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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  A4 Avant - 2004 Audi A4
  By Sacvolksguy - January 27 - 10:00 am

  For the money, hands down this is the best car in its class. No other car drives like the quattro all wheel. You feel very much in control in all weather conditions. I made a very good buying decision! :-)

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  Germans Do It Right - 2004 Audi A4
  By Will Schmidt - January 27 - 10:00 am

  Love my Audi! Excellent quality inside and out. They did not cut corners on anything. I test drove the Infinity 35, Maxima, and found the Audi to be the best value for my money.The exterior fit and finish is awsome.

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  AUDI A4 - 2004 Audi A4
  By Ctesoriere - January 27 - 10:00 am

  Its a great looking vehicle. I get compliments on it all the time.Fantastic for the price.I am tall (64)and its extremely comfortable.Its a great car for road trips.I am overall very happy with my decision.LOVE THIS CAR!!!!

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  My Audi - 2004 Audi A4
  By fredscuba - January 27 - 10:00 am

  My Audi A4 is a fun car to drive. Even when I am commuting, sliding into the drivers seat brightens my day. The quick accelleration, sharp handling and luxury interior makes my day. Being the only sedan in the office able to drive through deep snow or ice also has its advantages and the quattro drive is a pleasure.

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  Best Car Available - 2004 Audi A4
  By DeanG - January 27 - 10:00 am

  This is my 4th A4 - I now have an A4 3.0 Litre...All have been incredible. This is the best car for the money available today - for fun, reliability, winter driving...

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  Great well rounded car - 1996 Audi A6
  By MKrenz - January 27 - 4:07 am

  I would admit the car is a little heavy for the 2.8 v6 and the 4 speed automatic tranny doesnt help, but I have had a lot of fun with this car(I can drift and do donuts all day in an snowy parking lot). Unlike other AWD cars the rear wheels have power all the time which means a lot of fun, the quattro is excellent for my Ice rink of a drive way, and provides confidence going into corners. I get decent gas mileage about 22 average which isnt bad for a v6 AWD luxury car that is 12 years old. although Ive added two 10" subs the stock sound system is great. The ride is pretty good although it can get a little bumper on broken up roads and the seats are adequate.

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  I love this car - 2005 Audi A8
  By mike - January 26 - 5:49 pm

  I bought a certified pre-owned 2005 A8L and have enjoyed every element of this car, from the handling to the styling. I will say that the cost of repairs is high, but probably comparable to others in its class. I had to replace a rear view mirror and one arm rest and was quoted $500 for each repair. I also had an issue with the automatic trunk not staying down. Thankfully my certified warranty covered these items. The car is truly a looker and I still get compliments. I have recently replaced the tires and it drives like new. I love this car.

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  Hits The Mark - 2009 Audi A4
  By PaigeLGOIT - January 26 - 12:56 pm

  In the three years leading up to this car, I drove a Saab 9-3. And I admittedly enjoyed the car. But after driving the Audi A4, I cant imagine ever going back to another manufacturer. The handling is tight, the speed is quick and the ride is firm without being hard.

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  First Time Audi Owner! - 2009 Audi TT
  By NewAudi - January 25 - 9:51 pm

  Knew 2009 was my year for getting a convertible. Researched a number of different types from Miata to 350Z and finally Audi. Although I liked the Miata, wanted a little more and was deciding between the Z and Audi. Two major drawbacks to conisder on the Z: 1) Poor interior quality and look for what you are spending 2) Horrible fuel economy. The Z seems to be perfect for brute power in a nice package. After spending the day test driving the Audi, decision was clear. For about the same price, the Audi delivers beauty, responsiveness, kuxury interior!! Top or down, awesome car to drive!! Also, there arent as many on the road so you dont just blend into the sea of cars. Check it out.

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  Great car - 2009 Audi A3
  By Jeff - January 25 - 5:44 pm

  Bought 09 A3 quattro s-line with DSG. Options not chosen are sport package and audio package. Too much money for 6-disc and sport sport package includes things I do not want to pay for. Great car, but 6-disk should come standard for $40K. Quattro is seamless. Performance is very good but so far gas mileage is not what I expected - but only have 5500K so far. Hope it gets better with time. Quality of materials is good but fear that paint is not up to Canadian winters (or summers). Already have chips and scratches. No USB connections.