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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  My A4 - 2006 Audi A4
  By Amanda - November 27 - 11:38 am

  I had been looking at the A4 for 2 years before I made my first purchase. It has been an overall positive experience and I highly recommend the vehicle to any consumer.

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  Class and Style - 2002 Audi A4
  By quattro4life - November 24 - 10:00 am

  I looked at the A4 and the IS300, but went for the A4. Ive run up about 1500 miles so far and it drives great. Handling is precise and firm, road feel is just right (with sport package), and power is ample for my driving (dont know about you, but not many chances for 0-60 driving). If design and looks were the only element, this car would be above all else. The only thing Im not sure of at this point is the reliability. Heard its improving, but will wait to see. Overall, A4 is all I expected and more. The A4 exudes class and quality. Go out and drive one and youll see what I mean.

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  A FINE CAR! - 2002 Audi A4
  By DUANE - November 24 - 10:00 am

  I had been in the market for a reliable, safe car for my daughter and found an 01 A-4, 1.8 Turbo. She loves the car! I then decided to look at the 02 Quattro 6 cylinder for my wife. Weve already put 12,000 miles on the car and would consider it by far the "funnest" vehicle weve ever owned! My wife does most of the driving of the Audi, and she enjoys the comfort and solid feel. (she washes the car weekly with a diaper!) I think shes pretty safe in the car, and thus far, its been reliable. Only negative is we were promised "free" service for 48,000 miles. They neglect to tell you that this doesnt include synthetic oil ($33 per change.

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  2005 Audi A6 Q - 2005 Audi A6
  By aga6Q - November 24 - 6:28 am

  Except for a trunk latch and a cd player replacement, no problems at all. This is my fourth Audi and its simply as good and reliable as my last two lexuses, but they handle like true german performance cars. Also nothing can compete with quattro in bad weather. We live in so Fla and still love the quattro in the rains we get here.

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  Great for Wisconsin weather - 2006 Audi A4
  By AJ - November 23 - 11:24 pm

  This car is great for driving in snow and very snappy weaving through busy traffic. I cant wait to try the S4.

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  One of the Best Choices Under 30K - 2006 Audi A3
  By JJB - November 23 - 4:10 pm

  Ive been driving my A3 for a little over a year. The handling is amazing with the sport package. DSG is cool for lazy feet, but not for me. Bottom line: there are a lot of cars out there in this price range. More importantly, there are many above this price range. A GIAC or REVO for this car, and it will hang with the M3s and STIs of the world. However, with the A3 you also get practicality and comfort, which those cars do not have. AND, Im getting 36 MPG highway!

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  Great used luxury sport vehicle - 2003 Audi A4
  By dwmcginnis - November 23 - 11:53 am

  We were looking for a sports sedan but not neccessarily the Audi, but when we saw the car it immediately caught our attention. We really liked the exterior line and the interior finishes. After the test drive we were hooked, but concerned about the reliablity of the Audi brand. Our fears were relieved when we researched the car. After a second test drive we bought the car and have no regrets. The car handles extremely well on the back roads. We have had no troubles with the car which is approaching 67,000 miles. Our only beef is the car feels cramped when our two elementary age kids are with us. The car performed and handle extremely well on a recent mtn. trip.

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  Better than BMW - 2006 Audi A4
  By dino - November 23 - 6:54 am

  I have a 2006 BMW 530i with manual and sports suspension. Lots of zip. My wife has an A4 with 2.0 turbo and automatic. Truth be told, I take her car on the weekend whenever I can. Handling is about as good as the BMW and I find the BMW more fun to drive. I prefer the interior and exterior styling more and the AWD is better in bad weather. Interior is a tad smaller but for the two of us the car is purrfect. My next car will be an Audi - probably with a 6 cylinder. Overall, the Audi is more.

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  Solid - 2004 Audi A4
  By 808LOCALBOY - November 22 - 10:00 am

  The is fun to drive. There is some low end turbo lag. Fit and finish is excellent. Handles well.

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  Classy but fun - 2004 Audi A4
  By polo_gin - November 22 - 10:00 am

  Love this car! Have been driving this car since July 2002 and have not had any problems. The fit and finish is world class and the "fun factor" is nothing less. Overall ride is very comfortable while maintaining its sportiness. The safety features were key when purchasing this car but have since been forgotten as this is such a great car to drive. Usually dislike taking cars into service, however, Audi seems to go out of their way to make things just right for the owner/ driver. Fantastic customer service. I would highly recommend Audi.