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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  Wicked Awesome Car!!! - 2002 Audi A4
  By K. - February 1 - 10:00 am

  Ive had the A4 1.8T 5M for two weeks and Im very happy with it. My first car and my first Audi. It handles really well and is great to look at. I cant wait till the snow falls to really put the Quattro to good use. The standard safety features are plentiful and the trunk space is generous. My main disappointment is the alarm...its just a beeping noise that sounds like a truck backing up. Im not convinced that it will deter a thief. The red console lighting is rather bothersome. Blue would be better, like in VWs.

• 

  Its a blast. - 2001 Audi TT
  By dpwoods - January 31 - 7:48 pm

  Purchased used just over 2 years ago, had 40K miles. I added 26K miles and only had a mass air flow sensor fail. This Quattro is great fun stock but if you have the money I highly recommend 18" rims with 235/40ZR 18 tires, cross drilled & vented rotors all around with ceramic brake pads. Also recommend perf chip and machined piston diverter valve. Now its an absolute blast to drive. Even if you dont do any of the above invest in the diverter valve, the stock part is a poor design and inefficient causing turbo lag while shifting. And for heavens sake change the timimg belt every 60K miles and at the same time change over to a water pump w/metal impeller and v-belt tensioner w/metal roller.

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  Move over Fun, here is the A3 - 2006 Audi A3
  By MuranoA3 - January 31 - 6:50 am

  After owning two VW GTIs, a VR6 and 1.8T i decided to jump up to the next level and get an A3. The 2.0T is amazing, more interior room and feel than the larger A4 without the added weight. The DSG is absolutely amazing and i am a huge manual tranny guy. Sitting in traffic in "D" and having the use of the paddles is so fun. Audi did an awesome job with the steering and feel of the A3, plus put versatility and economy in the same package. Torque and power delivery of the 2.0T is never-ending with no drop off in power until after 6500rpms. I mean 207lb/ft for 3000rpms YES PLEASE. Audi did a great job with this car and the sales numbers are proving it.

• 

  Great to drive - 2016 Audi A6
  By David Sherry - January 29 - 2:34 am

  This A6 is one of the smoothest rides I have had. Great acceleration and command of the road. A joy to drive.

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  Just a super car... - 2007 Audi A4
  By JF - January 28 - 6:17 pm

  I recently bought my second Audi. This one is an 2007 A4 that I bought as a CPO with 12G KMS. It has a sport suspension with 17 in. MAGS. It is a great combination of style, comfort and driving performance. The 2.0 FSI has a bit of turbo lag in automatic mode but is way less noticeable than in the 1.8T. Frankly, it is no big deal as it is not very apparent and basically disappears in manual mode. Interior is second to none and the handling is crisp and clean. In the process of contemplating this purchase, I have tried out all the competition and came back to Audi because they put everything into one great package.

• 

  Excellent Car - 2000 Audi S4
  By Daniel Connolly - January 28 - 3:59 pm

  I just purchased this beautiful car through a private sale, 180000 kms. The car is still as beautiful as the day it was made, everything works perfect. Great power and amazing handling. I love the interior design but there might be a bit too many buttons. Looks really good with aftermarket Pirelli tires and 18inch rims. Overall this car is a 10/10 for me. Hope you enjoy yours as much!

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  Buy this car now. - 2008 Audi A3
  By Quattro for life. - January 27 - 2:43 am

  Great car. Drivers car. Not floaty like IS 250 or G35. Very responsive, fast, engine has a very nice growl to it. Quattro is unmatched, do the research. 3.2 liter engine + Quattro = 0-60 in 5.9 at least. Tons of great standard options such as autodimming mirrors, bose upgraded audio system, rain sensing wipers. I love this car.

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  A4 3L AWD 2002 Seattle - 2002 Audi A4
  By Seattle99 - January 26 - 10:00 am

  Build quality is excellent, car is quiet, powerful, and smooth. No rattles. Front driver seat is almost too small for people 6 feet and over. Have never been able to get the linked keyfob remotes to activate the correct mirror and seating program. Throttle control takes some gettng used to as it is not linear.

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  Zoom Zoom - 2003 Audi A4
  By mcmuney - January 26 - 10:00 am

  WoW, what a great car. I went for the the V6 220HP because I dont like driving 4 cylinder cars for some reason. The design and performance of this car is just amazing. The power just oozes out when in tiptronic mode, its really fun to drive. All the little gadgets are a plus, not to mention the red interior color. My A4 lacks some comfort, but only because I went with the sports suspension. If you want more comfort, dont get this option. Otherwise, its grrreat!!

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  It was my second choice. - 2017 Audi A6
  By Massachusetts - January 24 - 10:49 pm

  I considered and drove the usual suspects in this class. While the A6 rise to my top spot among the German imports, I found the design and features to be a bit dated. Probably about two years behind the Swedish and other imports.