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:

• 

  200 hp with 4-cylinder (turbo)! - 2007 Audi A3
  By tylchan - September 8 - 2:52 am

  Ibis White, S-Line Black Leather Interior with 6- speed Manual Transmission. Amazing looking car - inside and out - received many compliments - even from people in other cars and pedestrians! Fun to drive, although steering will be nicer if stiffer at higher speeds. Great handling - have driven very well defensively in the crazy traffic in LA. Navigation with the knob takes too long and needs time to learn - although the DVD update makes it very accurate and quick. Good power for a 4 cylinder engine! Luxury car - can be expensive to maintain and repair if out of warranty

• 

  New to me - 2003 Audi TT
  By MSH - September 7 - 11:19 am

  Purchased a one-owner roadster in almost showroom condition and Im sure NOT sorry about that move [further down the road, I may change my mind]. Plan on continuing with the factory maintenance schedule to prevent any problems. This car is very fun to drive and very temping to get into the turbo boost - gotta be careful because it is easy to speed before you know it. Has all the creature comforts my Sebring convertible lacked. Feels very solid, tight and a high level of build quality is evident.

• 

  The Red Rocket - 1996 Audi Cabriolet
  By classic - September 6 - 7:43 pm

  I bought my 1996 red cabriolet from a friend a couple years ago. It had been sitting in his garage for 10 years, and only had 40,000 miles on it. It now has 50,000 miles, and is still in mint condition. Babys got a V6 engine. Love this car. Its going to be a classic. My car has a sports package, and the seats are very unique. A friend of mine just bought an RS4, and liked my seats better then his. I get offers for it all the time. Last weekend, a woman offered me her brand new 2010 Ford Explorer (with 2,600 miles) for my Audi at an even trade! Had to take a pass.

• 

  Great car when it runs - 2006 Audi A3
  By helloworld - September 5 - 3:00 pm

  Had A3 2.0T 6MT Sports package. Very fun to drive, but very unreliable. Over 4 and 1/2 years of owing it at 45000 miles, I had window sensor issues, hutch lock system replaced, ignition coil failed 3 times, cannot keep alignment more than 6 months, coolant start leaking, center console for rear broke off, temperature sensor failed. Dealer in MA will charge each inspection $110 even it is nothing more than error code download and same task. Start costing me a lot to own it. I finally got rid of it

• 

  Happy with - 2011 Audi Q5
  By evansto - September 5 - 7:15 am

  I moved from a Mercedes ML350 to the Q5. I went with the 2.0T over the 3.2, it seemed more fun to drive and I like the turbo sound when it kicks in. The vehicle is quiet (not as quiet as the ML) and the ride is very nice, firm yet quiet and solid. The steering is good but I wish it was more tight like the Mercedes and the BMW. The handling is superb, much more car like than truck like. The comfort is very good, the seats are much better than the Mercedes and it seems like there are more adjustment options. I wish there was a little more thigh support. The rear seats are a little thin and there is not much leg room but not an issue for me. Gas mileage looking promising, I got 24 combo.

• 

  audi = garbage - 2001 Audi A6
  By steve - September 3 - 11:40 am

  I knew I was taking a big chance when I purchased this Audi a6 quattro turbo with 109,000 miles given the cars reputation for poor reliability. However, I got it at a great price and was assured from the previous owner that it was well taken care of with all maintenance done as scheduled. With-in 3 weeks problems started, front struts started squeaking, took it to dealer to inspect, that will be $900.00 please. Then a few months later a/c went out dealer says just $1200.00 please. Then recently all dash lights went out without warning. Dealer says just $800.00 please. Turbo is failing I was told and will have to be replaced within the next 6 months. Dealer says just $2800.00 please. Never again!

• 

  One sweet ride - 2011 Audi Q5
  By butch - September 2 - 6:51 pm

  This vehicle is a pleasure to drive. It drives very smooth with plenty of power for a 4 cylinder.The build quality is up there with Mercedes & BMW. I had a 2003 Acura MDX and paid more for the Acura. The Audi Q5 as far as I am concerned is a lot of bang for your buck.

• 

  Loving it - 2011 Audi Q5
  By Audi Fan - September 1 - 11:17 pm

  Comparing to most of the SUV, the ride is so much smoother and quiet. Handling is excellent. Pick up is good with lots of power. I love the sporty look and gorgeous design. I love the new color "Teak Brown", it is cool, elegant and unique. Although the price is slightly higher than other competitors, it is still worth it. Cant go wrong with the German technology.

• 

  The Last Mohigan- 215K! - 2001 Audi A6
  By Ellen829 - September 1 - 8:55 pm

  I discovered this site this evening as I am researching new vehicles. Alas, my Audi a6 and I are soon to part ways. Weve endured 7.5 years together, with minimal disagreements. Outside of routine maintenance, Ive invested perhaps 3-4k or so, collectively. Purchased the car with 27k, and it currently has over 215k on it! (with my occupation as sales manager, it behooves me to hold onto my vehicles). Can I say Ive been pleased? in a word, yes! I am actually feeling a little saddened over my soon- to-be split with my a6, but as we all know, all good things must come to an end. The divorce is indeed amicable.

• 

  Uber wagon, year round satisfaction - 2004 Audi S4
  By admiral - September 1 - 9:02 am

  What a great year round vehicle! Classy looks, classy interior, good handling, comfortable ride, 4 doors, wagon versatility, great power, all wheel drive, powerful brakes, and in my case, absolutely reliable, no problems. This car offers a combination that few, if any can match. Great engineering. Get your M3s out of the barn in the Midwest during winter. LOL