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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  Wish I wouldve done my homework - 2007 Audi Q7
  By schwartzps - October 29 - 5:51 pm

  Like many of you I fell in love with the Q7. Ive had it a year heres my issues: electrical system went out (brains of the car), fuel gage failed, 3 tire flat tires within 1 year. Also had the same problem as someone earlier as a very small amount of liquid spilled next to the drink cups. It shorted my system to the tune of $1,000. Love the car and hate the car at the same time.

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  Buyer beware - 1999 Audi A6
  By mike - October 28 - 7:08 pm

  Styling and roominess were my main considerations in buying this car. Others I considered were Volvo V70, MB 320/420 wgn, mazada 6 wgn. On test drive alone I prefered the Audi. AWD and long list of options were what clinched it. I thought I was stealing this thing at $8,500 two years ago with 73k miles on it. Similar MB or Volvo were well above $10,000. I soon leared that there are a long list of "common" problems with this vehicle. Off and on working of electronics is the most frustrating,of course everything worked when I test drove it. Other problems Ive experienced are: ABS controller $500, upper control arms/tie rod replacement $1,000, oil leak $? Good luck when buying this car

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  amazed! - 2004 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By garyerichson - October 28 - 2:00 am

  I drove mercedes e class for last 10 years. I was amazed at the overall quality and attention to detail. Feels light, nimble and rock solid. Excellent performance. The perfect blend of luxury and utility.

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  No Disappointments - 2004 Audi A4
  By paul brandson - October 28 - 2:00 am

  Looking for the vehicle that deserves top ratings? This is it! From the fine tuned exhaust to silky smooth transmission to the beautifully ap- pointed interior, this A4 wraps around you with heart throbbing emotion just as it wraps around corners with ground hugging agility. Truly a balanced combi- nation of form, function and FUN!

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  Awesome Vehicle - 2006 Audi A4
  By AvantDriver - October 27 - 11:54 am

  This vehicle has been everything Ive expected and more. On most of my highway trips (usually 800 miles each way) I average around 30mpg and thats crossing the Rocky Mountains. The performance of the 2.0T is great for a 4cyl. Rarely do I have to shift out of 6th gear in order to pass or go up a grade. The interior is very comfortable and well laid out. The fit & finish is amazing, as expected from an Audi. Overall, I cant say this car is perfect but any of its slight nuances are easily overshadowed by everything else.

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  No regrets - 2008 Audi R8
  By Truth - October 26 - 12:43 am

  Ive had this car nearly a year, and it earns all the accolades it has received in the extensive press coverage. It has enough power for street use even if slightly underpowered. Although it handles nearly as good as anything out there at 10/10ths, most non-professionals could likely get closer to the limits without tragedy than in other high- performance cars. Although it is borderline in power for an exotic, its appeal is definitely in the exotic category. It is also incredibly comfortable, and Ive had no problem issues in 11,000 miles. Versus its class, it has tremendous fuel economy.

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  Yikes, what have I done? - 1992 Audi 100
  By Elshi - October 25 - 6:51 pm

  I was without a car for 15 months, because a lady with no insurance totalled my Buick. A neighbor had this beautiful little Audi that they sold to me for $3500. It has had electrical problems. Now it is sitting in a parking lot 30 miles away with water hose problems. We are not talking cheap repairs, for someone to even look at it, costs more than the complete repair of a different brand. If you have the money and the patience I think it would be a "fun" car. For a widow it is not the ideal car.

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  Nice! - 2008 Audi A6
  By A6 3.2 QUATTRO - October 25 - 6:47 pm

  Overall the A6 is an excellent car. I have had it for a week and Im in love everything about the car. The only thing I dont really like is the cupholders, not very conviniently located but no biggie. It doesnt have many places to put stuff though, glove compartment is rather small and center arm rest is small also. Other than that the car is awesome. Would have liked a wooden steering wheel standard for such a high price car.

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  Awesome Vehicle - 2008 Audi A4
  By Bruce - October 25 - 5:20 am

  This car looks great and drives even better. It has comfortable seats and the engine runs very smoothly. The A4 convertible is a cross between a sports car and a luxury car and it clearly has good features of both. While there is always room for improvement, I am very pleased with how it handles and the multitude of features.

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  All-around best sport wagon - 2002 Audi A4
  By colgate13 - October 25 - 2:00 am

  When considering ALL factors, especially performance, styling and price - the A4 comes out heads above the rest. Drive all of the AWD sport wagons(BMW, Volvo, even Subaru, etc.) and decide for yourself. You cant beat the Quattro system. Living in a heavy snow climate (upstate NY) getting dedicated winter tires is a must, but well worth it. I have nothing bad to say about this car.