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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  Thumbs down on the A 4 3.2 Sedan - 2007 Audi A4
  By Amy Oroshnik - July 28 - 12:00 am

  I have been real disappointed with the A4 3.2 CVT. I had 3.0 Quattro before and there is no companison. Quattros are what Audi is all about. The CVT transmission is jerky in the 3.2. It is a boring ride. I once tried to accelerate and had a delayed response. It is fast and comfortable but I plan to get rid of it and go back to a Quattro.

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  Unbelievable car for the money - 2005 Audi A8
  By Midwest Audi Owner - July 25 - 4:27 pm

  Second owner purchase of a loaded 2005 A8 with the standard wheel base (not "L") and 37,000 miles. With the remaining factory warranty then Audi CPO warranty until 2011 combined with the features on this car (keyless entry, power trunk, XM, Parktronics, heated front/rear seats, nav, rain sensing wipers, etc. etc.) this car is an amazing value! My A8 drives both like a sports car and a luxury ride (with the 19" wheels) simultaneously. And, with the attention to detail in the interior, it is hard to get out of the car after the trip is done! Many similarities to the A6 that I traded, but you will quickly notice this is an entirely different car than the A6 platform.

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  Run Far, Far, Far Away - 2003 Audi A4
  By JT - July 25 - 8:26 am

  Its a great car when everything is working. Unfortunately, that is rare. Problems Ive encountered in the approximately 35K miles Ive owned the car: rear driver side power window fail - $400 rear pass. side power window fail - $400 (I live in mortal fear of operating the power windows now - Im sure its only a matter of time before the front ones go) CV joint - $1200 bottomed out and punched a hole in oil pan (ok partly my fault) $800 check engine light - faulty "crankshaft assistor" $1250 bulbs are difficult to replace. Do not buy this car if not under warranty. You will regret it every day you own it

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  I dont know why I like Audis, I just do - 2001 Audi A4
  By Mostafa - July 24 - 6:45 pm

  I bought my 2001 Audi 2.8 almost 1 year ago. It has been a great car. I took it in today because the check engine light came on (becuase the gas cap wasnt screwed back on correctly) Ahhh! Oil changes are about $85 which is a lot, but its good for 6k miles. Everyone thinks Im crazy for paying that much for an oil change, but thats how it is. I love having a powerful car. Brakes work great! Almost too well. All my friends love driving my car, its fun!

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  Audi A4 2T sedan - 2007 Audi A4
  By KGD - July 24 - 11:26 am

  I havent owned this vehicle long enough (purchased 1/2007) to give a complete review. I was pleasantly surprised at the power and response from such a small engine. I find myself wondering why everyone else is driving so slow on the highway. At slower speeds and around corners, the handling is very quick with very little lean.The manual shifting with the 2T package takes some getting used to and, frankly, some practice. The suspension is somewhat stiff but I think youd have to agree that it is race oriented. The interior is comfortable and "no nonsense". Everything is there and nicely organized around the driver. I personally liked the gauge positioning and control positioning.

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  First time Ive ever loved my car - 2008 Audi A5
  By Huy - July 23 - 12:04 am

  Ive had my A5 for almost 4 months now, and I still spend a couple moments to admire it before I get in to drive each day. I drove it through the mountains this weekend and had so much fun that I was actually laughing out loud. The handling is great, its totally comfortable and even has enough room in the back for a child seat. I havent had a single complaint come up. And yes, it definitely turns a lot of heads when Im driving it through town. It actually took me a while to get used to all the stares - not that Im complaining.

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  An absolute blast to drive! - 2005 Audi A6
  By Fearlessinfuquay - July 22 - 11:18 pm

  I purchased my Audi with reservations. My research revealed that customer service was awful (not true) - and that I would have endless problems, especially with oil leaks. I did have a rear cam leak, under warranty, and the dealer took care of it right away. It is a beautiful car, inside and out. It feels like youre in a cockpit. Took a bit to learn how to work the MMI system, but once I did, it all made sense. Controls are extremely driver friendly, and for low profile tires (traded 18" high performance for 17" all purpose tires - big difference), it is a surprisingly smooth ride. She handles and responds beautifully. This car is an absolute blast to drive. I couldnt be happier!

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  Finally! No More Minivan! - 2008 Audi Q7
  By Brent - July 21 - 3:00 pm

  OK. Here we go. How do we make the case to not lease our fourth minivan in over ten years? Currently three children 10, 7 and 5. Get the whole family in the van and go visit the Q7. You wont regret it I promise. I know we need all that space and cupholders, but still just go check it out...you deserve it! Maybe, just maybe, the kids can sacrifice a little for mom and dad. Afterall, this vehicle has everything you need to survive as a family of five and it performs, looks and rides like no minivan Ive ever owned in the the last ten years. I drive a BMW 5 series so this is for my wife. But, this vehicle alone has made me consider an Audi for myself.

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  All Road All The Time - 2002 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By lenslugger - July 21 - 10:00 am

  Fit and Finish outstanding. Handling is very comfortable from a car of its weight. This car is a dream come true for the driver who wants everything in a car, looks, handling and a place to put your cargo.

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  A4 Effort - 2002 Audi A4
  By dxt - July 21 - 10:00 am

  This is my 2nd Audi, and by far this A4 is a big imrovement over my last Audi. I love the style, handling, interior and exterior build quality and the little touches Audi built into this car. I look for twisty roads to drive and I smile every day I am in this car. I give Audi a big A 4 effort !!