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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  Still a great car. Better than new - 2002 Audi A6
  By Tim - December 21 - 3:46 pm

  This really is a great car. I has power, AWD, style and comfort. I have been looking to replace it recently with either an STS, G35, CTS and others, but I keep coming back to it. It is roomy for a family, much more than the above cars and the materials are quality, though not as much as my old 94. It is smooth, quiet and powerful. It is not cheap like most Japanese or domestic cars. If you buy these used with low miles they are an absolute steal. The turbo is great for power and you can add a chip for more power if you want.

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  Couldnt choose better. - 2007 Audi A4
  By Daga22LasVegas - December 21 - 1:50 pm

  Wow! this is in one word what I can say about this car. Im the convertible type of woman and I previously had the bmw z4. After switching this car to Audi I dont think I will ever go back to BMWs. I live in Las Vegas so sun is always here and the convertible just makes sense however from now on even if I live in Alaska I still wouldnt mind having the same car. In the z4 i had to "work" on getting the top latched to the car and here I press a button and it does it all for me, and I mean ALL. Overall I love it and recommend it to anybody out there.

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  Better than many sports cars - 2006 Audi A4
  By 2nd, and best, Audi - December 20 - 6:37 pm

  For this empty-nester, the A4 Avant is great for cross country trips for two with lots of stuff. 30+ mpg on trips, 27 overall. The 6-spd manual is rare in an Avant, but its great fun when combine with sports suspension. At occasional track days, this fuddy-duddy station wagon can stay with some expensive sports machines. About all this car isnt good at is sneaking up on pedestrians, as direction injection engine has an almost-diesel clatter.

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  Great little car - 1997 Audi Cabriolet
  By Amanda - December 20 - 11:34 am

  I have driven this car for several years and really have enjoyed it. It runs well, the top is easy to operate, and most importantly, it is reliable. This car is distinct and well crafted, without a ton of bells and whistles.

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  Love it!! - 2005 Audi S4
  By DavidAlanCo - December 19 - 10:13 pm

  I have had my S4 Convertible for about a year and a half and love it! I cant tell you how many people have commented on my "cool car". The car is insane around corners and I have beaten Porche Boxters on regular occasions in "races". The car almost keeps up with my business partners BMW M3. I have an automatic and there is a little "lag time" when you step on the gas, but once it gets moving, it moves like crazy!

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  Fun and Thrilling to Drive - 2008 Audi A3
  By jphsilon - December 19 - 6:12 pm

  Just a little time with this car, but it has proven to be an excellent upgrade from my typical conservative Japanese sedan class of cars that I have driven for years. Fun, sporty, economical (best gas mileage in the class) and the engine and transmission are amazing.

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  Great Car - 2001 Audi A4
  By pascaledc - December 19 - 10:00 am

  I love my Audi A4. I have had it alomst 1.5 years, with just over 30k miles, wiith not ONE issue at all.

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  2002 A4 1.8T Quattro - 2002 Audi A4
  By Jack Evers - December 19 - 10:00 am

  Wonderful Automobile but just a tad underpowered. Friends think I paid a mint for the car and would be surprised at the actual price. Only thing I would change would be to add a few horsepower.

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  The car I always wanted - 2008 Audi A4
  By Cristian - December 15 - 10:36 pm

  Its indeed a dream car. The design is excellent, top execution and materials. Everything is balanced with very good taste. The danger in this price range is sending the message that you bought the car to show-off. On the contrary, A4 shows that you have a fine taste of spending your money (lets admit it, its not a cheap car and everybody sees that). The 2.0T has only 200HP but is really powerfull provided that you now how to drive a 4 cyl Turbo engine, i.e., buy a manual transmission and do not ask the engine for maximum thrust at 1500rpm. Downshift, step on the gas and see what a Turbo engine can do. For me, A4 is the ideal compromise between price, aspect and driving experience.

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  Amazing Vehicle - 2008 Audi A4
  By PSZ - December 15 - 9:01 pm

  There are not enough superlatives to accurately describe this car. Fit and finish are fantastic. It offers superior comfort (Im 65"), handles like a champ, provides surprising power from its strong 2.0 turbo and provides over 30+ highway MPG! This is a very special automobile.