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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  3.2 DSG Quattro - 2006 Audi A3
  By tyler - June 15 - 2:46 am

  Just test drove the new `06 3.2 DSG Quattro and LOVE the DSG system! It really works smoothly and quickly. The handling is nice and tight and plenty of grip served up by the Quattro system. The interior is spacious for the fact that the car is rather small on the outside. The open sky system is a must! The only problem is that the 3.2 Quattro is too much $ for what the car is. I tested a fully equipped model at $38k! The lighter 2.0T is still quick and more reasonably priced.

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  Refined experience for refined tastes - 2007 Audi S8
  By I recommend it - June 12 - 9:00 pm

  I traded my 997 to to get what I perceived to be a peaceful luxury car that delivers a violent, soulful motor on command. I couldnt be happier. No more annoying tire noise competing with the sometimes flatuent, contrived exhaust note. Instead I get full luxury (including double-paned windows and felt lined wheel-wells to ensure tranquility) punctuated by refined violence upon driver demand. I also get an ipod interface and bluetooth. When I miss my 997 I can always take out my 87 911 for a visceral run. And when I really require a jolt my F355 delivers without fail. The S8 is always the car I reach for first... that says a lot.

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  People Crash For It - 2008 Audi A5
  By AudiConvert - June 12 - 6:42 pm

  I have owned this car for a couple of months now, and all I can say is wow. Though it is down on horsepower compared to the BMW 335, it completely makes up in looks. Two months ago, I was at a stop light on a main road. A man was too busy looking at my A5, he drove into the car in front of him. I love the fact I got parked in front of the restaurant by valet. I love that I cannot go a night without a compliment, I just love the car.

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  Let down - 2007 Audi Q7
  By TerryLI - June 12 - 12:07 pm

  Finally plunked down the cash for a German driving machine. Great handling, solid engine, but what a disappointment on the rest. From a jerky transmission (no trouble found of course)and creaky transmission to a $1200 MMI console from 2 drops of water and a door handle that fell off (these last two I hear happen all the time). Finish is falling off the console, cargo net fell off twice, gas door sticks open. I expect far better for this price car. Who is giving this all those 9.5s? Are their cars still in the dealer lot, or did I get a lemon?

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  What a shame - 2018 Audi S5
  By Fred Kiepe - June 12 - 8:37 am

  DRIVING THIS CAR WAS GREAT.The major problem is the trim at the bottom of the door that hits you in the bottom of your calf when entering. This item kept me from buying the Audi S5

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  Wife says: "Best Car Ever" - 2008 Audi TT
  By John - June 12 - 3:47 am

  Bought this for my wife, she needed one last sports car before we she got "old". She had an old 1976 Porsche 911 but loves this car better, in fact shes says the TT is her best car ever. Bought a red color coupe and she loves it. Its perfect for her petite size and I know she loves getting all the attention. The handling is great, it wants to be driven and before she knows it the spolier pops up and she notices that shes going 80 miles plus. The trunk is big enough for a weekend trip. Im just a bit too big for the seat which is too confining for me on a long drive but its a her car and she loves it.. When Mamas happy everybodys happy.

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  First month update - 2008 Audi A5
  By Franklin - June 11 - 9:57 am

  After a few weeks of ownership, I have learned that the A5 continues to impress, and truly is the beautiful girl whom you can marry and live with. The most amazing epiphany is remarkable fuel efficiency that exceeds EPA estimates of 18 and 27. I have averaged 26 in city, 34 on highway! My weekly trip to Costco also revealed I could transport abundant cargo 3 large boxes of diapers and baby wipes, detergent, gallons of juice, and more.

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  Overall a great car - 2008 Audi A3
  By N. HERNANDEZ - June 9 - 7:09 pm

  I test drove many vehicles for about 6 months. Between them were BMW 328x & 335x, Acura RDX, BMW X3, Infiniti G35x and Lexus IS 250 AWD. Audi A3 overall had all the features that I wanted, AWD, cargo flexibility, compact size, powerful engine and a good level of luxury. The A3 is impressive the way it handles. Coming from a previous S4 I was worried that the car wouldnt satisfy me but it has proved me wrong. I like this vehicle more and more as a continue to drive it.

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  look elsewhere - 2005 Audi A4
  By David Wycliff - June 8 - 5:26 pm

  I loved this car for its exterior design although the interior design feels cheap(its same just a Volkswagen). I had so many problems with this car I dont even know where to start. It wont accelarate when entering freeway.. dealder replace turbo related crcuit borad and the problem came back three times now. I sent a letter to Audi under New Jerseys Lemon law. I hope I can get my money back. Numourous rattles coming from all over the place. and I cant believe I bougth a 30K 1.8 liter car..total lack of power. interior design is so busy.. distracting red light all over the place. this near luxury car is cheaper than competition cause its cheaply made

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  Very cool - 2005 Audi S4
  By numonyx S4 - June 8 - 4:19 pm

  Even after 3.5 years and 44.5k miles, my recent purchase of a used 2005 S4 is a fantastic drive. The look and performance is awesome. I love the acceleration, braking, handling, and sound of this "tiger in sedans clothing". It provides just the right amount of sedan for my business use, but allows me to have a blast driving down the coastal highway 1 setting top pace for all the "weekend sport cars".