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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  Good car, but consumes oil - 2009 Audi A4
  By scriptx - January 29 - 1:00 pm

  I love the car, it is quiet, low road noise. But, it burns oil. At 600 miles I have had to put in a half quart already. Furthermore, you would think for a car that burns so much oil, it would come with a dipstick, but, it does not. I wish I would have researched problems like this before buying. I do regret my decision now, oh, and for Audi, the current oil consumption is within their limits so, I drive with oil in my trunk at all times.

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  Loving it - 2008 Audi Q7
  By eplots - January 28 - 10:07 pm

  Ive had this vehicle now for about 9 months and completely love it. Mine has most of the extra bells and whistles, and I have been totally spoiled by the features - even the ones I thought Id never use (keyless entry/start, lane assist, back up camera). With the 21 inch wheels this thing corners and handles more like a sports car than a SUV. But the beefy curb weight (while providing for a sense of security and impervious-ness-ity) definitely makes for less than thrilling accelerations. I expected this though when I bought it, so no surprises there. A few minor issues with squealing brakes and the like have been promptly handled by Audi care and all-in-all I am very happy with my Q7.

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  Still a compromise - 2008 Audi S4
  By Sridhar Gururaj - January 28 - 9:18 pm

  This car is just a notch above the A4. No doubt it is a blast to drive (think smooth linear acceleration) and luxurious inside, it is still not a sports car by any stretch. Its got a ton of gadgets, but 0-60 still takes forever. It looks great, but falls short of the styling of its BMW competitor. The best thing is the price. I bought mine for $44000 fully loaded. If you are a good negotiator, you should be able to do far better.

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  Must have bought a lemon - 1998 Audi A4
  By SM - January 28 - 5:36 pm

  I bought this car used in 2007. It was a 1-owner vehicle with 65,000 miles. 2 weeks after I drove it off the dealership, it broke down. Thank goodness I decided to buy the extended warranty because it was $1500 to fix all that went wrong. In the year and a half I owned this car, it was nothing but problems. I would be anticipating it to break down every 2 months. Fuel line froze 4 times with Heet in the gas tank, tie rods needed replaced, ABS went out, radio needed a code that nobody could find. Would not buy an Audi unless I was making big bucks. Expect to pay a lot for maintenance.

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  Great Second Car - 2004 Audi A4
  By nu2audi - January 28 - 1:50 pm

  I purchased a used 2004 3.0 Quattro with 5 speed auto for a second car. Im quite impressed with the fit and finish and not a squeak in a car with 59000 miles on it. Its quick, smooth and fun to drive. I had a 2001 BMW 530 and swear this car rides better, feels faster and matches the Bimmer in every comfort category.

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  First Audi - 2006 Audi A4
  By Dkelly846 - January 28 - 5:56 am

  This is my first Audi I was going to buy a used 2000 A 4 After driving it for the day I went to the dealership and leased a new one. I own a G35, ES 300 and Maxima SE . This is by far the the most fun to drive. I added Electronics package and Ocean Blue Pearl paint (awesome). If you own a Bluetooth phone the Electronic package is a MUST! I think I would prefer a larger engine. Im not crazy about the turbo around town but on the open road the car is a scream. Good thing it has a speed alarm! The six speed tip tronic transmission is sensational. Its brain automatically downshifts to first when you stop. The cruise control is the best I have ever used

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  Audi does it best - 2002 Audi A4
  By JT - January 27 - 3:18 pm

  I leased my A4 because I wasnt sure I would like driving a stick after a lot of years of automatics but this car changed all that. It has been a fantastic performer in all kinds of weather conditions and having a stick takes me back to when I was 16. I liked the A4 so much, I bought it outright and bought a 2 year warranty extension from the dealer. Had a couple of repairs made under the warranty but overall I have no complaints with the cars reliability up to this point with 58K miles on it. I got everything available except Bose audio and Xenon headlights. Heated seats are great in winter and very comfortable. This is the best car I ever owned.. and Ive owned 11 different cars.

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  Audi A4 Avant 2.0T - 2006 Audi A4
  By paul - January 27 - 3:10 pm

  Great car. 6 speed automatic transmission is a little quirky. But the sport transmission feature is fun to drive. Acceleration is excellent for a 4 cyl engine. Interior is very quiet, roomy and comfortable. I dont like the seat belt/door open/headlight alarm. Very annoying and rather loud. Brake dust is excessive. Other than that, I really enjoy every aspect of the car.

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  This car has been a dream - 2003 Audi A4
  By pbrice68 - January 27 - 10:00 am

  Bought this car in July 2003, it is now Sept 2003, and have 7,700 miles on it already. Not a single problem and it is a dream to drive on highways and back roads. Recent heavy downpours were plowed through with nary a whimper. The attention to detail is remarkable.

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  none - 2004 Audi A4
  By dan12 - January 27 - 10:00 am

  this is one of the most fun cars to drive that i have owned. it rhandles great and has an exquisite interior.I couldnt be happier with it