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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  A really good luxury car - 2013 Audi A4
  By Greg Peterson - November 21 - 3:53 am

  I have an A4 Premium Plus Quattro with the sports packages and a manual transmission. The interior and exterior are basically flawless - showing Audis attention to details. I have drive over 40,000 miles since I purchased this new and have only had a few minor trim issues - nothing serious. The handling is AMAZING and the car is definitely quick for its class. I truly enjoy this car - twisty roads are the best as nothing seems to make the car cut lose. It is a very good looking car and the interior is incredibly comfortable - with nice soft-touch materials. Overall the car has been a positive experience and I would recommend it to anyone that asks. I only have two minor negatives about this vehicle - neither a reason not to purchase it: 1) The fact that it did not come with Bluetooth streaming unless you upgraded to the Prestige trim with the navigation system - a $4,000 upgrade for something that every Kia seems to come with by default. 2) I have had either indifferent or negative experiences every time I go to the Audi dealer (Plano, TX) for service - this has made it incredibly unlikely that I will ever purchase another Audi. Even with those negatives this is an amazing car and you should at least test drive it if you are considering it - that may make the decision easy for you!

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  better than any SUV - 2001 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By ttttm - November 20 - 10:00 am

  If you are looking in the luxury SUV class (mercedes, bmw, acura mdx, etc) dont miss this one. It is unique, fast, great interior, more ground clearance than a land rover discovery, adjustable suspension, and more luggage space than bmw x-series.

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  Glenns Audi Review - 2001 Audi A4
  By Glenn Zanotti - November 20 - 10:00 am

  This is the best car I have ever owned. I used to own a Mercedes C230 Komprssor, and liked it, but this A$ I like even more. The dealer has been outstanding, as well. I would highly recommend an Audi to anyone.

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  The Everything SUV - 2010 Audi Q7
  By Veronica - November 18 - 10:02 pm

  I love my new Audi. I wanted to upgrade from a mid-size/range SUV to something nicer that would hold more value. I love the body style not overly done and it gives me the power of a truck with the feel of a sporty SUV without all that annoying road noise. The flashy headlights won me over others. It offers uncompromising space in the back already having lugged several loads from Lowes with ease. Sure the last row seat to accommodate 7 is a little tight, but lets face it, if you still have full grown adults in your backseat all day youve got bigger problems not getting your kids out the house. The leather and finishes are luxurious as well. For the lady who wants it all enter Audi Q7.

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  Elegant Mule - 2003 Audi S6
  By AudiNut - November 16 - 4:36 pm

  Im an Audi Collector. Which is why I bought this car. They are relatively rare for the US market. Its a powerful beast and holds the road. It snugs right into the fold of the B5 S4 & D2 S8. Although I have to say~ although similarly outfitted, the S8 holds its weight better than the S6, thus, it is faster around almost any track under various conditions. The offset to this is cargo space. The S6 has its place and I love it.

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  Family wagon = class, fun & style - 2010 Audi A4
  By Art Walaszek - November 15 - 10:01 pm

  I have only had the 2010 Audi A4 Avant for a month, but it has absolutely bedazzled me. In replacing my trusty Honda Civic, I had the following criteria: (1) AWD to get through Wisconsin winters (2) roomy enough to accommodate a family of four, but no SUVs or minivans (3) an attractive and fun-to-drive car. The A4 Avant easily fits the bill. I cant wait to get into the car each morning - but because my commute is only 10 minutes each way, I take the car for a spin each weekend, cruising over the beautiful rolling hills of Wisconsin. My only gripe is with fuel economy. I drive mostly in the city, and I have not been able to achieve 21 mpg unless I mix in some highway driving.

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  My Best SUV ever - 2009 Audi Q7
  By theodoron - November 15 - 7:28 pm

  I love this car. The diesel engine is quiet and the mileage is exceptional. I normally average about 24 in combined driving. I hardly use the 3rd row except for stuff (I couldnt even get back there to try it out). What I love most is the driving experience. Everything is at your fingertips and the dash layout is intuitive. I would recommend this car for anyone looking for great mileage, fantastic driving experience, and great service.

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  Its worth it... - 2005 Audi A4
  By jamieincolumbus - November 15 - 12:33 am

  The cvt transmission takes some time to get used to. This car is amazing, the top is great, gets decent gas mileage but requires premium. Audi does have problems with dealer communications... Seems you have to do your own research if you want anything fixed at the dealer. Discontinuedthe warranty is out its going to an independent shop. Its a pain but totally worth it!

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  My S6 review - 2007 Audi S6
  By Marc Anderson - November 14 - 1:58 pm

  This car has been fantastic over the past 2 years! The only faults are that it is heavy car, and isnt as nimble as my 3 series BMW. However, the front seats are amazingly comfortable, the interior is top notch, and the power and torque are monstrous but precise...fantastic engine growl and acceleration. No denying that a V10 is truly addictive. Gas mileage in non-sport mode is quite good...around low 20s mpg. The only issues I had have been electrical...automatic headlights didnt function correctly after a few months and had to be completely replaced (under warranty). Also, I have gone through several sets of tires prematurely...you have to keep an eye out for uneven wear due to weight.

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  Looks good, but... - 2005 Audi A4
  By ky_j - November 13 - 4:04 pm

  When I initially purchased the car in Jan 09 I was excited. Now, Nov 09 Im kicking myself for selling my Toyota. Since Ive owned it Ive replaced ALL four ignition coils. Two in one day once! The passenger window regulator needs to be replaced and the A/C compressor is failing and leaking. The gas mileage is dismal for a 4-cylinder engine. I mostly commute on the freeway and only get about 22mpg on premium fuel. The Quattro system is noisy as well.