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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  Fun and Classy - 2008 Audi A4
  By trlyka - April 23 - 7:42 pm

  This is my first Audi. I was driving a 6 cyl. VW Passat before this and had never owned a 4 cyl. car, so I was a little nervous about getting the 2.0T. I am pleasantly surprised with this motor. Although there is a little lag pulling out into traffic now and then, I cant complain. Fit and finish are superb and I love the way it looks. I leased in July 2008, so I cant wait to see what 2011 has to offer.

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  I would do it again!!! - 2006 Audi A4
  By Ken~WI - April 23 - 2:57 pm

  18 Months and 35K+ miles later: I would do it again, "Buy Another Certified Audi Vehicle". 29MPG Highway occasional better. Incredible in snow of any depth here in Southern WI. Zero Maintenance issues!!!!!! Just replaced the OEM Continental Tires at 60K+ miles. Purchased Ultra High Performance Eagle GTs from Goodyear. Great looking, fun to Drive, head turning vehicle. Everything I had hoped for when buying my first European AWD Car. Be sure to ask about the interest rate for Certified Used, the extended warranty and the service package up to 100K Miles. 12 more months and Im searching for a 2008 or 2009.

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  Get the 3.0 - 2002 Audi A4
  By audilove - April 23 - 1:59 pm

  Well it looks like I see a trend here. The 1.8T seem to have reliability issues while the 3.0 seem to run strong. I have owned mine for a year and love it. Its my second Audi, my first being an 80Q that I put 300k miles on. I will say that these cars require your attention. By that I mean dont skimp on maintenance. If there are issues, fix them IMMEDIATELY or it can get very expensive (i.e. ignore replacing a $25 coil pack and you could spend $1000 on a new cat). I will also say you need to keep the interior conditioned, it doesnt like being left to dry out on hot days.

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  Great car but ...squeaky brakes? - 2007 Audi A4
  By Suzanne - April 23 - 12:54 pm

  Bought my first pre-owned Audi after owning Lexus IS-looking for better mileage. Brakes squeak at low speeds - had them cleaned to remove carbon build- up but week later same problem. Havent called the dealer back - anyone else have this problem?

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  The little wagon that could - 2008 Audi A4
  By frankclh - April 22 - 9:11 pm

  I have had several Audis over the past 15 years as well as several Jeeps. This latest purchase with the 3.2 is outstanding. Power, all weather ability with utility and sport car manors. This package does it all. The MMI is great. Did a three hundred mile loop from New York to Boston and got 29 mpg. Got it with the Audi Certified program so great deal with new car warranty. Very, very happy.

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  Amazing - 2006 Audi A3
  By Eli F. - April 21 - 6:00 pm

  I had a Mercedes-Benz C-Class coupe before this- that was a terrible car. The A3 is so much better. It has a much peppier engine, a more luxurious interior, its much better styled, and is less money. Love the innovation- I got mine with the Open Sky sunroof.

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  German Junk - 2007 Audi Q7
  By Mike - April 21 - 9:35 am

  Despite meaningful price-incentive at purchase, discount cant make up for poor quality and ongoing issues. Brakes and tires needed replacing at ~25K mi in response to which dealer congratulated me for outlasting the average (most customers only get 22K out of both at best)... Reason: heavy weight. Quickly upgraded tires (they were pathetic in snow/ice - seems insane for an AWD SUV) but had to stick with same (lousy) brakes due to some proprietary sensors (anyone test this theory?). Sunroof rattles, steering wheel vibrates at 70 mph, 2nd row seat rattles like a 15-year old Chevy pick-up. Dealer happy to keep trying to fix but sick of driving A4 loaners.

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  This is a great ride. - 1998 Audi A6
  By ChuckMal - April 20 - 10:12 pm

  I seriously considered Mercedes, BMW less so before buying the A6. No complaints or regrets, this is a great car. Comfortable, safe, fast, secure. Well soon be shopping for our next car, and because of our experience with this one, our bias will be for Audis.

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  Believer - 2003 Audi TT
  By CCC - April 19 - 8:05 pm

  I am 2 years into my used TT. It is picture perfect and fun to drive. 33 MPG on the HW 29 in town and I have a heavy foot. Best snow car I have ever owned (lived in CO for 29 years). Would get an extended protection plan as repairs are pricey. I love my car and always get asked about it.

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  Fantastic! - 2009 Audi A4
  By Melissa - April 18 - 11:24 pm

  Ive had my A4 Premium Plus for about 6 months and Im still completely in love with it. It is always so much fun to drive especially around turns on the parkway. Best car Ive ever owned, my old Mercedes does not even compare to this car. It hasnt failed me yet. Not to mention, heads turn when I drive down the street, the cars gorgeous!