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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  Easily the best SUV Ive ever owned - 2008 Audi Q7
  By joefrank64k - January 8 - 1:42 pm

  Ive owned a Volvo XC90 AWD since 2004 and I was looking for a change. I narrowed my choices down to the BMW X5, Land Rover and the Audi Q7. After many back-to-back-to-back test drives I bought the Q7 and I have never looked back! This car continues to impress and amaze me with its effortless driving and sumptuous interior... this is my first Audi and it wont be my last. The MMI system works great (much better than the iDrive in my wifes BMW 3 series) and the advanced parking system makes short work of tight parking spaces.

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  Sweeet - 2008 Audi A4
  By jeff - January 8 - 12:12 am

  My first Audi (drove a 1.8T jetta for 5 years) this is one sweet ride. Gone is the turbo lag I had in Jetta, probably due to the Audi manual transmission. Nice smooth shifting, very good acceleration, fuel mileage has been in upper 20s, but car only has 2000 miles on it. The appearance of the grille is very sporty and somewhat mean looking :). I got basic car with 17" wheels, leather, bluetooth and iPod. The interior is beautiful and very comfortable. The ride is smooth and does this car love curves! Overall, the cost of this car is very reasonable. Overall, very pleased at this point. Highly recommend anyone taking a look.

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  Buyer Beware - 2001 Audi TT
  By Disapointed in Houst - January 7 - 2:41 pm

  Consider the TT a hole that you will pour lots of money into. The reliability is horrible, and the repairs extremely expensive.

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  Nice but... - 1998 Audi A4
  By JC - January 7 - 6:20 am

  Nice car if you can afford the high dollar repairs. Ball joints have been a constant problem. Transmission went out completely at 80,000 miles even though the car has been very well cared for and driven lightly.

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  Excellent Car - 2008 Audi S6
  By hellas79 - January 6 - 3:38 am

  Love it, most fun to drive car Ive ever owned of the 50+ exotics and luxury cars Ive had so far.

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  JD Low Mileage A4 - 2004 Audi A4
  By jdhamley - January 5 - 6:00 pm

  Original owner of this A4 for the past four years. Quality and performance are great with decent gas mileage. Audi maintenance covers everything during warranty and dealers have provided exceptional service. I will buy another Audi in 2009, anxious to see how the trade in value holds.

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  One of the first owners of an A5 - 2008 Audi A5
  By MS.goddess - January 5 - 11:27 am

  Audi is the only car that I would even consider driving through the countryside of England in the winter(!) period, especially with my children in tow. This company is doing everything right and has even surpassed BMW (I still own a Mini) in quality and comfort. Audi has won me over in consistency and an above average desire to please its new customers. These cars contain something the others have lost - character. Audi is the company that got me interested in automobiles which I never thought would happen.

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  Best Car - Even if its Thirsty - 2005 Audi S4
  By S4 Convert - January 4 - 11:03 am

  By far the best car Ive ever owned, and Ive had a bunch. Drives like a four door Porsche C4. I get bored quickly with cars, but every time I get in the S4 it feels like Ive been given a gift. If you are a car enthusiast, you simply cant have a bad time in this car. You pay for the V-8 when you fill up (you can use regular, though), but youre more than equally rewarded when you step on the accelerator.

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  750 miles, many more to go - 2008 Audi S5
  By Briany SF - January 3 - 11:32 pm

  This is my third Audi and by far the most fun to drive. Ive owned a 2000 A4 2.8 Avant and 2006 A3 2.0T and this upholds the Audi reputation for excellent interiors and beautiful exterior design. This car is beautiful by looks and in driving. The growl of the V8 had me from the start, but sitting inside you get to appreciate the attention to car-driver intuitive design. The six-speed manual has a nice feel, but 1st can be a bit abrupt, but its a bit new so too early to judge. Gas mileage is a definite concern (~12-22mpg), but only time will tell.

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  Good Idea A4 - 2004 Audi A4
  By A4FUN - January 2 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my A4 quattro for around 2 months now and Im very happy with this car. I look foward to driving to and from work everyday. This car is just a blast to drive. The 1.8T may not have as much power as the 3.0 but beleive me the car flies when you need it to. Solid construction, great Audi sound system, sharp looking car.