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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  Nice ride, when its not in the shop... - 2001 Audi A4
  By O_o - November 12 - 11:34 pm

  The A4 is a nice balance between a sport sedan, family sedan, and luxury sedan. PERFORMANCE: You wont blow anybodys doors off, but its 190 HP and 210 ft-lb of torque are enough to put a grin on your face from time to time. With the AWD, it handles great in all kinds of weather, fair or foul. The ESP is a bit overactive, however, and cuts in on even the slightest hint of any wheelspin. Fortunately, it can be disabled with the push of a button. INTERIOR: The interior is very comfortable and well laid out, and its loaded with convenience features. There isnt much room for adults in the rear, but its OK for kids. The trunk is very large and easy to access. The pass-through is handy also.

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  New 2010 TDI Q7 - 2010 Audi Q7
  By anchor5072 - November 12 - 12:06 pm

  I have put about 1000 miles on the Q7 so far. The diesel performs very well and is relatively quiet and virtually smoke free. My combined mileage, manually calculated from my first full tank was been about 23mpg. When you are idling or stuck in traffic, the mileage really drops off. I drove through a heavy rain storm last evening and as expected the heavy vehicle and all wheel drive performed flawlessly. The ride and cabin accommodations are elegant and quite comfortable. The large panorama sunroof gives the interior a very comfortable feel. The TDI is classified as an "Advanced Lean-Burn Vehicle" by the IRS and is eligible for a $1150 tax credit. Info is available on the IRS website.

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  Best of the lot - 2009 Audi A8
  By Charlie - November 11 - 7:00 pm

  Drives exceptionally well for a big car. More stable and faster than my Infiniti M35X. Beautifully crafted and actually gets better mpg than the 6 cyl Infiniti. Comfort features are better than Infiniti and Acura. This car is meant to be driven long and hard (fast). After my Lexus, Acura and Infiniti, I was a bit scared to go to Audi, but now I look forward to my next excuse to drive. A true luxury car that responds to sporty driving with ease. Best road handling Ive had, including some smaller sportier cars.

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  1999 Audi A8 - 1999 Audi A8
  By Paul - November 11 - 10:19 am

  Drives like a dream. Good handling. You have to step on the gas when taking off from a stop but once going, its ready to fly. Very comfortable especially on long trips. Expensive to repair. Lots of features to go wrong. It has 3 or 4 ball joints per side. I replaced 3 one side. The arm rest just broke and I havent priced that out but I heard it could cost up to $500. Ill look for a used one. Recommended timing belt change between 80K and 100K cost was around $2K. I bought it with 18,000 miles and now have 102,000. It looks and feels better than most new cars. The blue book is only around $7K. I think it would be a steal at that price.

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  Very Pleased Overall - 2007 Audi A4
  By Angelica - November 11 - 9:27 am

  I opted to purchase the A4 after comparing with the BMW 3 series (325) after test driving both and am still very pleased with my choice. The suspension is very tight providing a fun yet comfortable drive and the acceleration is satisfactory due to the turbo. I would love more power, but this is something you must pay for, and for the price, I feel very satisfied. Like other reviewers, I have had the issue of burning through oil, going nearly dry between changes and the issue of squeaky brakes also reported. I also think that the internal dash readouts and controls both aesthetically and ergonomically could use improvement, even compared to VW. Overall, I still love the car.

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  A4 quattro 1.8 - 2002 Audi A4
  By yo_mikeyyy - November 10 - 11:20 pm

  I purchased this car with 57k miles 2 years ago. Now I have 84k and I only had a few problems. Power steering fluid was leaking and engine speed sensor and also my moonroof wont stay open. I enjoy driving the car especially in the winter when theres snow on the ground! Its fun! I havent had a major problem but I am scared coz someone I know has the same exact car and his timing belt broke at 85k. It is not a cheap car to fix nor maintain but I try my best.

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  Expensive Unreliability - 2004 Audi A8
  By Lynne LeGallais - November 10 - 4:18 pm

  We expected Audi quality and attn to customer service when we purchased this vehicle. Our experience has been terrible. Mechanical car repairs since 80,000KM have exceeded $7,500. Examples of necessary repairs are, replacing starter cost $992.16, dysfunctional remote which has had batteries replaced 5 times. Four upper control link bushings cost $1130.53, breather valve atop manifold cost $240.81. Decarbonization of air intake system cost $216.57. And the car stopped functioning on HWY 81 last night requiring towing, stranding us in Wilkes Barre, Penn and now requiring replacement of the mass air flow sensor cost unknown. It apparently was also misfiring on some cylinders.

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  Love it all - 2010 Audi A5
  By JRB - November 10 - 3:29 pm

  Fantastically fun car to drive. 2.0T is an amazing engine that seems like its a lot more powerful than it is supposed to be. The S-line interior is perfection. This car feels special all over.

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  audis awesome a4 - 2006 Audi A4
  By prague - November 10 - 2:20 pm

  great handling and good pick-up when you need to add move ahead of the traffic flow 80 mph feels like 40 mph.

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  This car is sooo amazing! - 2003 Audi A4
  By Taylor - November 9 - 10:00 am

  I just purchased this car, and it is a blast to drive! I cant get enough of it. Its got a ton of zip, and can stop on a dime. It handles great, and the stereo system is really good too. And thats without the Bose. I would reccomend this car to everyone!