August 20 - 9:17 pm

  Bought the 3.2 A6 a year ago and have been relatively pleased. Gas mileage and drive comfort have been good, and the car looks beautiful. Now the down side: I had a squeak in the rear passenger door that took the dealer 1 year to fix. No kidding. Odd issues with the electrical system have lead me to ask if I really bought an Audi. I always expected them to be top notch on fit and finish and they just missed the mark on this specific car. Wish others the best of luck.

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  Fun to drive but glad I leased it - 2006 Audi A3
  By SteveK - August 19 - 1:52 pm

  Ive had this car 9 months and have put over 10k miles on. A lot of fun to drive, and good looking, too. But Im glad I didnt buy it. Its chock full of little annoyances. Sticky turn signal, huge gap between 4th and 3rd gears on downshift, sunroof with a mind of its own, bits and pieces constantly loosening or falling off, too easy to knock gear shift out of manual when upshifting, to name a few. And its a rattle-trap. Very good mileage considering the turbo engine, though.

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  A4 Avant - 2003 Audi A4
  By KLz - August 19 - 2:00 am

  More hp would be great, waiting list too long...

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  Not worth the electrical problems - 2003 Audi A4
  By Ken Kasten - August 15 - 4:53 pm

  My first Avant overheated 3 times in the first two weeks due to a fan control module issue. After 2 1/2 months in repair the computer module was replaced and the heat only worked at 100 plus degrees. At my request, Audi replaced the car and charged me $4,000 for a newer car with less equipment. The first day of the 2nd Avant had the sunroof opening by itself (new switch) and the headlights turning themselves off 3 times over the next 24 months. The computer calls this a "dipped headlight" but it translates to no headlights and another service appointment. After 1 visit to the dealer each month for 3 years, I went out and bought a Volvo V50.