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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  4Door AWD Rocket! - 2008 Audi S4
  By ALCK3MiST - May 22 - 1:53 pm

  Only have had the car for a few month, but I love it more with each day. Silky smooth V8 with a brilliant 6 spd tranny. Pull exceptionally in every gear. Love the seats with the alecantra inserts. The Bose stereo sounds great, however the ipod adapter broke shortly after I bought it.

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  Excellent First Car - 2005 Audi A6
  By xixDEMONxix - May 22 - 8:33 am

  After reading reviews about the A6 having a lot of electrical problems with the MMI system I was very hesitant to buy. However, this was not the case. The car handles unbelievably around corners and has great gas mileage.(I get around 250 mi-300 mi city and close to 400 on highway. Overall the car is stunning both inside and out and I would highly recommend this car. The only downside with this car is that repairs are expensive and most of the time the part must be directly ordered through Germany, so it may take longer than anticipated for your car to be fixed.

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  Audi A5 Cabriolet - 2010 Audi A5
  By Guillermo - May 21 - 3:19 pm

  Exceptionally comfortable ride. Handles well in town and on hi-way. Soft top allows golf club storage in trunk with top down or two carry-on bags for weekend travel. MMI intuitive and ergonomically organized. Safe, smooth transition from radio, cd, dvd, nav, phone. Looks great. Engine solid with no sense of gear change in CVT. Not as powerful from a dead stop through an intersection but quick and agile on highway.

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  The Best - 2006 Audi A8
  By Cindy - May 20 - 10:29 pm

  This car makes me look forward to going to work. Ive owned BMW and Acura and this car is above and beyond. I am now a Audi fan for life.

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  Loving this car! - 2009 Audi A4
  By RMW - May 20 - 8:40 pm

  The new A4 is a terrific car. Its beautifully styled inside and out. It is comfortable to drive on long trips yet sporty and fun enough to drive fast on twisty roads. A lot of reviewers complain about the 4-cylinder engine and its buzz, but I love the sound of a turbo 4. I wish they had put the GTIs sound amplifier in the A4, but can understand why they didnt considering the different demographics. The main problem I have with the car is that it gets expensive when you start adding features other luxury car manufacturers include as standard. At an MSRP of $38K, the Premium Plus trim doesnt seem like a bargain against the 328XI, especially since the BMW has standard maintenance.

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  Many problems - 2009 Audi Q5
  By jackiew - May 20 - 5:28 pm

  This car was my first luxury car and what a disappointment. Engine light comes on and stays on but dealer cant find a problem. Air conditioner works sometimes. Has a problem restarting when gassing up. Service not what is promised in the sales pitch. Would sell tomorrow if I could get my money back. My husband has driven several luxury cars without these kind of headaches.

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  So Far So Fun - 2008 Audi A4
  By KH - May 20 - 1:11 am

  Bought as an Audi certified used car - 4 years of bumper to bumper warranty. The car is a joy to drive, the S-line suspension is tight and grips the road with the all-wheel drive. I use the paddle shifters to kick up the turbo and hit the gas - its a fun little 4 cylinder! Doesnt have the low end torque, but it does get 24 miles to the gallon in the city and 30 on the highway! No issues with oil or anything else other reviews have stated (knock on wood). The interior is very comfortable and stylish - it is pretty cramped, though, in the back seat. Trunk has lots of room. Almost every time I drive it some stranger gives a turn and a compliment!

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  Dream Car - 2010 Audi S5
  By Joegojoe - May 19 - 4:07 pm

  Purchased my new S5 Quatro Coupe about 30 days ago. Drove the BMW5, and Mercedes E class as well. I knew within 0.5 mi of the dealership that this was the one for me. I cant begin to express how much fun and nice this car is both to look at and drive. The handling in the corners is tight and responsive. In sport mode, the acceleration is enough to throw you back in the seats. On appearance, the angry look outside looks like its moving even while standing still. The interior is a wonderful blend of colors and quality textures that make me never want to get out. From my constant smile, my wife thinks I am having an affair, - but at least it is with a car!

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  Fun to drive & different among the crowd - 2010 Audi Q5
  By sarahs - May 18 - 3:44 pm

  I purchased the 2010 with the prestige S line package. So far I love to drive it and there are no problems.Only difficulty is operating the MMI. But once you get used to it, its not too bad.

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  Unreliable luxury - 2004 Audi A4
  By unreliable luxury - May 17 - 9:08 pm

  CVT transmission had to be replaced at 50k miles, but had the symptoms at an earlier 30k miles (theres an existing TSB for this issue). Working with Audi of America to see what our options are. Always had the vehicle serviced at an Audi dealer at the prescribed maintenance intervals. Day after the trans install, the check engine light was on, which was found to be a defect part on the new transmission. Love the car, but cant afford the maintenance. I thought German cars were built to last. A lot of other little things are broken, not working, or just acting up in the car. I think its time to see what BMW has to offer...