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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  THE best car Ive ever had - 2006 Audi A4
  By Gigi - April 25 - 12:53 am

  The car is so amazing... I blasted a Bimmer from a stoplight the other day! It has the sweetest V6 Ive ever driven, and with the manual it really works. quattro has been helpful with the starting of frost in my area of Vermont. The interior is beautiful, and the car itself looks beautiful. The first time I saw it, it was iffy, but now every time I see it, it looks better. I got mine in black over beige leather.

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  From 2001 A6 2.7t to 2009 A4 - 2009 Audi A4
  By snagitseven - April 24 - 4:03 pm

  Mine, ordered in May, was in the very first shipment. Compared to my twin turbo 2001 A6, its a only a bit smaller in the rear seat but very close in the front with more headroom and a larger trunk. While a bit slower of the line to 30, it is faster to 60 than my old twin turbo A6 and definitely a better handler. Have 3000 miles already and just got back from a 1500 mile trip. Very comfortable despite a somewhat stiffer seat than the A6. Overall, very pleased.

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  Audi is worth it - 2005 Audi A4
  By ryaninohio - April 24 - 9:59 am

  My in-laws leased this car new and we bought out their lease after 3 years for a great price. I have owned 3 Hondas and a BMW 3 series previously, and this A4 is my favorite. Steering and handling are precise, AWD has been top notch in even heavy snow and the turbo 4-cyl provides plenty of power when you need it, but good fuel economy the rest of the time. My in- laws did have the transmission replaced under warranty, and Ive had a coolant flange and a window regulator replaced under warranty. German cars can be like that, but the dealer/repair experience is first rate and makes up for the inconvenience. Both times I had the car back the same day. Cost/benefit is totally worth it.

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  World-Class Luxury - 2005 Audi A6
  By Stahlmann46 - April 24 - 7:01 am

  I bought my A6 with 23000 miles in Nov. 08. Have never regretted it. Previously owned a 1998 A6. Wow, what a difference in performance and ride. The MMI system took some getting used to but is no problem once you figure out the logic behind it. I have had only one problem so far -- the memory for the seat and mirror settings was not working. It was a software problem that was fixed by the dealer under warranty. The handling of the vehicle is superb. Acceleration is smooth and very responsive. Surprisingly, the fuel economy on the highway is also very good for vehicle this size. In my trip to work (21 miles with 90% highway and 10% local), I typically get between 27 and 28 mpg. Local is 19.

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  No Brainer - 2009 Audi A4
  By Alex - April 23 - 11:13 pm

  Living in the Snowbelt had a dilemma which car to pick. I was looking for manual and 4 wheel drive, turned out that there are not many options available. The instance when I sit- down into Audi, realized that I like this car after the test drive I felt in love with it signed the contract hour later. If you are looking for great looking comfortable car which can pump the blood through your veins go with A4 manual – BEST CAR on the market.

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  Perfectly sexy! - 2009 Audi Q5
  By wilduys - April 23 - 10:29 pm

  Q5...truth in engineering equals driving fun. Sexy inside & out.Truly a head-turner! Behind the wheel is perfectly engaging. Driving one is more than an ultimate experience. Q5 is the ultimate expression of PERFECTION! Owning one is a dream come true.

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  Fun and Classy - 2008 Audi A4
  By trlyka - April 23 - 7:42 pm

  This is my first Audi. I was driving a 6 cyl. VW Passat before this and had never owned a 4 cyl. car, so I was a little nervous about getting the 2.0T. I am pleasantly surprised with this motor. Although there is a little lag pulling out into traffic now and then, I cant complain. Fit and finish are superb and I love the way it looks. I leased in July 2008, so I cant wait to see what 2011 has to offer.

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  I would do it again!!! - 2006 Audi A4
  By Ken~WI - April 23 - 2:57 pm

  18 Months and 35K+ miles later: I would do it again, "Buy Another Certified Audi Vehicle". 29MPG Highway occasional better. Incredible in snow of any depth here in Southern WI. Zero Maintenance issues!!!!!! Just replaced the OEM Continental Tires at 60K+ miles. Purchased Ultra High Performance Eagle GTs from Goodyear. Great looking, fun to Drive, head turning vehicle. Everything I had hoped for when buying my first European AWD Car. Be sure to ask about the interest rate for Certified Used, the extended warranty and the service package up to 100K Miles. 12 more months and Im searching for a 2008 or 2009.

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  Get the 3.0 - 2002 Audi A4
  By audilove - April 23 - 1:59 pm

  Well it looks like I see a trend here. The 1.8T seem to have reliability issues while the 3.0 seem to run strong. I have owned mine for a year and love it. Its my second Audi, my first being an 80Q that I put 300k miles on. I will say that these cars require your attention. By that I mean dont skimp on maintenance. If there are issues, fix them IMMEDIATELY or it can get very expensive (i.e. ignore replacing a $25 coil pack and you could spend $1000 on a new cat). I will also say you need to keep the interior conditioned, it doesnt like being left to dry out on hot days.

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  Great car but ...squeaky brakes? - 2007 Audi A4
  By Suzanne - April 23 - 12:54 pm

  Bought my first pre-owned Audi after owning Lexus IS-looking for better mileage. Brakes squeak at low speeds - had them cleaned to remove carbon build- up but week later same problem. Havent called the dealer back - anyone else have this problem?