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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  New allroad owner - 2004 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By New allroad owner - January 13 - 4:53 pm

  We had a 2002 Discovery II. Loved the thing! After our son, the Rover was just too impractical. Looked at the Volvo Cross Country and the allroad. Our 04 allroad is the perfect combo. Awesome looks, super nice interior and a turbo! Weve only had it for a few months but so far so good.

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  Best Car Ive Owned - 2007 Audi A4
  By Mike Ellis - January 13 - 1:53 pm

  I recently bought an 07 A4 Quattro after comparing several other brands. The build quality, gas mileage and AWD were a no brainer. The car is quiet, fuel efficient and fast! The turbo four is a great engine.

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  Still a joy to drive... - 2000 Audi S4
  By Vic B - January 13 - 1:51 pm

  Im the original owner of my 2000 Audi S4 and every time I think about getting a different car with the next drive, I forget all about it. This car is truly a joy to drive sports car performance with sedan versatility. Fold the rear seats down and it can hold most anything I want to haul. Currently have 86000 miles with the original turbos and the car is chipped. You can drive the car hard, but be smart about proper warm-up and cool-down for longevity. This car requires proper maintenance and it can be expensive. But in exchange, the S4 rewards you by putting a smile on your face each and every time you get behind the wheel and hit the gas.

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  Not a good purchase!! - 2007 Audi A3
  By Waste - January 13 - 7:35 am

  I purchased the premium package with the white exterior and dark grey interior. This is a good looking car, BUT I have had so many problems with it. Exteriorly, the trim on the sky system keeps on popping off. I had to bring my vehicle in 4 times to get this fixed. The Pirelli tires that come stock are terrible! I had to replace the fronts under 20000 and the rear 25000. Now I am having engine problems with the transmission. Recommendation: dont purchase this vehicle! Also very noisy while driving past 60 mph especially if you get the roof racks, which are also junk. Mine broke the first week I got them.

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  Solid performer - 2007 Audi A4
  By Gordon - January 12 - 6:56 pm

  It was a toss up between the A4 and BMW 3 series. I went with A4 as the interior is superior (in my opinion). So far, no regrets. Good power, handling and fuel economy. All said, I would buy another Audi without hesitation.

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  The Best Of The Best - 2009 Audi R8
  By Tom M. - January 11 - 8:31 pm

  Audi has really outdone themselves.! My wife and I are Audi lovers having first experienced the Q7. I must say it has more dependability than my BMW 645i. This car for its first stab at luxury and performance has done admirably well. Its a joy to drive at all speeds.I drove both transmissions and chose the R-Tronic. It is touchy at slow speeds but you have a shifter plus paddles plus a sport position. All make it versatile and worth a one year wait. I find its virtually impossible to pull into a gas station for a quick fillup without engaging in a long discussion of its merits. Gotta love it !!!

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  Just OK! - 2003 Audi A4
  By britt11286 - January 10 - 10:19 pm

  I have had my Audi for 2 years and it has been to the dealership for multiple problems 4 times and it needs to go back again. From interior peeling to ignition coils, it really has been one thing after another, mostly little things though. I hate the fact that the 2nd cup holder is in the center console, pretty useless! However, I have to say that I really love this car. It is a smooth ride and it can virtually get through snow and ice with very little slipping if any at all. The Bose stereo puts out great sound. It handles corners great. Could have a little more power, but its not bad. Will get another A4 but it will definitely be the newer 2009 model. Hopefully theyll get it right in 2009.

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  A Comfortable Choice - 2007 Audi A4
  By Jreal - January 10 - 6:07 pm

  Driving my A4 is both comfortable and fun. It is especially nice on the freeway when you can slip it into 6th gear and just cruise. Its acceleration from a stop is a little slow, but once you get going, it accelerates quite nicely.

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  ultra sport - 2004 Audi A4
  By jssant - January 10 - 10:00 am

  ultra sport pkg really sets this car apart from the rest. Cannt say enough about the quattro system, this car corners.

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  From a 2007 G35 to a REAL CAR!!! - 2009 Audi A4
  By iceboynyc - January 9 - 2:03 pm

  I just got the A4 AWD 2.0T AT White w/ Black interior Premium Plus with the custom OEM Audi Sport 18" rims on all seasons and added the chrome tips. Changing the wheels and tips turns this car into a whole entire different animal. The ride is 100% better than my last sedan 2007 G35 AWD. This sedan is a much better value than the BMW AWD 3 series and the Benz C AWD. I love the ride and now I think I will be an Audi fan for a long time!!