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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  Audi R8 ... awesome - 2008 Audi R8
  By HappywithmyR8 - May 2 - 5:06 pm

  This car has it all. Striking styling, elegant interior, craftsman-quality of build and mind-blowing performance and handling. After 2000 miles I am only beginning to explore the limits of this vehicle which, despite its breathtaking performance, is comfortable and driveable as an every day car. The after sales care from Audi USA and my dealership have far exceeded my expectations. It attracts unbelievable attention everywhere I go.

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  A3 is a fun car - 2015 Audi A3
  By JDF - May 2 - 8:45 am

  I have had my A3 for a month now and love it. Tons of power and is fun to drive, front power seats are very comfortable. the car was a new 2015 still on the lot and I got 8 grand off sticker and the dealer CPO it for 100K 6 year warranty as part of the deal as Audi had started the ticker on the base warranty 3 months ago. The trunk is a little small and I have to open the middle back seat to fit my golf clubs. I have a hard time keeping it under 80 on the high as I travel a lot, the speed alarm helps.

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  Lovin it so far - 1998 Audi A4
  By Kiri - April 30 - 10:40 pm

  I just bought my A4 last October with very close to 100k miles on it, but I know the previous owner and know that it was well cared for. So far, Im loving it! Except for the recent trip to my mechanic, where I found out that my tie rod had a slight problem, as well as my wheel bearings, so that was a bit to get fixed. When I bought it, the track for the moonroof was broken it still can pop up, it just wont open completely, so Im in no big hurry to fix it. Other than small things like that, Im loving it!

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  Its no Honda or Toyota - 2001 Audi A4
  By snoweater - April 30 - 3:54 pm

  Bought the car with 56k miles on it with warranty. I knew what I was getting myself into. But it was totally worth it! When the time comes it will be hard to let go. Warranty more than paid for itself. Keep critical elements maintained and the car drives itself. Namely timing belt/tensioner and oil changes. I dont have much sympathy for those who buy a German car and then are shocked when all they do is change the oil every 10k miles and expect nothing to go wrong. Go buy a Honda or Toyota and have fun driving around in your tin can! Its a drivers car, therefore it does deserve some much needed attention. Be ready to replace control arms, ignition coils, wheel bearings, t-belt.

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  What a bargain - 2008 Audi Q7
  By Javier - April 29 - 12:48 am

  I have had my Q7 4.2 premium s line for about 3 weeks. I just came back from a trip to North Carolina and I am in love. I think that the best feature hands down is the lane assist it makes everything easier and you always are aware of your surroundings. I have owned an ML, X5, Range Rover, Escalade, 4 runner, Montero, and I dont regret or miss anything from those vehicles.

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  The big little German - 2008 Audi A3
  By Jos G - April 28 - 8:58 am

  Ive had this car now for a few months and am still impressed. I reviewed all the others in its class with extensive test drives for its competitors. The package is unmatched - performance, looks, build quality. This is the sexiest wagon on the road bar none. Strong selling points were: Great gas mileage 26/31 (actual). Adaptive lighting - to be able to see that deer around the corner before you hit it. DSG - Audi Innovation. Super smooth - six speed. Speed sensitive steering - No other car in its class has this. Overall, very few do. Easy steering in the parking lot that tightens as you go faster. Blue Sky package. Top notch audio - stock system rock too. Price/performance

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  Love my A4 - 2008 Audi A4
  By PJ - April 27 - 8:49 pm

  Our experience with the A4 has been great my wife loves it. Very economical with gas. As the first time owning an Audi I was not totally sold the first time I drove the car. I immediately noticed the jerk (as if I was driving a stick shift vehicle) I was told it was the SVT in the vehicles transmission. I only different from our Acura TL and former Lexus model was the oil light came on at 4K miles because shortness of oil. The car ate the oil as if it were candy. Audi told us the vehicle does that within the first couple of 1000s miles. Very small car with great fuel economy joined with a sexy exterior look.

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  Best Ive Ever Owned - 2008 Audi A5
  By CTguy - April 27 - 6:53 pm

  This car is truly the first car Ive ever been excited to own and to drive. The exterior design is breathtaking, the interior quality is phenomenal. If youre looking to have adults ride in the back seat, this isnt the car for you (especially if youre tall like I am). MMI much easier to use that BMWs iDrive iPod integration and Sirius satellite makes the 6CD changer almost an afterthought. Cellphone with Bluetooth integrates in seconds. Manual 6 makes the most out of the engine I recommend it over the 6A (the gimmicky faux manual in it isnt that exciting). Trunk is huge, overly large for its class.

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  LOVE MY CAR - 1999 Audi A4
  By Bono - April 26 - 10:00 am

  This is the best car that I have ever had. The only complaint that I have is the fuel ecomony.....

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  Repairs! Repairs! Repairs! - 1996 Audi A4
  By lovesit22 - April 24 - 11:22 pm

  I dont know if the prior owner just ran the car down, but Ive had to replace the heater core, two oil pans, and $3000 of other repairs I couldnt even remember. I love how the car looks and drives, the interior is so nice, but dumb things break. Like the sunroof went out and the vents broke, just little things but they add up. Im hoping to get a newer Audi and not have as many problems! But its great in the snow!