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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  Rolling artwork - 2004 Audi A6
  By the car expert - April 10 - 11:40 am

  I have owned over 40 vehicles, mostly new German cars. This Audi 2.7T S- Line luxury sedan is just that, luxury. While most think of it as a sport sedan, the fact is its handling, braking power, and ride quality is much more "luxury" than sport. Thats ok however, because Audi delivers on that. I am highly impressed with how quiet the interior is while driving at freeway speed. Also, the ride quality is exceptional. If you are looking for a sports sedan, purchase a BMW. If you are looking for comfort and rolling artwork down the road, this car is the one!

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  Near to Automotive Perfection - 2001 Audi A4
  By schwitzer1 - April 9 - 4:00 pm

  I have driven my A4 for nearly a year. I am able to have excellent acceleration, combined with mid-to-high thirties mpg on road trips using cruise control. I feel that I am getting the best of both worlds. The car handles very nicely with the optional sport suspension, and is still comfortable for a family with two children under the age of six. Cargo space is surprisingly good.

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  Fun car to own and drive - 2004 Audi S4
  By Nick - April 9 - 3:46 pm

  Car is an everyday car with performance, although a bit heavy. Glad I bought it and has been worth it so far. No major repairs needed as with the other reviewers and Im just under 30k miles and put 6k on when I bought it used. Have run it through snow, sleet, and rain and it hasnt failed me yet! I would recommend this car if youve got income to spend on it snacking on fuel every opportunity it can get.

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  good car - bad service - 2003 Audi A4
  By spounce - April 9 - 10:00 am

  The brake warning light started going off...I took the car to DCH Essex which summarily announced that my brake hoses were loose and that they would not fix this under the warranty (they also charged me a $92 diagnostic fee). Feeling that this was wrong I called the customer advocacy line which basically said "our service group is our eyes and ears, we go by what they say". I took the car to another dealership which informed me that the ABS box needed to be replaced and did it under warranty. Audi customer advocacy told me that they do not refund diagnostic fees.

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  This is Audi #3 - 2002 Audi A4
  By Victory - April 8 - 11:22 pm

  This is the third Audi for me. I bought my first one used w/60,000 miles- an Audi 90 and donated it with 173,000 on it. It was great. I bought an Audi 90 brand new and put 194,000 miles on it. Another great driving car. Now I have an Audi A4 3.0 Quattro 6sp. manual and I love it. It had 32,000 miles on it when I bought it and not a scratch on it. I love the summer package (wide wheels) but they ride rough. The winter tired were great for Ohio snow.

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  What people should expect - 2008 Audi A4
  By Car Reality - April 8 - 7:23 am

  The Audi A4 a compact car with plenty of room for the front seat users. It is not intended for 5 passengers. The 2.0 liter is very strong for a 4 cylinder so you need to keep in mind it cant be compared to a 6. Interior is very well built. Exterior is very sharp. This car has all the power anyone should need. If you ease up on the pedal it will get very good gas mileage as I have experienced 29 miles per gallon so far. You can get a larger car if you pay 15 to 20 grand more, or you can wait for the 2009 model that will be larger. This car compares to all its competitors and is better in some ways than 328Ix, C class, G35X.

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  Great Car - 2008 Audi S6
  By Laramie4x4 - April 7 - 10:16 pm

  I bought this car last month and seem to learn that it can do more, much more, than Ill ever force it too. Knowing it has the power and handling is great on I 5 and heading to Seattle on the weekends.

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  Best Car Ive ever owned - 2005 Audi A4
  By deuce808 - April 7 - 9:51 pm

  I absolutely love this vehicle. I would recommend this car to anyone. It has great acceleration for a factory stock car and the turbo kicks in almost seamlessly. The stereo is great. I have the Audi Symphony one. have only had minor setbacks such as interior map lights and window control light fail and the dealer fixed it no questions asked. Bumper to bumper warranty covers everything even the battery. Just recently replaced that. Audi roadside assistance very helpful and fast.

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  Ill buy another one - 2000 Audi A6
  By padre - April 7 - 5:54 am

  This is the most comfortable - front and back, best performing vehicle I have owned. 4.2 litre is very good on gas - 24 mph at 7 years old. I have put very little money into it -- brakes and preventive maintenance. Cost of ownership has been low. I will buy another 4.2 A-6 or A-8. I have very little fatigue driving long distances as opposed to my BMW, Volvo, Toyota.

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  Q Ship - 2001 Audi S8
  By Wheelb - April 5 - 6:58 pm

  This is my favorite sedan in the world for a four season climate. Understated competence, subtle luxury, mysteriousness, and timeless style. I drive it daily, but it shines brightest on 3 or 4 passenger road trips to ski destinations, everyone is supremely comfortable as I power through snow drifts and navigate icy corners. The S8 is very fast and light on her feet because of the strong V8 and light aluminum frame, but cops dont notice her. Pretty darn good mileage for 360 hp, amazing interior finish that is not too complicated or gizmo oriented. Gorgeous dash at night, all the creature comforts you can ask for (ahem, except good cupholders!). It is a fantastic car.