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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  Quid Pro Quo - 2000 Audi A6
  By L Mac - April 28 - 2:45 pm

  Bought the car with 78k miles, to use as a weekly commuter vehicle, between Long Island, NY and New Hampshire, while doing contract work in NY. I was familiar with a friends 4.2, and figured a quattro drive was critical for long weekly drives, through a Northeast Winter. However, because I insisted on a standard transmission, but still wanted performance, I went with the 2.7 biturbo 6-speed(sport package).

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  So far so good - 2007 Audi A4
  By SG - April 18 - 6:16 pm

  Start with the engine - 2.0 liter mated to the 6 spd and the Quattro drive... astonishing torque and smoothness for the size. Turbo lag is virtually eliminated with DFI. Low end grunt is not awesome, but its not to be expected. The exterior is a matter of taste - I love the design. Interior is very quiet, comfortable, well appointed.

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  Fun but not without issues - 2001 Audi TT
  By Old TT Driver - April 18 - 12:57 am

  Bought my TT in Dec 03 with 39000 miles on it. Quick off the line and handled great but the car was constantly at the dealer. The issues I had: rear trunk lock broke, replaced rear deck lid, window motors replaced twice, turbo failed 5 times, a/c compressor went out twice and entire a/c system replaced-interior panels broke during removal and were replaced. New battery, alternator and O2 sensor. Multiple rattles and car would shake at idle especially when a/c on-dealer could not fix. Glove box broke but not covered under warranty- $900. Brakes under warranty $2000 and timing belt service $1700-found water pump leaking. Just got rid of because assured warranty up.

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  OVER 160K AND THE CAR JUST WONT DIE - 1996 Audi A4
  By Tom Cannone - April 16 - 11:05 am

  I loved the style of the A4, smaller then the A6, its a little more nimble then the bigger Audi cars in the line up. I have a limited GOLD package that was offered in 3 different colors only, black, green, and white. This car has just about every option available, heated leather seats, sunroof, BOSE audio, QUATTRO, ski bag, heated washer nozzles, alloy rims, everything! Plus a nice slick shifting 5spd to add to the fun. The car has 166k and the damn thing just wont give up, the engine hums and the famed AWD is near flawless in any weather condition, luxury, style, and class appeal are very noticable in this car, not to mention its made for all year round weather. Id buy another 10 audi/vws

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  Fun to drive - not fun to own - 1998 Audi A4
  By jimmyjoe - April 14 - 10:00 am

  I had purchased this car believing that Audi had a decent quality car in the A4. Wrong, bought in Feb 2002 and nothing but quality problems. Cruise control died, tires were not balanced (dealer), sunroof opened by itself, airbag sensor died, recall on tie rods had to be done, turbo died, center armrest kept dropping, and when I was getting rid of it the cruise was in the process of dying yet again. However, when it was running correctly it was one of the nicest, well mannered front wheel drives that I have driven (hence the purchase). The doors and the chassis are real solid. Dealer was good about it and put me in a BMW 323 reasonably.

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  DSG Transmission Problems - 2006 Audi A3
  By Bill - April 13 - 8:45 am

  Car was great until around 7300 miles then I heard a noise that sounded like an aircraft turbine engine. Took it to the dealer, who determined it was the transmission, but said they would have to notify Audi to determine what work could be done. Took Audi 6 days to decide to replace the transmission, which had to be shipped from Germany. It appears that if the dealer hadnt contacted Audi to pressure them to make a decision, Audi would still be deciding what action, if any, they were going to take. So, 2 weeks after problem surfaced I finally got the car back. Now Im concerned about the reliability of the DSG transmission. Didnt get any help from Audi Customer Relations Advocate either!

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  Love Hate relationship - 2006 Audi A3
  By A3Man - April 12 - 3:44 pm

  The car is absolutely amazing. For an all around do it all vehicle Audi hit the nail on the head. I love the design and the interior layout. I love the sportiness of the suspension and how the car handles every type of road thrown at it. I hate that I have taken the car in for two electrical problems already. First, was the coolant temperature sensor crapped out on me. Audi did order the part and had it in within a week though. Secondly my heated seats went out and come to find out it was just a plug issue. The 2.0T is capable, but needs more. A $600 chip increases to 250 HP and 300 lbs of torque. Cargo could be a little better, but any more and it would be an SUV. Overall it is a great car!

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  I love my Audi - 2001 Audi A8
  By Michael Lawing - April 4 - 11:45 am

  This is a great vehicle for a full size sedan. It has plenty of power and drives like a sports car.

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  Quick, Great Handling, and Reliable - 1999 Audi A4
  By raize221 - April 1 - 3:49 pm

  (currently 48000 miles) The car accelerates fast and when the turbo kicks in it takes off, especially above 3500 RPM. I like the gearing (5- spd manual) as first gear is long enough that I usually dont have to shift mid-corner when turning after a stop sign/light. The interrior is comfortable (leather) with many adjustments for seat location and the audio system is well done. The airbag warning light has illuminated twice since I bought it for seemingly no reason, after taking it to a dealer they said nothing was wrong and turned it off, so not a big problem. The car runs great every time I start it and is very reliable. I highly recommend a GIAC ecu flash to improve performance.

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  transmission problem - 2002 Audi A4
  By superman21 - April 1 - 2:00 am

  I bought an Audi A-4 in jan 2002. Just after that the A/C pressure switch went out, I had to get it replaced. Next, the transmission went out. I had to take the car back no less than three times. The dealer replaced the transmission but the car still does not run smooth, the transmission makes a loud sound when I put the car into gear. I guess I will have to take it back again. Also, the brake light went out. I should have bought a mercedes