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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  8cyl/4 season/ 2+2 convertible to beat - 2005 Audi S4
  By nick - June 18 - 10:10 pm

  The most reasonably priced 8cyl/4wd/4 season 2+2 convertible for snow covered Northeast states there is no other convertible in this class that can claim this. Excellent fit and finish by coach builders from Karmann, Germany. This car is almost like a hand made jewel for this price range.

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  My A4 - 2002 Audi A4
  By mjmill4 - June 14 - 2:00 am

  Wonderful little car. Solid, reliable, and great value.

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  Fantastic Vehicle - 2004 Audi A4
  By Brian L. - June 9 - 4:54 pm

  Purchased the car certified pre-owned about 6 months ago. I wanted something a bit more mature with more options. Opted for this car and dont regret a thing.

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  Allroad 6 speed - 2001 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By atalya - June 8 - 10:00 am

  The best of all worlds: sports wagon performance and handling, plus the ability to do all the back road and off-road driving I will ever need. Quiet, effortless cruiser at 90mph. Manual transmission makes car much more lively than autobox. Shifter is notchy when new, loosens up nicely by 10,000 miles. We always run the car in the lowest position for paved road driving: firmer ride and much better handling.

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  A fantastic car - 1998 Audi Cabriolet
  By Laurence Madill - June 8 - 8:11 am

  I am in the UK, driving a UK spec 1.8 litre model. Not the quickest off the mark, but by no means slow it keeps up with the high powered rivals and more recent cars quite easily. The handling is excellent, and although I have heard numerous reports of problems with scuttle shake, Ive not experienced this. Some high repair bills, but apart from the clutch failing, it hasnt ever broken down between standard services. Replacements as follows: clutch and flywheel at 80,000 miles, front suspension arms at 75,000 miles, brake discs and waterpump for coolant at 75,000 miles.

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  Love my Audi! - 2001 Audi A4
  By jmm - June 7 - 3:38 pm

  I have had my A4 for six years, and I still love it to this day. It is so fun to drive due to both handling and the turbo gives it an extra boost. The Quattro is a dream to drive in the snow, out performing many SUVs. The gas mileage is great! My only problems were back in 2004-05 when I had to replace the rear wheel bearings and the tie rods. Currently, when my car sits in the heat, the car beeps as if the driver side door is open, when in fact it is shut. Also, the speakers are busted. If my family wasnt growing, Id definitely buy another A4.

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  First, but not last Audi - 2007 Audi Q7
  By Audi Lover - June 4 - 11:51 pm

  The Audi Q7 3.6 Premium is a beautiful car. I get many people peeking through the windows trying to see the wonderful interior. I also get many compliments on how it looks everytime I go gas it or go to school. I got the Q7 after I traded in my Navigator. I hated how the Navigator drove and looked compared to Q7. The Q7 makes other SUVs look like boxes on wheels. The Q7 drives very easy in tight spaces making it feel smaller than it really is. People may think that the MMI will be hard to operate, but its not. All the rows have comfortable seats, but the third row is hard to get to. The ride is much smoother than the Navigator and goes over rough surfaces very nicely.

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  Amazing - 1994 Audi 100
  By DWE - June 3 - 1:31 pm

  I purchased the 94 100S from a family member who kept it in pristine condition. I love this car... it handles so nicely, its quiet and smooth and even though its 13 years old, it still gets looks and nods of approval. Its been across the country more than several times with no problems, and most recently moving from Phoenix, AZ. to Portland, Or. where I only had to fill up three times for fuel over 1350 miles on the entire trip! She had 173,500 miles on her when I bought her in Dec. 2005 and she now has 203,xxx miles on it and Im replacing the stock serpentine belt. Again, an amazing car!

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  Love this car! - 2005 Audi A6
  By KnappAttack - June 3 - 9:10 am

  This is my second Audi. First was a 2002 A6 2.7t which I really liked. This new A6 is even better. I was leaning towards the Infiniti M35x, tried one with 12,000 miles on it, Id rather keep my 2002 Audi. Im glad I found this 4.2. I immediately knew this was the car for me. I also tried the Acura RL and didnt think much of it. Nice car, just not as good as the Audi. Purchased mine used with the sport pkg, advanced key, bose stereo, navi, and cant say enough about it. Ill average around 22 actual MPG. Excellent mileage for a 335 HP V8. Were now going to purchase a A4 for my wife. Amazing car!

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  Nice car! - 2007 Audi Q7
  By FallenAngel73 - June 3 - 6:50 am

  Purchased 3.6 premium. I love this car! Handles and performs like a sports sedan even though this is a big SUV. Fun to drive!