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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  My little TT - 2002 Audi TT
  By TonyS - January 30 - 6:06 pm

  This was a fun car to own, however my biggest disappointment was that in 3 years the dealer could not make it stop rattling. Also, the cargo cover in the trunk is really a piece of junk - a primary source of rattles. Other than that it was quick, reliable and fun to drive.

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  Great car - 2000 Audi S4
  By Rick - January 28 - 6:41 pm

  I have the car three years and only mods were a APR chip and K&N. Big difference in performance and has been very reliable. Had to do timing belt and water pump at 72000 because water pump puked. Very expensive part of the ownership. Car is awsome and very aatractive. Used it for a work commuter for a year but found gas expensives forced car to become weekend toy.

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  Excellent car! - 2004 Audi A4
  By kchao2000 - January 25 - 2:00 am

  The Quattro performance in wet and snow conditions are excellent. The conner handling is pretty good as well.

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  Great But... - 2006 Audi A8
  By BillyJo - January 22 - 1:06 am

  For some reason I felt it was time to replace my 01 BMW 740iL which I consider to be one of the best looking cars ever. New 7 series did not appeal much to me. My A8L has significant blind spot when changing lanes in heavy traffic. I enjoy the technology and the MMI offers many useful functions but I often take my eyes off the road to operate. Voice command and steering wheel buttons help a bit. Changing radio stations is cumbersome. The Nav is not as complete as my BMW. It often gets me to a street but not to exact location. The new grill adds distinction but previous looked better to me. Minor complaints only. Car is comfortable and enjoyable to drive. The interior really is beautiful.

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  Fun but Unreliable - 1998 Audi A4
  By Noel - January 20 - 8:51 pm

  I bought my A4 with 58,000 miles on it in Jan 2001 and as of Jan 2006 have 137,000 miles on it. The car handles very well and the low end power is very good. My car is completely stock (No mods) and has still been the least reliable car I have ever owned. Here is a partial list, waterpump(2), power steering rack, spark plug coils, numerous front suspension arms and tie rods, wheel bearings, various leaks (Diff fluid, power steering fluid, coolant, oil), various electrical problems/switches. It was been a fun and expensive 5 years of ownership, but when it comes time to buy again, I will probably not buy another Audi.

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  Audis TSX - 2006 Audi A3
  By A3owner - January 20 - 12:26 pm

  Feels a lot like "luxury" Golf, and that is a very good thing! A3 may not perform as well as as the VW Golf, but its just as fun to drive. This is one of those cars where you can take it work on a weekday, and race it on the weekends!

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  Looks Looks Looks !!! - 2001 Audi TT
  By Genco - January 19 - 7:14 pm

  I purchased this car about 6 months ago Certified Used and i LOVE it ! The best part is that you are driving a car that is great looking and very rare so people look at you and your car and they dont know what kind it is and admire. Superb handling, good performance (not an M3), do 100 mph and you wont notice it.

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  German Dependability and ingenuity - 2002 Audi A4
  By sarah - January 15 - 7:40 pm

  This car has been a joy to own. The four years/50,000 mile warrenty has been a blessing. The car is a joy to drive.

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  great car, not as good as the old one - 2006 Audi S4
  By marc - January 13 - 3:25 pm

  I have owned my 05 S4 of one year and 15000 miles. I still dont like it as much as my old 00 model with the bi- turbo. If I had never driven that, Id be in love with this. This is a great car for sure, but the 00 was better. Faster, tighter, more torque. This car loves gas, and at $2.60 a gallon, loves alot of it. The 00 was more economical too. The heating and ac in this 05 cant be adjusted right. You either freeze of die from heat. The dealer says its a new system-I like the old one better! Oh well only 2 years more on my lease.

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  Should the flagship retire? - 2001 Audi A8
  By Chris - January 13 - 12:59 am

  Vehicle has been a constant source of satisfaction from design and function point of view. Quattro is to die for when you live on top of a mountain in NE. Car gets many looks. Classy, understated but luxurious, especially with rear and side shades up. Formula shifting and 310 HP makes it a L&P vehicle. Too bad Audi cant engineer a car thats not in for repairs as often as its being enjoyed.