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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  Love & Hate - 2001 Audi A6
  By Not Happy - July 28 - 3:37 pm

  I have a love and hate relationship with my Audi A6 2.7T. Its beautiful, fun to drive, great acceleration and handling, but the car is unbelivably unreliable. I will take it back to the dealership for the third time this month. Electronics and Electrical components seem to be Audis weak points and not even the Factory Certified mechanics at the dealer can diagnose the many problems this car has had. Too bad, I really liked this car, but it will probably be my last Audi, if not my last German built car.

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  Really Nice Car - 2005 Audi A6
  By JMAX - July 24 - 1:17 pm

  Wonderful car to look at and drive. Lots of nice touches and an interior that is beautiful. It cruises really nice on the road -- have to be careful and watch how fast you really are going.

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  Audi Lover Cheated - 1998 Audi A4
  By Audi Lover ????? - July 22 - 7:54 pm

  I have had nothing but expense after expense which is making it difficult to justify buying another Audi despite my love for the cars. In nearly 3 years I have replaced the water pump, rear bearings, mass air sensor, power steering rack (which came from Audi faulty and was warranty replaced by local mechanic) turn signal headlight stalk, tie rod ends, sway bar links, all control arms (upper A and F R lowers), the timing belt, valve cover gaskets, mirror directional button is bad, and the car eats tires like the chocolate doughnuts I used to eat in my overweight youth. I am questioning, in anguish, the merits of fine German enigineering.

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  Too many problems - 2001 Audi A4
  By sean - July 22 - 2:30 pm

  Bought my 2001 A4 2.8 Quattro last year as a cert. pre-owned. Had to replace the CD player within the first week of having the car. Since then Ive gone through 2 more CD players. The electrical system is faulty and just recently I had to replace all the tie-rods which, last year, Audi deemed not covered in the warranty...Thanks Audi. Ive dropped over $1500 on top of payments this year on the car. Having to put premium in it is killing me because it only gets 21 mpg, especially when gas prices are $2.50+. Save your time and money. Go get something else.

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  pretty cool - 2006 Audi TT
  By david - July 22 - 1:58 pm

  I traded in an 03 M3 for this car for a little more fun.. esp in the summer. The engine could use a little more hp but it is a blast to drive w/ great paddle shifters. Why cant BMW get it right w/ SMG?? One small problem is with the seat adjustment.. you cant get it to lean back any, as I am 63" so you are sitting up pretty straight up. Had a boxster S before M3 and TT is almost as much fun but can drive all year long in northeast.. big plus for me.

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  Love it - 2005 Audi A4
  By BunnyBopp - July 22 - 10:00 am

  I love my Audi. I bought a demo...and absoutley love to look at it and drive it. I would reccommend this car to anyone.

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  Is it just me? Or is it my A4? - 2004 Audi A4
  By Winnietfor2 - July 18 - 6:19 pm

  Longtime lover of the Audi series. Friends all swore by A4s. I finally leased one in 2004. At first I was pleased, coming off of many high end japanese vehicle leases, but I have now been in the shop with a lot of little issues. Started out with drivers power window not closing. Then water leaks in dashboard window which led to freezing ice in winter on the INSIDE. (blamed on water drains clogged?!) Window broken again. Now a/c doesnt work and transmission not shifting properly on hills. Anyone else have these issues or just me? I love my car and Im saddened by all the time it spends in the shop.

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  Warranty Work - 2003 Audi A4
  By pgb - July 16 - 12:54 am

  My A4 has been a wonderful car, but the Audi dealerships I have contacted in my area will not do warranty or regular maintenance work on my car unless I sign an agreement to binding arbitration. I refused to sign away my right, and I was refused service. Customer Relations at Audi of America said they couldnt do anything about it. The consumer is not made aware of this "condition" until after they bought their car. Also- The only place a person can buy windshield wipers is at the Audi dealership for 50 dollars a pair. Ask before you buy!

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  New Used Quattro - 2005 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By mercedes01 - July 12 - 5:44 pm

  Well designed auto. Very comfortable. We enjoy driving. Some difficulty steering, I assume because of the all wheel drive. My wife loves it. Plenty of room compared to other vechicles in it category. Id recommend at least a look.

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  Loving My Audi A4 Cabriolet - 2005 Audi A4
  By Paul - July 10 - 9:38 am

  I have had this cabriolet for only 3+ months, but it has exceeded my expectations in almost every category. It is quiet, stable, power enough for most driving, gets about 21 mpg, has very positive steering, takes the bumps well, has great eye appeal, and the upgraded sound system was worth it for an open top car. The trunk is one of the roomier ones for a convertible. With all options it is pricey. I cannot help but feel that with this kind of quality, the resale value for Audi A4 Cabriolet will rise significantly. This is a car well above what I thought an Audi might be. It is hard to imagine this not being a best seller, and a 1st pick for convertible lovers.