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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  2002 Audi A6 2.7T quattro AWD - 2002 Audi A6
  By Alpha Dog - August 4 - 7:01 pm

  The A6 with twin-turbo and quattro is a thrill to drive - it offers spine-tingling acceleration throughout the gear and speed range and sticky, sure handling in all weather and road conditions - this is a four-door, all-wheel drive sports car with lots of room for driver and real adult passengers.

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  Great car, Fun to drive! - 2006 Audi A4
  By Mike - August 4 - 10:48 am

  I got the S-Line package, and it really accentuates the handling of the car. It looks great on the outside, and the big wheels and sport suspension really makes the car handle well without riding rough. The interior is good looking and well laid out, and everything is made of nice materials. I also got the Bose package and it sounds pretty nice. Car is still breaking in, and mileage is getting better every day. Car is very quiet and refined on the highway, and is a lot of fun on a twisty road. Im 63", and theres plenty of room for me, and theres still room for people in the back.

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  A3 2.0 Turbo After 10,000 miles - 2006 Audi A3
  By Dallas - August 3 - 6:41 am

  I bought this car last October after gas hit $3/gal (the first time) and after test driving the others. I have owned many luxury and sporty cars over the years from the BMW 7 and Mercedes S sedans to the BMW M3. I have to say that this car is a perfect blend of fun, function and economy. The DSG transmission is fantastic, the hatchback with fold-down seats plenty roomy, and the gas mileage (~28 mpg) is great for todays environment. We just turned over 10K miles and have had no problems with the car at all! My only complaint is the Pirelli tires -- too much road noise. I plan to own this car for a long time! Congratulations to Audi.

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  Audi - A6 WOW!! - 2006 Audi A6
  By Sam - August 1 - 3:47 pm

  After driving American cars for over 35 years, I bought A6 (premium package). Wow ! What a difference. I looked at the competitors - no comparison! A6 has a better interior + power + everything else. Gas mileage is excellent (mid 20s combined). Handles very well.

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  This Audi Rocks! - 2006 Audi A4
  By Raudi - July 31 - 9:59 pm

  I test drove several vehicles and ended up purchasing the Audi because it handled better, accelerated as well, got better gas mileage, better interior and trunk space plus it was priced right. I have had several nice cars, but this is by far the best all around car I have ever owned!

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  Awesome car! - 2006 Audi A4
  By demars581 - July 31 - 3:33 pm

  I have leased this car about two months ago. My previous car was an 03 accord. The Audi is a mojor step up in quality, handling, features, and refinement. I have the Quartz Gray Metallic with black interior... I get many compliments on the color combo.

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  Over enginered - 2002 Audi A4
  By lorrie klein - July 31 - 12:03 pm

  This is a very comfortable, stable and fun car. I am a small woman and the car fits me perfectly. It has all the bells and whistles and a great highway ride. There is some lack of power initially at low speeds but the engine quickly responds. My major complaint is that the computer system is overly sensitive there have been many instances of warning lights coming on. I say that the car is "over enginered". I have had the car into the dealer on many more occasions than I think is reasonable for warning lights. Sometimes there was something actually wrong but many times the computer just needed to be reset.

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  No funner 7- seat SUV out there! - 2007 Audi Q7
  By Cori - July 28 - 4:41 am

  I just got the car a few days ago and it was worth the wait! Having three kids and looking for a luxury and sporty SUV with room for friends is challenging. Audi did it! Not only is the handling fantastic but with the air suspension upgrade, the ride is so smooth. The features for the driver and the passngers are fabulous. Although the third row is too small for an adult, its perfect for kids. Having the sun roof in the rear doesnt make you feel confined as in other 3rd row mid size SUVs.

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  A8 L Perfection - 2005 Audi A8
  By Tony C - July 26 - 11:00 pm

  Owned other luxury cars and there is NOTHING like my Audi. I DEFINITELY will trade for another. My gas mileage exceeds 24 MPG on highway and 18 city. The highlight is Tiptronic transmission and all wheel drive. An absolute pleasure in the winter. Believe me the car doesnt know the difference between summer driving and winter roads. Try one you will fall in love.

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  agility and speed - 2006 Audi A3
  By Jason - July 26 - 8:13 pm

  Overall an exciting car to drive. Im able to navigate busy DC with little problem, and the DSG TRANNY IS KICKIN. The only complaint I have is the driver seat seems to be losing its support. Seats started out firm, but now they are uncomfortable. Limited thigh support for my 61" frame. Sunroof is a blast. Wanted all-wheel, but didnt want the 6 cylinder. Overall a kickin car to drive.