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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  Blew out my ridiculous expectations! - 2009 Audi A5
  By ckeck - September 17 - 11:14 am

  This car is simply amazing all around. Comes with a nice price tag, but definitely worth every last penny. Exterior styling and especially interior fit/finish are top notch. The performance for V6 is quite good and the Quattro really makes you stick to the road. Its really nice not having to worry about the back- end getting away from you. I get so many looks in this car Im afraid a few people havent wrecked looking at it because they stare so long. Overall, I give this car a solid 10, it is everything I thought it would be and more!

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  2001 S4 vs. 2005 S4 - 2005 Audi S4
  By Mark - September 17 - 9:53 am

  I swapped my 2001 Audi S4 with an owner of a 2005 S4. I purchased the nogaro blue with two tone blue/black recaro interior seats. This is a beautiful car. Audi did an excellent job with the overall look and feel. The previous owner lowered the vehicle and added awe tuning exhaust and 19" rims low profile. The exhaust is sick and the car certainly turns a lot heads as well as comments from envious VW owners. Audi is welcomed to the muscle car category! I will say that I miss the bi-turbo of my 2001. The bi-turbo is quicker off the line due the turbo and light weight of the V6. However, the overall torque is something to be desired in the V8.

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  audi review - 2003 Audi A4
  By currier - September 15 - 2:00 am

  great fun to drive, handles well, feels safe in all weather conditions,performance is excellent, interior is comfortable, back seat leg room slightly small and trunk slightly small.

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  First time Audi Owner - 2016 Audi A5
  By Alex Litvinov - September 13 - 1:34 pm

  This is my first time owning a luxury vehicle so I can only compare it based on my test drives of competition. Overall very impressed with the vehicle. Car has incredible grip of the road while taking a turn. Acceleration is superb, and torque comes in handy when overtaking on the highway. I got the premium plus with tech package so it came with bang and olufsen sound system that has fantastic sound quality. Only small complaint is the navigation, compared to my last vehicle its a bit confusing when it comes to desalting turns, especially when making complicated mirages in the city. Over all, I couldnt be happier with my purchase.

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  3 Years Of Great Driving! - 2006 Audi A8
  By Billy Jo - September 12 - 5:50 pm

  After 3 years this car is fantastic! Cabin more luxurious and refined than Lexus or S class.MMI a marvel once fully learning its operation(took months).Cars electronics are capable of doing much more then what was required in the past. The Audi solution is logical. The secondary display in the instrument cluster contains most information you need when accessing phone, destination and radio functions via the controls on the steering wheel. Buttons on the console to control the MMI display are conveniently positioned below the armrest. Voice command,slower than scrolling, works for many functions (would like available commands displayed on screen instead of system reciting).Replac

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  MPG worries? - 2004 Audi A4
  By BigFan - September 11 - 2:02 pm

  I had concerns since most reviews I found mention an average of about 21-25mpg. I have found that reasonable driving habits have given me a combined average of 32.1mpg on regular gas over the last 20,000 miles! Of course if you bought this car to really drive it you wont do so well, but I was so impressed with the design, quality and ride that I got it to enjoy those features (I drive about 30,000 miles per year and dont race, or even speed much). A buddy of mine who does have a lead foot gets about 21mpg on premium in his 2001 A4 2wd.

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  Solid performer with great intentions - 2003 Audi A4
  By Andrew - September 10 - 1:15 am

  The car is reliable, it breaks but rarely is it anything that you cant get home on. I grenaded the clutch 2 months after I got it (the clutch was shot when I bought it) and sawed through the transmission case, but she still got me home! It is a fast car, and there are many modifications out there!

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  Adults Only - 2009 Audi A5
  By DSB A5 - September 7 - 11:27 pm

  I had test drives in the G37, TT and A5 and had to think long and hard on what was a very difficult choice. The A5 finally won me over with its fabulous lines matched perfectly to a class leading interior and Audi build quality. Im giving up a 2003 BMW 330ci which I really love for this car. I came to the conclusion that there comes a time in life when its not the fastest 0-60 time that matters. The A5 is responsive enough for me (although the D position is pretty woeful for spirited driving) in sport or manual shift mode. Driving home from the dealership (83 miles) with the A5 was a joy. Long distance cruising in this car is a pleasure. Sound insulation is excellent with 18" wheels.

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  First Audi - 2002 Audi A4
  By alow13 - September 7 - 10:00 am

  This is my first car, I have driven a truck for the last 8 years and so far I absolutely love this car. The seats are very comfortable and I have plenty of room 64. I think that everything about the car is fantastic. A beautiful car that really stands out among the sea of BMWs and Benzs that flood California.

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  Love a first sight - 2000 Audi S4
  By Oscar Vera - September 6 - 1:34 pm

  I bought my Audi from my boss who needed a van for his family so I took it off his hands. I was like love a first sight. Ive had it for a year. Dependable, great handling. Works great in the winter. Havent seen a car around town to beat me. Really fast car and nice luxurious touch in the inside as well as the outside