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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  Purchased NEW 2005 A6 - January 2006 - 2005 Audi A6
  By SPM - April 8 - 11:58 am

  Formerly owned a 2001 A6, and after buying a 2005.5 A4 for my wife, I spent hundreds of hours researching/driving. After driving every car I knew, I wanted the new A6. The A6 was the finest interior/exterior/engine combo I had ever driven, I purchased a 2005 A6 3.2 AWD with Bose, Sunshades, Tan leather, 17" custom wheels, Premium Pkg., Tech. Pkg without Nav. Adding Nav for $1400 next week. What a car. For me it is PERFECT!

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  This car is outstanding - 2007 Audi A4
  By Brian - April 8 - 3:30 am

  I love driving this car. It has a great feel and handles very well on back country roads.

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  Bye Bye BMW - 2003 Audi A4
  By TLM - April 7 - 2:00 am

  Expired lease on BMW X5 4.4 had me longing for a small sports car with better (although not great) mileage. Since I dont often carry passengers the A4 seemed perfect. I am in love already after 1 week. 6 speed manual, great on curves, and easy on the eyes. Everything just right, and the dealer and salesman were just about the best Ive ever deal with. Quoted their costs (correctly) and honored web prices.

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  Sublime ride and handling quality - 2003 Audi A4
  By Darko Brozovic - April 7 - 2:00 am

  Successfull marriage of good sport and luxury sedan. Suprisingly responsive 6V engine with adrenalin pumping sound and sublime handling and ride quality. Very comfortable and ergonomic all four seats, superior suspension system. Ride on snow or slippery road easy due to Quattro. Have never seen better interior detail quality. Exterior and interior design fully gimmickry free, feature-function oriented, typical Audi evergreen rounded surfaces with proper modern touch. Fan to drive, 100% problem free for three months. Escellent Bose sound system.

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  Exceeds my expectations ! - 2003 Audi A4
  By mcpoz - April 7 - 2:00 am

  I have found few negatives in the 1.8T Avant. It has great room, yet it is amazing for traction and handling. Mileage has also exceeded the stated EPA numbers. There are no quality or workmanship concerns. Its leather interior is first class and so far it is without rattles or squeaks. The 1.8T engine is surprisingly smooth and quick. It has a distinct engine/exhaust noise that enhances its "sports sedan" classification.

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  One Great Car!! - 2003 Audi A4
  By Shay - April 5 - 4:20 pm

  I love to drive this vehicle. It is my first convertible. No Hassles, just push a button to open and close top.

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  Heaven on Wheels - 2016 Audi A6
  By JMF - April 5 - 5:02 am

  About 6 months ago I found myself in a very interesting situation: see, I was a BMW enthusiast. I had owned two 3series and one 5. After only three years of 5series ownership I had experienced a myriad of issues beginning with chronically underinflated tires culminating in transmission alerts and white smoke exuding from the exhaust. Strictly out of curiosity I looked into Audi, and even more serendipitous, the 2016 A6 Prestige quattro. I fell in love with the aesthetics, but the performance and well-appointed interior sold me. It was definitely a superior vehicle hands down, albeit pricier, worth every penny. One single criticism: interior plastic components are relatively delicate therefore I wouldnt recommend it for families with young childrens wandering hands.

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  Outstanding - 2006 Audi A8
  By jfboca - April 2 - 7:57 pm

  Prior cars include Lexus, BMW and Mercedes. I dont know how I will feel three years from now, but after the first month I am blown away by the quality, style, performance, comfort ane ease of driving this car. The CD changer is in a far away place because the car is so wide and comfortable. Visibility, is a little tighter than what I am used to, but that gives it the style part! If you are considering a sedan in this price range, please do yourself a favor and take a look at the Audi. It opened my eyes, and I feel great about my decision! I look forward to enjoying it some more. JF

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  Its a great car! - 2003 Audi A4
  By Harry Whitin - April 1 - 2:00 am

  The A4 is a quick, stable sedan that handles road and weather conditions superbly. Its comfortable, good looking and great fun to drive.

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  Come on now, do your homework. - 2015 Audi A3
  By Bigstepper - March 31 - 11:16 pm

  I researched the A3 and test drove it a handful of times before buying it. What I dont understand, therefore, are reviewers who are critical of the car (or any new car, for that matter) on things that should be obvious. Come on now, before spending your hard earned money, didnt you do your homework? You complain that the seats arent heated, and the GPS is not what you like. Really? I think its one thing to have failed experiences, like poor reliability or gas mileage, but if you wanted certain features, why did you buy the car? That all said, the A3 is a great compact car. I love the look and feel. And features. Follow up: 6+ months/6500 miles: 2015 A3 Cabriolet still looks and runs great. No issues. Had the oil change/5k service done at the dealer. Averaging 34.5 mpg on highway, and 25mpg around town. Nice combination of power, looks and economy for a 4-passenger convertible. The retractable top folds into half of the trunk, allowing you to use the unused space for small luggage, thus making it more practical than a Mazda Miata or hard top cabriolet.