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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  Going for Japanese next time - 2000 Audi A6
  By MariaM - April 20 - 11:13 pm

  Im not impressed, considering how much this car cost and the ratings it has received. Like way too many other reviews Ive seen, Ive had many problems with the car (and of course they all happened just after the warranty ran out) - at 80,000 miles so far the following has stopped working: the computerized display, the glove box (for no apparent reason according to the dealership), the AM radio, the automatic windows, plus the transmission has started sounding scary (it lurches when changing gears). Mind you, all of these were not at all cheap to repair. Its a money sink, and Im glad to be selling it.

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  Good at first, horrible, then great! - 2002 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By rawrrXD - April 20 - 3:50 pm

  I bought this car with 110,000 miles on it in spring in northern NH, ahem: MUD. awesome in it however, when the winter months came the suspension BLEW completely gone, and it was horrible, I had been told that it was common problem and goes away with warm weather, so i had it checked out, an air suspension sensor had fried, and was replace for roughly $300, had the timing belt done, and now it RUNS LIKE A CHARM, i love this car, i will always drive an Audi, perhaps something a bit cheaper to fix, but i <3 Audi of America. At an annual Audi owners of America banquet which i worked at and found all too ironic, i told them I drove an allroad, and many were jealous, i get daily compliments.

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  Make sure youre wealthy - 1998 Audi A6
  By Ric - April 20 - 2:23 pm

  Dont buy one thats not certified! It is a great car, but costs big $$$ to get fixed. Dont take to dealerships! Got 19-20 MPH average (Stinks!) Had all kinds of issues at first. Hit a pothole for $5k of damage. Had a wheel fall off while driving due to a bearing and control arm just breaking off. Engine started leaking oil pretty bad at like 95K. Was still running at 150k, but was hurting. New brakes every 20k or so, new tires about the same, new head lights pretty often. Bent my rims all the time. Always thrashed my front bottoming out. Awesome in the snow - even if the snow was over the hood! Crashes VERY well. Head on with a Jeep Grande Cherokee and no injuries. Car dead.

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  I Love This Car! - 1999 Audi A4
  By mcdebra - April 19 - 12:47 am

  I bought my Audi used with 31,000 miles (now shes at 53,000) and I have had no problems, just had to get a new battery and tires! Very reliable and I will definitely check out Audis when I am looking for my next car.

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  how to ruin a good thing - 1994 Audi 100
  By J.Moore - April 7 - 1:36 am

  Drives like sports sedan. Just so expensive to maintain, repairs are redundant and not anyone can work on them. Forget oil changes at Jiffy Lube or any quick change shop, they dont even have the proper tool to remove cap on oil pan. Love driving it, but cant afford the maintenance prices and constant shop visits that require extended time and return visits to get it right. Ignition & cooling systems are the major culprits. I will still take a chance on the new Audis when I get a chance-maybe Im just a glutton for punishment, but the drive and handling are so terrific, try one.

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  pros and cons of S4 convertible - 2005 Audi S4
  By Rick - April 6 - 11:49 pm

  A fun car to drive. The quattro is awesome and adds much performance. This car is as much fun in snow as it is with the top down in summer. Great handling in ALL weather conditions. I think that Audi is improving its customer service but it is not yet as good as Lexus or Mercedes. You will need to soon replace the standard performance tires that come with the car. I recommend getting all weather tires to rotate onto the car in winter for both performance and economy. Tiny trunk if you put the top down. The cars interior has very little storage. The drink holders are awful expect a spill. Tiny rear seat not comfortable for adult. However, overall, I like the car, drives great, and it is fun!

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  good but not great - 1998 Audi A4
  By BillytheWIZ - April 4 - 3:52 pm

  the 1998 Audi A4 is a great drivers car and has nice styling, but its not really a performance car compared to my BMW. The AWD system is awesome, the car handles well, rides smoothly, and has tons of cool features for the money. My mileage was a little less than I expected, 23 MPG highway / 19 MPG, city but not horrible. I have had issues that the (GM) dealer took care of when I purchased the car (oil leaks, control arms, and tie rods). Do not take your car to the dealer for repairs. Get a good mechanic that knows these cars.

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  High Cost of Ownership - 1999 Audi A4
  By smalltownsith - April 3 - 8:05 pm

  From day one my 1999 Audi A4 has had problems. I bought it used with low miles and the certificed / extended warranty. It has had tons of electrical problems. Im not sure what they did with when declared it a certified vehicle. the sensors and leaks continually need to be fixed. I think it says it all when the dealer has a special service price to check the airbag light - $200 before repairs and then another $800 for the acutal airbag that is only five years old. Even normal maintenance is just a rip-off, such as $1,000 for a new timing belt and water pump. The water pump started leaking after the twelve month parts warranty. Be strongly cautioned against "Audi workmanship."

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  Good car - 2000 Audi A6
  By ghostrider - April 1 - 6:16 pm

  This is a good balanced car. It doesnt have any major flaws. It is very comfortable, as agile as mid-size can be. It might not look impressive but for day-to-day driving its just great.The repairs can be costly though.

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  2000 AUDI - 2000 Audi A6
  By Gary Foster - March 31 - 5:43 pm

  Great interior and very good driving car for enthusiast that does not care about rear-wheel drive. Very good gas mileage 18-20 City. 25 Highway. Excellent tarction in all weather conditions. In terms of reliability, it has aways started and has had a few too many trips to the service bay for an odd list of small issues ranging from a broken cup holder to a defective gas tank (recalled twice). Still looks great and has held up in tough urban driving. Ride is still very consistent and Quattro is excellent AWD system. It has never failed me.