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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  great car - 2006 Audi A6
  By rick - November 22 - 9:50 am

  This is my 2nd A6. My 1st. one was great up to 40k then it started to have minor problems, so I leased the new one for 36 mos. This is a great car and fun to drive, handles well and has awesome pick-up. Interior is beautiful and has a lot of great standard equip. except for one item that was standard on my old A6 but not on the new A6, the Trip Computer. All of the auto research web sites say it is standard, but they are incorrect. I found that out the hard way after I bought the car. You have to spend $1000s in packages to get it. For some very strange reason Audi discontinued it as standard for 2006 A6. Even the owners manual has instructions on how to use it.

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  Converted from BMW 7 Owner to Audi 8L - 2005 Audi A8
  By David G - November 22 - 2:59 am

  Had a hard time shifting our loyalty from BMW to any other German car. The Audi 8L was purchased by a brother in law and he raved enough to make us take a look. Fit and finish were outstanding and Audis version of the iDrive is superior. Great sound, clean lines, and large comfortable interior. Car is quiet, and sophisticated and dealer has been strong. Full maintenance on warranty and All wheel drive = Great!

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  A joy to drive! - 2018 Audi S4
  By Robert - November 21 - 9:20 am

  As advised by Edmunds, going with Premium Plus and adding Technology package and S Sport Package seemed to be the best value. Coming from 21 years of driving BMWs, I was doing a lot of research on why change. But with technology platforms changing so fast, I wanted to keep an open mind. It was a surprise that Audi S4 came out on top for me after two test drives and a lot of research. Interior, Exterior, performance, and driving comfort. Now, after 4 months of daily driving plus several long roadtrips, Im sure it was the right choice.

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  Love This Vehicle - 2017 Audi Q5
  By Sandra Myers - November 21 - 2:10 am

  Purchased Ibis White with Pistachio interior. Great vehicle to drive and very solid and comfortable.

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  Worlds Most Intelligently Designed Car - 2006 Audi A8
  By Jordan - November 20 - 11:33 pm

  The A8L is Audis finest... and the classs finest. The car is immaculate, with alcantara inserts in all the right places, more than enough grunt, gorgeous, muscular, understated style, and nimble handling. There is not one problem with the saloon. I looked at the 750li also, but found it in one place to be too cold and business-like, where the A8L pampers you most: the interior. Both cars have powerful V8s, with the BMW being more powerful, but in a luxury sedan you must have a gorgeous interior.

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  Most awesome car I have ever owned - 2017 Audi A6
  By carol miller - November 20 - 9:59 am

  This car is the best car I have ever owned. Great everything. One tiny tiny irksome feature - the stop-start feature is enabled when you start the car and you have to turn it off every time. I do not care for it because sometimes it is a hard stop/stop jerk.

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  My A8 - 2006 Audi A8
  By andre - November 18 - 6:22 pm

  My previous Audi was a 2000 A6 4.2L. So this year, I decided to take a look at the A8L. I am thoroughly impressed would be an sad understatement!! By far, this is the most impressive luxury sedan available. Its roomy enough for 4 linebackers with more room to spare. The interior is impeccable, and the driving experience is more enjoyable every time I step into it. Happy driving.

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  A8 Grade A+ - 2016 Audi A8
  By Michael Osborn - November 18 - 3:00 am

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  Turbo - 2001 Audi A6
  By Steve J - November 14 - 11:12 pm

  This car is awesome! You cant compare the features and technology Audi incorporates into its car to BMW for the price. The Turbo rips once you get going above 30 and its the safest car Ive ever driven. The power assist steering is a joy around town and at high speeds the car really locks down. Heated back seats are a crowd pleaser and if you ski its has a split seat and ski pass through. Put a good pair or tires on it and youll love this car.

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  Great Car! - 1998 Audi A4
  By John S. - November 14 - 2:25 pm

  When I bought this car, I lived in the Minneapolis area and had the strong need for All Wheel drive without the need for a pick-up truck, AWD van or SUV. The A4 has been fun and basically reliable. I had one front headlight lamp and both front upper control arms replaced under warranty. Out of warranty Ive had to have the ambient temperature and coolant sensors and brake master cylinder replaced.