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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  Fantastic Driving Experience - 2001 Audi S8
  By Toni - July 9 - 4:14 am

  I just bought a 2001 S8. Its my first foreign car. I am completely amazed at this cars performance. I have yet to come close to testing its abilities but I thoroughly enjoy blowing away any one that thinks they can outperform me! Complete luxury inside, total power and very understated. Its big inside, took getting used to for a smaller woman.

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  One year later, still going strong - 2006 Audi A3
  By Michael - July 8 - 11:57 am

  I did an Edmunds review on this car, a year ago when I bought it, and I am still very happy. It is reliable, fast, very useful due to its hatch and folding seats and very comfortable and fun to drive. I added 245 size tires which give the car better traction and handling, but do scrape a little at the back, but well worth it. Currently my mileage is 7700 miles (hard driving), and the car was bought in CA, USA. I still think the car is an excellent buy, but time will tell.

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  Best car Ive owned - 2006 Audi A4
  By ViCi - July 7 - 10:40 pm

  This car handles like no other car Ive ever owned. I live in Alaska and Ive driven it 400 miles in a blizzard with no traction problems whatsoever. For that reason alone, this Audi is worth every dollar I paid for it. It will go fast and then it will stop on a dime, even on glare ice. Amazing! The only problem Ive had is that the engine coil was defective and had to be replaced during the first month (um, minor detail). I have read a lot of comments about the parking brake, cupholder, and armrest configuration. For me this has been only a minor inconvenience but it would be nicer not to have to move the armrest. All that notwithstanding, I love this car. It is so much fun to drive!

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  10+ for WOW Factor!! - 2005 Audi A6
  By MRamos - July 7 - 7:07 pm

  This is one great car. I was looking for the All Wheel Drive security blanket and after road testing AWD competitors I was about to give up when I found this beauty and immediately went for a test drive. I have never driven an Audi before and was not to sure what to expect. The A6 took off very smoothly but with a firm press of the gas pedal it launched like a rocket. I felt a sense of security in the stiffness of the body when taking some tight turns and the response of the steering was right on the money. Being a die hard Subaru owner for over 20 years it was hard to give into German engineering but needless to say I am completely sold on this car.

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  2006 A4 - 2006 Audi A4
  By a4boston - July 6 - 10:50 am

  Awesome ride! Car drives beautifully. Awesome control in bad weather which gets better in good weather. Excellent interior quality. Turbo really makes the car jump. Low-end torque is very good.

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  Too Much Fun! - 2001 Audi S4
  By Brandon - July 6 - 10:13 am

  After a long search I have finally found an Audi S4. So far all I can say is wow! Compared to my BMW M3, the Audi is so refined. The clutch and shifter work well. The brakes are fantastic. Overall styling and finish are top notch. The Bose sound system is tight. The xenon lights are great at night and so is the moonroof. I am so impressed every time I drive the car.

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  Audi got it right - 2007 Audi Q7
  By idoc - July 5 - 4:31 pm

  Simply perfect. However I cant imagine this beast with anything less than a 8 cyl. The mid range torque is a blast in the passing lane.

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  Great car! - 2006 Audi A6
  By Kevinh - July 5 - 1:02 pm

  This is my second A6, and while I was pleased with my first one, the 2006 blows it away. The interior is fantastic. The ride is silky smooth with powerful perfomance. I love the nav system, but my favorite thing is the bluetooth integration. I just bought a bluetooth phone specifically because my car has it - its great. I recommend this car.

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  Great convertible - 2006 Audi S4
  By Audi lover - July 3 - 9:24 pm

  The S4 convertible is a stylish car! I have driven mine for 2000 miles now and just love it. Compared to other convertibles in this high performance range you get much more car for your money. I looked at the M3, but found the Audi better for every day driving. Great and smooth 8 cyl engine

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  Fun in the sun!!! - 2006 Audi A4
  By JC - July 3 - 12:41 am

  Excellent Fuel economy with 1.8t Runs the sames numbers as the 3.0 because of the added weight. Beautiful inside and out.