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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  Seductive - 2004 Audi A6
  By robert c - November 22 - 9:46 am

  I sit behind the wheel and I feel empowered. Heated leather seats with memory. Red illumination for the dashboard. Soft on the eyes! I do not regret this purchase. This is my third used Audi purchase in a row. The interior is my kind of fine appointment. The leather seats hold up just fine. I like the roomy trunk space. I always take my car for regular scheduled maintenance, therefore I have never had a suprise disruption. I like the peppy engine response when traveling down the interstate. I have always appreciated the sexy curves and distinct appearance of an Audi. How can you not feel regal sporting around town in a fine German sedan?

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  Worth the wait - 2007 Audi Q7
  By jim - November 21 - 11:31 am

  We ordered our S-line Q7 in August... well worth the wait! The driving experience is everything we expected and more. The motor sounds authoritative and has plenty of power. Seating is comfortable with plenty of head room for the tall ones. Third row seat is designated for small passengers on short trips. Once we became familiar with the MMI and other options they were very user friendly and worth the time to learn. We live in a warm climate and had solar tint installed on the sunroof which helps with reflective heat. Learned the battery is under the drivers seat and will need to take to dealer to get battery replaced. Why? (Bummer). Overall great ride and meets our expectations on all fronts.

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  Audi A6 4.2 AWD - Too much power - 2004 Audi A6
  By Kevin - November 20 - 10:23 am

  I love the car!! I have had it for 2 years and it is awesome. I sometime wonder if it has too much power. I hit triple digits plenty of times, but the reality is I just dont have anywhere to really run it to its potential.

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  Best SUV I have driven - 2007 Audi Q7
  By Nick - November 19 - 10:20 pm

  I bought many SUVs. The Q7 is the best SUV I have driven so far. Great to drive, so comfortable. It is a hybrid of a luxury sedan and an SUV. Even my kids love the comfort of the back seats. Great choice for a family.

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  Bellisimo! - 2007 Audi A8
  By Svetlana B. - November 18 - 9:48 pm

  The most beautiful car Ive ever owned. Stunningly luxurious interior, classy exterior, polished demeanor, great acceleration from 350hp V8, dazzling 19" wheels that turn heads, super attention to detail, nimble handling that belies its size, and so much more. I bought it last week, and already took it across the state line!

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  2000 Miles and Loving it - 2007 Audi Q7
  By bhurlburt - November 17 - 7:30 pm

  Waited two months for it to arrive but it was worth every minute. I agree with most of the other reviews here. The handling is what I am most impressed with. Just does not FEEL like I am driving a large SUV. Steering is precise around residential streets and around the clover leafs at speed. Took my parents out last night. My Mom kept saying "this is so nice!!" My Dad kept saying "I cant get over how smooth the acceleration feels". They are both long term Suburban/Yukon owners. Highway mileage about 21. City about 14. Not great but I knew what I was getting. After a month and a half and 2000 miles of driving, I have yet to see another one on the road. I just love that!!!

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  An Ideal Car - 2006 Audi A8
  By Richard Nigro - November 17 - 2:24 pm

  This car is a unique blend of soft, smooth ride without the swaying of some cars. This car also exhibits oustanding handling and acceleration. I also own a MB E320. The interior in this car is beautifully fit and finished. The drivers seat is perfectly contoured and 12 (16?) way adjustable.The controls are logically arranged and are easy to use. The MMI eliminates a clutter of dials and buttons,and is easy for an average person to use (unlike the MB 320 computer which is impossible). Do yourself a favor and consider this car for your next vehicle.

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  Great Luxury Family SUV - 2007 Audi Q7
  By Drews Dad - November 14 - 3:31 pm

  The Q7 has met my hyped up expectations. Its a solid ride with premium features you expect from Audi. It has a very thoughtful design, down to the "coming and going" external and internal lighting features. Its also easy to see the road in the Q7 unlike some other large SUVs.

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  Powerful Compact Sedan - 2006 Audi A4
  By JLee - November 12 - 12:15 pm

  First Audi, have to say its been great thus far. Test drove both 3.2 and 2.0T, felt 2.0T had more of a kick at start off. Great fuel economy, and excellent overall build. MMI lacks ability to play MP3s, and does not have external audio plug for iPod/accessories. Rear seat lacks room, but this is a compact sedan. 6MT is decent, clutch has too much distance, lacks the short sport like feeling.

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  Awesome S4 - 2004 Audi S4
  By KLouie - November 11 - 11:46 pm

  The S4 is a very smooth and powerful car. The build quality is excellent and the interior is beautiful. The torque range is very good and linear. I would like a little more steering feel and a little less body roll through tight turns. I love the exhaust note and turn off the stereo just to hear it(even though the stereo is excellent). I have a Porsche Boxster S which I love this car is great, just different. It is an awesome car which works as a daily driver except for the gas mileage.