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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  One of the most amazing cars ever - 2002 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By AudiR8RRacer - October 3 - 2:00 am

  I cant say anything but WOW. When i got in this car i though it was going to be another station wagon. Boy was i wrong. I stepped on the gas and i thought i was in a sports car. I honestly thought it was a ferrari.

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  Great Sporty Sedan ! - 2003 Audi A4
  By Henryd - October 3 - 2:00 am

  Still waiting for my 03 A4 3.0L. Test drove CVT, Quattro and Cab models with both 1.8L and 3.0L engines. I think the CVT is a great concept but its not ready yet. There are some hesitations with transmission, sometimes made me feel being out of control with the car while stopping or trying to quickly accelerate. 1.8L engines are underpowered and need to be phased out. However, 3.0L w/Quattro is a totally different car as far as the feel of driving goes ! The engines sound alone makes me feel driving a powerful car. The acceleration is nice and the car sticks to the road no matter what. 3.0L engine is the only option with A4 as far as Im concerned.

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  My New Audi A6 - 2008 Audi A6
  By Leif Vasstrom - September 29 - 2:31 am

  I have had MBs 280, 380, 560, 430, 600 BMWs 740 (2), Porsche Carrera 4, Maserati and others, oh and of course an Audi S4 - and I think I have finally grown up, at least it feels like it. This is a car that feels any bit as nice, maybe better, as my 2002 MB 430S, both ergonomically, aestetically and has more gadgets than I need, but I use them all, bluetooth, i-pod, Nav system (far out) and has a great ride. Ok, so the 6 Cyl. may not be a V8, but it is plenty peppy and I am happy.

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  Audi A4 Cabrio - Awesome! - 2003 Audi A4
  By Audi_JBW - September 27 - 10:00 am

  Just got one of these babies and I cannot stop driving it. The beauty is stunning in moro blue with platinum leather. The handling and power are accurate and exciting. From someone who has always had a straight shift- this car is not a compromise. And the top- while one, you would never know this was a convertible. But with a 20 second press of a button, bamm! Youre out in the open. Surprisingly little cockpit wind even at highway speeds. If you are looking for a luxorious but not pretencious, sporty auto, look no further.

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  couldnt be happier - 2003 Audi A4
  By nmiller - September 27 - 10:00 am

  i owned Saab 9-3...what a difference. The car steers like your an expert race car driver. Fit and Finish outstanding. Black with red interior a work of beauty. Couldnt be happier

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  2009 A5 got it right! - 2009 Audi A5
  By Hinks - September 25 - 12:56 am

  I had a 2008 A5 on order, but fortunately I delayed the order so I could get a 2009. Worth the wait. I traded a RS6 and am far happier. Dont feel like I gave up much performance (yes, I drove the S5 also) but the gained a 50% or better increase in mileage. Handling is the best of any Audi Ive owned. Car is beautiful and I have gotten more compliments on the car than I had with the Porsche Carerra. The 09 has the Audi sensors on the side mirrors that show a warning light for traffic in your blind spot. There is on the fly control of steering, suspension, and shift characteristics from gentle to aggresive. iPod combined with B & O sound is fantastic with no distortion at full volume.

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  Love this car - 2007 Audi A4
  By awagner06 - September 24 - 7:54 pm

  This A4 is my second Audi (first was a 1997 A4). Audi has definitely stepped up their game. I drive a lot and am currently at 53,000 miles and have not had 1 problem. Consistent 31 MPG even with driving at 80 MPH. Highly recommended!

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  4-door Porshe - 2005 Audi S4
  By it dude - September 23 - 9:26 pm

  Ive had 13 Bmws, 3 Mercs and 5 Audis in my life and this car is by far the easiest to love. All cars have weaknesses, but this one is special. The only weakness is a small gas tank and a bad drinking habit. I wear a suit to work and look the part when I pull into my space - I wear jeans and Tims on the weekends and this car rocks. Its comfortable, quick and fast. Its heavy, which is a good thing more than bad. Im 40+ so I dont need to race. I just do and this car keeps up just fine. This is the most complete car I have ever owned. It does everything well. This is the complete package. Good Job Audi!

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  Jetta Jettison - 2004 Audi A4
  By TC - September 22 - 7:26 pm

  So I ditched the 08 Jetta. What a piece of junk compared to this car. This car handles better, sounds better, look better, and feels better. I lost a lot of money on the Jetta - I had two, thats right 2 2008 Jettas. They lacked everything this car has and I paid less for this used Ultrasport. I am thoroughly impressed.

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  Fantastic car - 2009 Audi A8
  By Jim - September 22 - 2:19 pm

  Bought this to replace Lexus LS 430. My wife and I like the A8 interior much better than the new LS models. Car drives great, and has all the features you expect in a car in this price range.