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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  A3 TDI - 2010 Audi A3
  By JJ - August 31 - 10:01 pm

  This is a great little car. Have had it for 7 months and am very pleased with it. I bought it primarily for its fuel efficiency and not disappointed, averaging 45 mpg hwy & 37 city. Car is comfortable, quiet and has fairly good handling. The A3 has a clean exterior (sport wagon look) and a well laid out interior. Audi builds a quality car and while the A3 is their entry level vehicle, my opinion is that they did a fine job with the A3. It is pricier than the VW Jetta TDI but the detail level between the cars warrants the higher price.

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  Fantastic - 2010 Audi A4
  By Lee - August 31 - 11:23 am

  My third Audi A4 and my favorite so far. The Turbo 2.0 FSI is strong and turbo lag is almost non-existent. Watch it on the highway as it creeps up to 80 MPH quickly and it doesnt feel like you are anywhere near that speed. The Premium Plus package has some really nice features and the MMI is very easy to use. Voice command feature with the NAV is awesome! No problems at all with the vehicle after 9000 miles. Amazing highway fuel economy!! 200 mile highway trip yielded 38 MPG at 70 MPH on a Quattro! Not hard to get high 20s in stop and go traffic.

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  Audi Grand Slam - 2010 Audi A5
  By Barnone - August 31 - 2:04 am

  Live in Germany and ordered my 2010 A5 2.0T 6 Speed Prestige in Aruba Blue and Linen Beige Milano Leather. I order the car loaded with the Almond Beige Ash Trim that looks great, and Driver Assist and Drive Select Packages. The leg room beats out the Jag. XF, Corvette, Merc E350 Coupe, and many other I was considering. The 211 horses mated to the Manual 6, is plenty to keep up with the other vehicles on the Autobahn. The ability to simply walk up to my A5 and never touch my key as I drive off, Priceless. I rented the S-Line package before purchasing and can say the seating is definitely more comfortable and an overall better vehicle without it.

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  May be a Mistake - 2003 Audi A6
  By ReZe - August 30 - 4:11 pm

  I just bought an Audi A6 2.7T 2003, and I think I made a mistake. After only having the vehicle for 2wks I need a torque converter, mass air flow, battery, and the tiptronic is failing $3,275.00 to fix! and they say there may be more to do once the mechanics are in there. Kinda pricey to maintain but going to make it mine and fix it up like its a classic!

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  This car is horrible - 2009 Audi A4
  By peter - August 30 - 2:57 pm

  Worst decision of my car buying life. It was the only 2009 left on the lot and had every conceivable option. Problems arose quickly - 1. The steering feels like something is rubbing or a belt it loose - back to dealership 3 times before I was told that there was a service bulletin out on it and no fix yet. 2 Transmission lurches in the dynamic mode - after 3 visits was told that there was a service bulletin out on it and there was no fix yet. Filled out more than one survey on it and never received help. For an almost $50K car, this is a disgrace. Have written Audi many times to just give me my money back. How do you think that is going. Bad mistake.

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  Fun car to drive! - 2011 Audi S4
  By Audi Cars - August 30 - 12:30 pm

  I test drove BMW 3 and 5 series, Infiniti M37 and Mercedes E Class. This car beats them all hands down in terms of pure driving enjoyment. I cannot wait to drive this car everyday, its that good. The acceleration from 0 - 60 will blow you away. It has a lot of power, yet is very smooth and handles extremely well. Its a head turner, Ive only had it for a month and had many compliments. The inside is very nicely designed, sound system is incredible and Nav is easy to use. The only thing they forgot on this car was the seat memory!! Drives me nuts. I know you can get seat memory as an option, I just overlooked it. Check this one out, one test drive and you will feel like James Bond.

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  Fun Fast Practical - One Package - 2009 Audi A3
  By Waterhead - August 30 - 9:31 am

  Satisfaction on a car purchase is all about previous experience and expectations. Previous: Ive owned BMWs (328is, 528i). Mercedes (E350), Lexus (GX470). Love the tightness of a German car, combo sport and luxury. Need: I drive 15k/year, mostly highway with some 2 lane windy roads. My 528i had 160k miles, facing $5k on brakes, airbag sensor, struts, etc. I was also getting about 23mpg. Wanted something fun, fast with good mpg and room for family (wife, 2 girls). Enter A3: This car is about as perfect (based on my expectations/needs) as one can get. It is tighter than the BMWs, fast and fun. 30mpg - driven hard. Sunroof, stereo, leather seats, bluetooth all create luxury feel.

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  The Ultimate Compromise - 2005 Audi S4
  By DJD - August 29 - 2:40 am

  I drove both new and used BMWs and Mercedes before I picked my 5-year-old S4 Cabrio. Havent regretted my choice for a second. I think of this car as the "ultimate compromise." You can speed top-down through the sweepers of Big Sur in Summer or tackle the hills at Tahoe in the winter. You can hoon it like a teenager, or ferry the kids to grandmas in safety and comfort. And oh, the engine! Its the finest engine Ive ever owned - power and torque and an understated rumble. Its hard to say how this car could be improved. A hint: the 2005 tends to be ~$10k cheaper than face-lifted 06-09 models, even though its almost exactly identical under the skin.

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  Q5 exceeds expectations - 2010 Audi Q5
  By Northeast Q5 - August 26 - 7:49 pm

  Purchased the 2010 Q5 about 5 weeks ago and this vehicle has exceeded all my expectations. It rides and handles beautifully. It feels very safe and stable and can stop on a dime. The interior is also quite impressive. It just looks and feels great. Really nice to drive after a long day at work. Averaging 26 mpg between 20% city and 80% highway driving. Overall, I would not hesitate to purchase another Q5 if anything ever happens to this one.

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  Sexy - 2008 Audi A5
  By tgeorge - August 26 - 10:30 am

  By far the sexiest car in 2008 and 2 years later still holding its sex appeal. Fun to drive, ahead of the design curve. Turns heads like Kim Kardashian’s backside. The six speed manual has some punch, especially in 2nd and 4th gear at the right speed and RPM. The 19” wheels are sporty yet classy and often get mistaken for aftermarket wheels. The most impressive design feature is the cars stance. There is little overhang, fine European lines and the stance of a muscle car, simply beautiful.