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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  Best Kept Secret in Luxury Autos - 2004 Audi A6
  By Anthony Hunt - December 31 - 9:48 pm

  The Audi A6 3.0 is designed for speed and comfort. The car handles quite well on curves and seems to hug to road. Its color combinations are great --- I have the bluish grey exterior with the black leather interior. I love the bose radio/CD. The sound is lush and can be cranked up without a loss of clarity. The instrument panel looks great. With everything within reach. The gas pedal and the brake are a little too close together and causes a promblem with this size 11 foot. That is the only negative I have about the car. Wheels are alloy and look great when shined up. I also have the tiptronic transmission which gives you extra acceleration. This car definitely compares favorably with BMW.

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  EVERYONE says "Wow - Nice Car!" - 2002 Audi A4
  By Smiley - December 30 - 10:00 am

  The exterior styling alone is reason enough to buy an A4. I stepped up to the 16" 5-spoke wheels. Looks great! The sport suspension is simply too severe for Ohio roads. Once you get past 1st gear life is wonderful. I still havent figured out if starting off slow or spilling my coffee is best. This is the most fun-to-drive vehicle I have owned. BMW was too much $$$ and there are too many of them on the road.

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  Some crazed German Engineers dream car. - 2002 Audi A4
  By Curbstoner - December 30 - 10:00 am

  Want my Passat GLX back. Great looks. fun to drive. Lots of weird accoutrements in the cabin. Power is adequate. Seat motor was broken, took 3 weeks to repair the seat. Crowded Cockpit. Transmission very unique. Radio reception poor. Difficult for me to get comfortable the way the seat is configured. Not that it really matters but the cupholder is without a doubt the worst feature of the vehicle.

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  Fun to drive, when not in the shop... - 2003 Audi A4
  By Joey D - December 29 - 4:12 pm

  I recently purchased a 2003 Audi A4 3.0 because the BMW 330xi was the most comparable car, but was far more expensive and came with less features. Let me say that I LOVE driving my car and even miss it when I take the train into work or if Im on vacation, especially if Im having to drive a poor rental car. However, Ive had it in the shop 3 times now, most recently to change the spark plugs! Apparently, if the car isnt started during a drastic change in temperature, as we often get in Chicago, then the engine could misfire and have to be serviced! This is what the dealer told me and said that most newer luxury cars are like this. Still love the car, but worried over the long haul for reliability.

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  Speed and looks... - 2005 Audi S4
  By 2005S4 - December 28 - 2:36 am

  Awesome car, very fast, great handling.

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  Its a head-turner - 2005 Audi A4
  By Peter Fischer - December 27 - 12:23 am

  We like our 2004 Audi A4 3.0 Cabriolet very much. Space is definitly not her strength; but we knew that when we got it. This cars engine performance is excellent. The interior quality is very good. It is a little on the pricy side; but we also knew that.

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  The Allroad is no Wagen - 2002 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By chipdaly - December 24 - 10:00 am

  I use to drive an A4 and then had my eye on the TT. I had one problem. I couldnt fit the kids in the TT. The next best thing was the Audi Allroad. My kids fell in love with it in the show room. Now when I go on trips we take the Allroad and leave the Windstar at home. Its too much fun to drive, so why leave it at home.

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  Sad "Audi Experience! - 2002 Audi A4
  By sad audi experience - December 20 - 12:19 pm

  Unfortunately, our experience has not been a happy one. Audi is presently installing our third engine in our 2002 A4 after only 50,000 miles! Our car has spent nearly 3 months in the shop in the past 36 months. Weve bought a new Maxima and plan to sell our Audi as soon as possible.

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  RIDICULOUS ride - 2000 Audi A6
  By Nik - December 16 - 7:19 pm

  Ive owned this car for almost a year now, and I drive it every day. I STILL get excited every time I drive it. The handling is incredible - I take 35 mph turns at 70 mph with ease. The 6-spd manual is a MUST- HAVE. I got this car for the value, options, and just because I love Audis. Its no exotic car like a Ferrari, but it STILL draws the attention anywhere I drive it.

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  Live Close to a Dealer - 2002 Audi TT
  By audi owner - December 14 - 6:15 pm

  I love this car! this is my second Audi purchase - both similar stories: In the shop every 4-8 weeks. Just make sure you have ready access to a dealer nearby and expect to get to know them. But, hey, youll love the car - reliable or not!!!