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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  GOOD - 1991 Audi 100
  By RICCO - February 21 - 2:00 am

  THIS CAR IS VERY GOOD ON GAS AND ISVERY RELIABLE,IVE ONLY HAD PROBLEMS WITH MY FUEL PUMP AND SOME ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.WITH THE MILES YOU WOULD THINK THAT THIS CAR WOULDNT DRIVE GOOD BUT I TAKE THIS CAR UP TO BALTIMORE FROM NORTH CAROLINA TWICE A MONTH AND IT RUNS LIKE A CHAMP!!!!!.ON A FULL TANK OF GAS I CAN GET THERE AND RIDE FOR ABOUT 200 MORE MILES IN BALTIMORE BEFORE REFUELING WHOAAAA!!!!!!

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  Solid Performer - 1995 Audi 90
  By gerafe - February 21 - 2:00 am

  This is my 6th Audi & second quattro. Apart from a minor rear-end collision (the other guys fault), a tire with a separated belt, and routine maintenance, this Audi has spent no time "in the shop". The pearl white exterior still looks great people who dont know Audi think its new. Were looking forward to our next Audi !

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  Joses review - 2008 Audi A3
  By Jose - February 17 - 11:08 am

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  Good, if not great... - 2001 Audi A4
  By AreEmm - February 16 - 2:00 am

  Ive done a variety of driving in this car, (city, highway, long trips), and its always performed nicely. Its fun to drive, feels rock solid, will go through almost anything with Quattro, responds nicely to all driver input and looks great. I wish it got better gas mileage and the interior was more comfortable. The armrest sucks, the cup holders blow, the automatic climate control system is on drugs half the time and the seats are less than luxurious. All that aside, (and those are some minor gripes), i think its a great car. Speaking of minor, the backseat is a joke, but what do i care, i sit up front!

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  Unlike any other - 2001 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By climbon - February 10 - 2:00 am

  Amazing car but had several problems that make me fear owning this car after the warranty. Had brake issues and spiral- spring (in the steering wheel). Its a 6-speed and I think the clutch is burning down pretty quickly, but that is not definite yet. Performance for a vehicle like this is untouchable and I love the engine....all I can say is WOW.

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  yougottobekidding - 1997 Audi Cabriolet
  By audisluv - February 9 - 2:00 am

  I like the power compared to my 2.5 TL Acura ,it comes on soundlessly and over 60 has the pull of locomotive.Compared to my sold miata it is not the best handeling but if a SUV (driver/phone user on wheels) decides to back end me I wont be flatted like a bug. Very comfortable with top down and the windspoiler in place.

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  Never Again!! - 1998 Audi A4
  By weeksmj38 - January 31 - 2:00 am

  I was in love with my Audi for the first four years. Now, in the past 18 months I have spent $7000 repairing it. First the water pump was leaking, then the heat exchanger went, now the car is in the shop gettin the tensioners replaced which is a $2200 job. Once this problem is fixed, I am selling the car and going back to Japanese cars - I cant afford this German engineering any longer!! The styling on this car is terrific, but its not worth the cost!

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  My A4 - 1997 Audi A4
  By dashh - January 30 - 2:00 am

  I have been more than impressed with my A4s outstanding interior, smooth good looks, exceptional build quality and ride. It has generous trunk space and front seats are very comfortable, altho rear passengers lack legroom. Its also quite affordable! The 1.8 turbo with 5 speed stick delivers smooth power (no noticeable lag) and enough horses to run with V6s. Ive been disappointed with reliability, needing to replace headlight bulbs repeatedly, and the rack & pinion steering system. While the ride is nice, Id prefer it stiffer for enthusiastic driving, but replacing the tires with some Kumhos vastly improved it.

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  2004 TT - 2004 Audi TT
  By kabs60 - January 29 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned the car for almost 5 months. It has been a pleasure to drive. I had a Saab 9-3 convertible, which was a nice car, but it didnt not perform as well...had a lot of shake for a convertible.

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  Never again - 2001 Audi TT
  By Gmeyers - January 28 - 2:00 am

  Plagued with problems. In the first two years replaced: windshield washer sprayer, heated seat switch, window motor, rear wind deflector, windshield washer fluid reservoir and pump. Have intermittent check engine light. Dealer damaged car during one repair. Repeated attempts (3 page letter with 2 follow up e-mails over 2 month period)to resolve issue with Audis Customer Care Center were completely ignored. Audi talks a good game, but in my experience their customer service is nothing but lip service. I would have a hard time recommending this car to anyone.