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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  Premium Plus w/ Nav / MMI and 18" wheels - 2010 Audi A4
  By JR - May 30 - 6:31 am

  Initial observations is that this vehicle is built with the highest quality standards and materials. I understand some complaints about the steering wheel not returning to center when coming out of a turn. This simply takes some getting use to. MPG on the first tank of gas has been 32 MPG combined (in spite of the suggested 27 MPG Hwy). Lots of buttons and gadgets gives the feeling that you are truly sitting in the cockpit of an airplane. This was another complaint of Edmunds but I see this as a awesome feature. Performance is outstanding. Lots of heads are turning when I drive by. Build quality is a cut above my Infiniti FX35, but enjoy both vehicles. Handling is outstanding!

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  Still wake up at 4 am to drive - 2010 Audi S4
  By 2fun - May 29 - 3:25 pm

  Was looking for a daily commuter that would still fit car seats AND be fun to drive. Found it in the S4. I still wake up at 4 am on weekends to go drive. It makes me smile every time.

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  Just keep up with maintenance. easy - 1999 Audi A4
  By NetoLopez - May 29 - 12:48 pm

  I bought this car about a year ago, since then Ive only needed to replace the timing belt. no mayor problems the only things that have been replaced are parts that any other car replacement is needed. i do most of the work myself. the Quattro system is awesome all year round also the turbo is strong (just check you oil on every gas fill up) this German car is built to last. at 160 HP i keep up with cars that have 20 HP or 30 Hp more then me, i do not recommend the A4 to people who dont know about cars. I dont think i want to sell it.

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  Still the best. - 2010 Audi A3
  By William Kayen - May 29 - 8:37 am

  I have the car now for 5 months and still find it amazing. It has performed flawlessly without any glitches and the mileage has been great. The interior is so versatile and handles all my needs. I feel very safe and secure when driving and would make the same purchase again. I highly recommend the TDI to all.

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  A lot of car for the money, great value - 2004 Audi A8
  By monzavifar - May 28 - 4:29 pm

  About 3 months ago I bought a 2004 A8L with 70K miles (black on beige) for $16K. I gave my BMW 530i in trade. At the beginning I missed the sportiness of the Bimmer but after a while I got used to it. Considering the fact that the car is a lot bigger and heavier than the Bimmer it is understandable that it doesnÂ’t sprint. My A8L has lots of gadgets that my Bimmer did not have. A few days ago I put 19 inch OEM wheels + new summer tires on it, man, it rocks now. I used to be a Bimmer fanatic and was looking for a 750Li for a while but after driving this car I am reconsidering. So far knock on wood have not had any mechanical issues with it. It is a lot of car for the money and very much fun to

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  Fun factor - 2010 Audi A4
  By geltc1 - May 28 - 1:49 pm

  Nicest car I have ever owned. Most fun to drive. Torque, power, handling and stopping power are awesome. Car is pricey (prestige package makes it so) Dealer is a plus. Minor quality initial issues. Drive 4000+ miles in six weeks. Havent had to add oil per another Audi owner review. Liked my portable Tom Tom better than the pricey Audi nav. B&O sound system is terrific. Did I say how great it handles????

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  Great but... - 2006 Audi A6
  By steve - May 27 - 9:15 pm

  Well Ive had this for 6 months. It now has 75k. I get 33 at 74 mph cruise for a comfortable 75mile ride to work. In winter the 1st upshifts are extra longweird. So I simply use manual shift for the first cycle. Small annoying rattle on cup holder cover that comes and goes. Other than that, its a dream. Did my own 65k service using shop manual. Not bad at all and saved about 1k. Sport mode is fun. The Interior is so so nice. My commute time has now become me time in a mobile man cave. MMI is great.

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  Piece of junk - 1998 Audi A6
  By john9 - May 27 - 5:00 pm

  I cant believe the ratings are as high as they are. Way more repair issues than ANY car deserves. Now I have 120k mi and spends more time in shop than home! Expensive to get worked on. Many issues throughout life of car. Would never ever buy another Audi.

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  Truly a WOW car! - 2006 Audi A6
  By Darren - May 27 - 1:34 pm

  This car has surpassed my expectations. I am very pleased with its performance and sleek look. It has many great features that require study of the manual. But once you are comfortable with them, they are awesome. If you want fun-to-drive, coupled with comfort and eye catching appeal, get yourself an Audi.

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  Superb Quality-Design-Performance - 2009 Audi Q7
  By faa50 - May 27 - 9:56 am

  Excellent quality, thoughtful design, excellent performance and great mileage. Doesnt drive or smell like your Dads diesel. Highly recommend for price/value ratio. Will likely exceed your expectations as it did mine - 115 mph cruising UP a 30% grade mountain road, quite,no rattles and so smooth like butter excellent feel on the wheel. No American car can compete on quality or value for a dollar. Ive owned new Porsche and several new Mercedes 360SD, 450SL and 560SL - Regardless of money, Id rather own this car, and that is saying a lot. Reading this you might get the impression I am not a tough critic, you would be wrong.