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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  Perfect - 1994 Audi S4
  By abila - May 24 - 2:00 am

  Pretty cool for summer period especially on our road.

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  Worst car I ever loved... - 2003 Audi A6
  By Audi Burner - May 23 - 2:00 am

  Every day I travel steep, twisty mountain roads. The first time I took the 2.7T (6M) up the mountain, I couldnt believe how it clawed at the hills and turns, wanting more throttle than I had the guts to give. Even in rain and snow, the A6 has never blinked. When it goes, it really goes, however, its seen more than its fare share of time in the shop, 10+ times for major and minor stuff. :(

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  CONTROL ARMS CONTROL ARMS - 1998 Audi A6
  By MIjack - May 21 - 2:00 am

  I had constant problems with the control arms. I spent over $5000 in maintance in 2 years. Beautiful ride, spacious interior, & a nightmare to maintain.

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  Love It!! - 2014 Audi Q5
  By Sandra F - May 19 - 7:32 pm

  The only issue I have with the Q5 is that it isnt as quiet a ride as I expected. Although Audi dealership did try to do something about it, I tend to get wind noise in around the windows. The navigation system isnt as intuitive as I hoped. Other than that, I absolutely love the car and may end up buying a newer model when Im ready to get a new car.

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  delivery surprises - 2003 Audi A6
  By Shane2 - May 19 - 2:00 am

  I replaced my 2000 A6T with the same specd car. Unfortunately I did not ask about the multi function steering wheel as it shows in all the brochures. Audi does not offer this safety feature anymore. Another surprise buyers will have is the "no valet key supplied" on new 2003 A6 cars. The sales person said they did not offer them but after pressing Audi Corporate myself ,found out I can buy one for $75 extra. I guess these two items are Audis way of saying " we are popular" now so lets see how we can diminish how our customers feel about us. Nice going Audi, it sure turned me off.

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  A6 2.8 Quattro Sedan - 2000 Audi A6
  By Frank K. - May 16 - 2:00 am

  While not a rocket, the 5 speed manual allows ample acceleration.A positively fabulous snowmobile, even on unplowed roads.I think the styling, while conservative, is also classic.The interior is top quality and the seats are truly comfy.Thr ride is Germanic firm but comfortable. A truly great highway cruiser.

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  Audi A6 - good but could be better! - 2003 Audi A6
  By PKW - May 13 - 2:00 am

  I decided to buy Audi after reading the favorable reviews and some positive feedback from friends. In general, this is a fine car but the lack of attention to detail is a problem. There are a number of distracting noises and rattles from the dash and air conditioning system. While seated, the seat rubs against the middle console causing a very annoying squeeking sound. With these noises ... I am glad the stereo is so good.

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  Fun Car to drive - 1998 Audi A4
  By Dave_2 - May 11 - 2:00 am

  I just bought my 98 Turbo and just about everything is fine except for the smell of buring oil. I checked the oil and I guess the last owner didnt like to change it because it was pitch black. So Ive changed it, it wasnt very easy, and hopefully that gets rid of the oil smell. Other than that, the car looks great and is a blast to drive. If the oil smell goes away, I will love this car.

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  Great Entry Level Sedan A4 3.2 6MT - 2007 Audi A4
  By T. Lewis - May 9 - 7:16 pm

  This is a great car for city driving. Plenty of power and easy to handle. Living in Lake Mary, FL and dealing with a lot of out of town tourist you have to be able to react to slow and fast drivers. Like most cities with interstate traffic, a quick responsive vehicle is a must. The A4 with the 3.2L has the power to lane change and pass when needed. I also owned a 2012 S4 6MT and the less powered A4 is just as nimble, I didnt say as powerful, but this little package gets the job done with fun. There are nice exterior modifications you can do to this car which really enhance the lovely design of the B7 series. I really enjoy this car and I think its a great sedan for those who enjoy luxury and spirited driving. The only two things I dislike about the car is I wish it had a 22 gallon gas tank and could be a little quieter. It really is a smooth riding vehicle and I enjoy it a great deal. I have owned BMWs, Chryslers, Corvettes, Porsches, and Volvos, and this Audi A4 is a superb automobile.

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  Nice ride but....too many problems - 2000 Audi A4
  By JEM - May 8 - 2:00 am

  I love the way the car drives and handles but I have had to take it into the shop way too many times over the last year or two. Not major things, but things like: 1) loose bolts in the engine, 2) radio lights flickering, 3) sensor in the door stopped working, 4) loud brakes, etc. For a newer car with low miles, it is ridiculous. I will never buy another Audi despite the fact thats its fun to drive. Too bad...