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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  A5: A cult classic - 2009 Audi A5
  By drblue - November 10 - 11:06 pm

  I own an A5 S-Line version in red. I love it after stepping down from a 1997 A8. The car was worth waiting for and it is really a large sport car. This thing handles like a dream, but if it didnt have 19 in wheels with summer tires the ride wouldnt feel so brutal over bad pavement. The combination velour and leather seats are firm and supportive, a good thing for spirited driving. These seats are not as cushy as the A8, but this is a different beast. I like the driving position so much that I have changed my position in other cars to replicate the position. The trunk is only 3 cubic feet less than the A8, this means it is huge (about 16 cubic ft).

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  Very Satisfied! - 2008 Audi A6
  By sisanto - November 10 - 10:19 pm

  This is my 2nd Audi A6 and the 2008 sure does beat out my old 00 A6. Everything is much improved. I avg. 31 MPG on the highway and 18 in the city. The only thing I truely miss is the ol twin turbo. It would have been nice to have it again. This is a very solid care. Great stereo. By far the best cruise control I have ever seen. The NAV is a must, extremely accurate and again one of the best Ive seen. Handling is tight as you dive into turns. Ive had many 4 wheel drive trucks and cars and I can assure you this car with stock tires never fails me while traveling through the Pocono Mtns in PA. The brakes are undescribable. The car stops on a dime. Excellent car!

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  Love the car, but its a heartbreaker! - 2003 Audi A4
  By Erin S - November 10 - 4:00 pm

  I love to drive my A4, which makes it only more painful that its been in the shop more times than Id care to count. Its peppy, smooth, and easy to handle on the highway. Its beautiful inside when everythings working. But, its had more broken electrical parts than I knew existed on a car, and every repair is crazy expensive. I wonder if they fly the parts one by one from Germany! Like others, have had multiple issues with the stereo, sunroof, various lights/indicators, relays, in addition to the dead fuel pump. Tires pop like balloons, and theyre expensive, too. An expensive love, for sure.

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  Still blitzing over 200,000mi! - 1993 Audi 90
  By f1chunk - November 10 - 12:49 am

  Purchased in 06 with 180,000 mi on original clutch and engine. Still running strong, now over 200,000. Replaced leaky water pump and overflow, thats about it. Zippy 5-speed sticks to the road in any condition. Burns tire tread pretty quick, and rubber is expensive on this car. Interior looks like it could be on current model year vehicle climate control, heated seats, contemporary styling. Sporadic electrical trouble with fog lamps, reverse lights, dash lights. Fun car.

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  Best $30K Auto - Bar None!!! - 2003 Audi A4
  By Da B-Man - November 9 - 10:00 am

  The most stylish and fun Euro-chic car for the money...Period. Never mind the horsepower, its plenty with the 5- Speed manual trans...the Quattro handling is phenomenal and its an absolute blast to drive - rain or shine!!! I sold my BMW convertible and havent looked back...Drive German or Walk...Seriously consider the Underdog = AUDI.

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  A drivers car - 2008 Audi A5
  By Kent - November 9 - 9:16 am

  The Audi A5 is a terrific divers car. While I would prefer a little more horsepower, I love the way the car handles the road. The nav sys needs to be updated, but other than that, the interior of the vehicle is first rate.

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  Awesome Car! - 1990 Audi 90
  By Cozet - November 5 - 9:41 pm

  This little but heavy Audi is a star raceing preformer with its Sports Button and Speed-o-matic transmission. Very comfortable power seats. All leather and AWD. The pearl white paint with matching rims is a head turner with the black leather interior and tinted windows. It has been a great car, fun to race too. It now has 217k miles on it but runs well still. Also it seems to have a heavy iron frame. I hit a stone wall and not even a dent in it. Its a tough little racing car that also looks classy.

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  Love to Drive My Audi! - 2006 Audi A6
  By Fearlessinfuquay - November 5 - 5:41 pm

  This car is a blast to drive! Hugs the road like a coaster on rails. Quick, responsive, and an extremely smooth ride. MMI system is easy and reliable. The controls are driver friendly too. The luxury comforts are a dream. Drivers seat hugs like a cockpit, and back seat is very roomy and very comfortable. The trunk is huge! If you really love to drive, I mean really love to drive, then this Audi is for you. I test drove Mercedes, BMW, and Infiniti. I am so glad that I chose my Audi, and I will forever more be an Audi lover.

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  A used 2003 Review - 2003 Audi S8
  By Ken - November 4 - 7:44 am

  Bought through eBay with 98000 on the odometer. Drove it 2000 miles home in 28 hours. An amazing ride--interior indistinguishable from new. No rattles, no oil consumption, everything works. My 5th used Audi. My recommendation: never buy a new one- -they last 200K miles easily and are used car bargains. I love the dual personality of the S8. A comfortable and quiet crusier that wakes up at 6000 rpm and emits a glorious V8 roar. Handles better than any 4000 pound, 5 pax vehicle should. Love it.

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  Awesome - 2003 Audi A4
  By grzick - November 3 - 10:00 am

  Excellent all-around performance. Road mileage above 30mpg, with great performance. Fit and Finish is excellent. Great warranty and dealer service.