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 car that does every thing well! - 2001 Audi A6
  By Alan Bulkeley - April 14 - 11:27 am

  If this car were a woman I would marry her. The tiptronic shifts wonderfully and in manual mode holds gears right to red line. The quattro all wheel drive is excellent in the snow and when pushing hard through a corner. The coach work is beautiful. And the engine is a gem.

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  Tight design, grin-inducing performance - 2007 Audi A4
  By snaphappy - April 14 - 10:34 am

  After test-driving the 3.2L, I could not settle for the 2.0T. While the 2.0T is peppy, the 3.2 is brute-force power, but with a terrific handling finesse. The exterior lines are sleek and not overdesigned like some competitors *cough*BMW*. The interior is likewise sleek without the BMW austerity or Lexus frou-frou. The engine just purrs, and no matter what your speed, the 3.2 has plenty of power in reserve. The GPS is top- notch, the Bose system is pure concert- hall sound, and the overall design is classic. Amazing how a 10-year-old Audi doesnt look nearly as dated as a younger Lexus, Merc or BMW. Most importantly, I took a broadside hit from a Dodge Ram and was fine. Audi - 1, Dodge - 0.

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  Audis aweome! - 2005 Audi A4
  By george q - April 14 - 2:08 am

  I never dreamed of owning an Audi because I have always driven American. But after seeing a few A4s on the road I just had to have one. This is my first euro car and I think I am hooked! In terms of build quality and overall driving experience this is the car to drive. Steering is precise, instrument gauges and center stack are top notch. For an 05 she doesnt look dated at all and is sexy as hell. Unsure yet of reliability since I just recently purchased her, but so far, so good.

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  Too Topless - 2008 Audi TT
  By xnyjaydub - April 13 - 10:44 pm

  My second Audi TT is red. It is a great looking car. The top has broken and gets stuck down. This has happened twice in one month. It was fixed and only lasted a few weeks. Also the passenger window doesnt lay flush with the door after several repair attempts. It looks better with the window not sticking up a little. I could use some help with this. Obviously I loved the TT enough to lease another one. I was hoping it would work well like the 2004 TT I leased for 4 happy years.

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  2001 A8 D2 Quattro 4.2L V8 5V - 2001 Audi A8
  By JONMAH1 - April 12 - 9:41 pm

  This car is probably the best I have ever had to deal with. Unlike Chryslers, Volkswagens (youd think they were the same, but theyre not), GM, and Acura (which are quite reliable too), this car has run like a Mack truck practically, performed beyond belief, and given me a solid 22 mpg out of a full-size luxury sedan. The grip is tenacious for a 4057 lb. car and enables the driver to make quick lane changes if need be (Columbus traffic isnt the most forgiving). All in all, this car is a keeper.

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  A fantastic vehicle - 2008 Audi Q7
  By stanleyj73 - April 11 - 10:21 pm

  Ive had my Q7 for a few weeks now and I couldnt be more impressed with it. The ride, design, and comfort is unsurpassed. Being a technophile, this vehicle leaves you asking for no more. The iPod/iPhone interface is seamless, the navigation is easy to use and the overall MMI provides you with any information you could ask for. I selected the adaptive air suspension option, and that has turned out to be a great option, giving the car an adjustable ride, depending on the conditions.

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  Great Car - 2006 Audi A3
  By Michael - April 10 - 4:14 pm

  I bought this car just under 3 years ago. My lease is almost up, and I am going to buy it. The car looks great, drives great, fast for what it is, good fuel efficiency, nice options, DSG is great, and reliability is very good. There are only two issues with this car. Considering the performance, the springs should be a little harder, I replaced them and I am very happy now. The other issue. Mankind has been building cars since 1908, you think by now we could wash the engine with a hose pipe and not damage the engine. Well maybe I am wrong, so I did, and it cost me $180. Do not wash the engine with water. Otherwise really a great car.

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  Good for a horrible winter driver - 2000 Audi A4
  By Leesh - April 10 - 3:35 pm

  Just traded in my trusty 93 BMW 318is 5 speed w/250k for my 2.8 A4. This car is awesome in the snow! (granted I went from rear-wheel to all-wheel) I spun the Bimmer out so many times just trying to get outta the driveway. Some electrical malfunctions, (dash board has streaks going thru the lettering, check engine light w/ no code apprearing, ) the front right tie rod squeaks, but the roads are so full of potholes here in ne Ohio, Im lucky I still have a straight rim to roll on. Even being the daughter of the service advisor isnt going to help with the costs to repair, but knowing I will be safe and sound this upcoming winter is worth it.

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  Rolling artwork - 2004 Audi A6
  By the car expert - April 10 - 11:40 am

  I have owned over 40 vehicles, mostly new German cars. This Audi 2.7T S- Line luxury sedan is just that, luxury. While most think of it as a sport sedan, the fact is its handling, braking power, and ride quality is much more "luxury" than sport. Thats ok however, because Audi delivers on that. I am highly impressed with how quiet the interior is while driving at freeway speed. Also, the ride quality is exceptional. If you are looking for a sports sedan, purchase a BMW. If you are looking for comfort and rolling artwork down the road, this car is the one!

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  Near to Automotive Perfection - 2001 Audi A4
  By schwitzer1 - April 9 - 4:00 pm

  I have driven my A4 for nearly a year. I am able to have excellent acceleration, combined with mid-to-high thirties mpg on road trips using cruise control. I feel that I am getting the best of both worlds. The car handles very nicely with the optional sport suspension, and is still comfortable for a family with two children under the age of six. Cargo space is surprisingly good.