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 BECAUSE OF IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK - 2011 Audi A3
  By doc5339 - December 6 - 5:12 am

  Will never purchase another VW, Audi or VAG product again. Total inaction after years of waiting on the Takata airbag recall. TDI BuyBack is beyond tedious, waiting over 6 months for an offer letter.

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  My audi - 2000 Audi A4
  By dave - December 4 - 8:48 pm

  I got the car with 80000 miles and put an extra 40000 in the past two years and I cant imagine anyone having as many problems with a car than I had. Very expensive to repair the smallest stuff. The acceleration is horrible but I love the handling and brakes. I like how the lights light up a lot and love the heated seats. Everyone complains about the zero room in the back. Cant stand the buttons always jamming in the cold... cheap.

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  Solid Luxury - 2008 Audi A8
  By Phantom A8L - December 3 - 10:07 am

  Ordered on 27 June and took delivery on 6 October. Currently I have a little over 2000 miles on the vehicle. Long distance trip from DC to Chicago for Thanksgiving was wonderful. Sport package with 20” wheels provided excellent ride and handled wonderfully through rain and freezing rain. The standard features and options make this vehicle a fantastic driver’s auto. Sporty response for a large vehicle. Solid brakes, great vehicle lighting features (headlights, interior lights, entry, braking and fog lights – front and rear). No problems to note. MPG for the trip 22-24. Around DC area, 18-20 mpg.

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  Best Q7 - Audi took their time and did it right! - 2017 Audi Q7
  By huntm2000 - December 2 - 1:49 am

  I recently purchased new 2017 Audi Q7 Prestige. I went with the prestige package since it includes cold weather, warm weather, 20" wheels, and the vision packages for a better overall value. As a previous owner of a 2013 Audi Q7 I was immediately impressed with the way the 2017 model feels in regards to handling, steering feel, and performance. The 2017 model has shaved off 500+ lbs from the previous platform and makes the Q7 feel more like a car. The 3 Liter engine has plenty of power (333hp), smooth shifts from the 8-spd transmission, and great road grip with little body roll. I would describe the 2017 Q7 as nimble, something I could never say about the previous Q7 model - which felt more like a tank. I look forward to driving the Q7 everyday, and right now im looking for excuses to go take it out just so I can drive it. Audi took a long time to re-design the Q7, but I think they got everything right: style, performance, comfort, and technology.

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  Exceeds expectations - 2007 Audi A4
  By wph3 - November 30 - 9:36 pm

  The turbo 4 is plenty with the manual transmission, and I average 31 mpg in mostly highway travel. Handles great. No problems. Feels solid. Over 6000 miles so far.

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  Get the S-Line - 2008 Audi A4
  By jeff howard - November 29 - 6:49 pm

  This is my third Audi, and by far my favorite. I enjoy the throatiness of the turbo and think that the new 2.0 is one of the ten best engines in the world. I confess to dropping quattro this time both to improve fuel economy and to free up enough $ to spring for the S-Line. Sure all new 2008 sedans have S-line styling on the body, but not the 18" wheels, sport suspension, and superb interior trim. My advice is to spring for it, as you hardly ever see the 18" wheels on A4 and it enhances the look tremendously. I am delighted, too, with the granite gray color which shifts with the changing light and weather... always a pleasure to come across it anew.

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  My First Audi - 2006 Audi A4
  By JFW - November 28 - 12:50 pm

  I have owned an Acura, 2 Hondas, a Volvo, Chevy Blazer, and 2 Land Rover Discoverys and now an Audi. Based on my experience so far, I will hopefully own nothing but Audis going forward. This is a wonderful car. Build quality and fit and finish are superb. I have never felt safer in any car. Even with the 2.0 litre engine, acceleration is very spirited (even though there is some hesitation at take-off) and I find myself cruising well above the legal limit without even realizing it. Living in the mid-Atlantic area, I was hesitant to give up 4WD from my Land Rover, so quattro was a major factor in choosing the Audi. Looked at the 3-Series BMW, but the Audi is a much more impressive vehicle.

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  Great Ride - 2008 Audi A4
  By John - November 28 - 10:41 am

  We have only had the car for a month, but we are loving it so far. The ride is very comfortable and quiet, yet the vehicle holds the road extremely well. The styling of the car is beautiful inside and out.

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  Audi does European delivery - 2008 Audi A8
  By Brian Sonnenberg - November 25 - 9:02 am

  After years of Mercedes ownership (and a brief BMW period) I finally got over to Audi. This car is everything that Mercedes used to be. Understatedly elegant, fantastically finished and user friendly. What a true pleasure to drive. In fact, what a pleasure to just sit in. Nobody does interiors like Audi. It is just beautiful, comfortable, and functional. We took delivery in Germany at Ingolstadt, which was a once in a lifetime experience, and did use it on the Autobahn. 130 mph is like 60 mph. wonderful road car! While I think Mercedes has lost their way, Audi seems to have really found theirs. Some people are put off by the conservative styling of the exterior. I find it refreshing.

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  A8 L worst car ever owned! - 2005 Audi A8
  By gene gopon - November 24 - 8:10 pm

  I cannot begin to list all the electrical issues I had with this car. Beginning right after it was delivered. Audi North America gave my wife and me a free weekend at a resort to compensate us for our troubles. I got rid of this car and bought a Mercedes, which I had owned before. Dont let anyone tell you the A8 is as good as the S Class. Simply not true, and Audi service stinks! The final straw for me was when the MMI buttons all stuck and Audi refused to cover it under warranty - both the dealer and Audi North America accused me of spilling something on the console to cause the problem. You will spend a lot of unpleasant time in the Audi dealer service department if you get an A8