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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  Dissatisfied audi owner - 2006 Audi A4
  By unhappy owner - November 11 - 3:35 pm

  Ive own this car for about a year and a half now. So far this car has been in the shop for more than 7 times due to multiple recalls that I was never notified and malfunctions. One recall I was in total shock was the airbag, it was not functioning and I never got a recall letter until I had to get a letter of recalls for importing my car to Canada. The engine ignition had problems, the valve got disconnected after a few thousand miles, and my car would do this horrid shaking (I thought I was in an earthquake). What else, now the suspension is squeaking. This should not be happening to a car of this price. I will never buy audi again.

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  Fantastic Ride - 2007 Audi A4
  By Steve S - November 11 - 12:26 pm

  Only have 2000 miles in 3 months. Visited the dealer on a whim after checking out Saab and VW Eos. VW dealer had a used A4 on the lot. Big mistake. For about the same money as an Eos , I was able to lease a new A4 with Quattro. I feel the value of this car with all its luxury and fit n finish puts all others to shame in this class. It is a second car, so it doesnt get its fair share of outdoor time. I cant keep my eyes off it. It turns heads on the road as well. The Alpaca Beige is really unique and looks great with the aluminum trim. Didnt get all bells and whistles since inventory was limited. Stereo just ok. Convenience pkg is great as are 18" wheels. Just put the top down and grin!

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  600 miles into my S5 - 2008 Audi S5
  By 1st S5 - November 9 - 10:57 pm

  Being the 1st review means I havent had it long enough to really have good answer to some question. Went in for an A6/R6, was shown this "one and only" by a friend and 5 min later it was mine. This car is as nice to drive and it is to look at. The DI V8 has such a unique sound at first I though there was a miss, but its growing on me. Waiting for more mileage to go stand on it. Quick checks tell me that MPG is 22+/- if your on the road. This is a 6 speed and love the way it shifts. If I had the option I would have got the automatic but would have to wait for 4-5 months and maybe not in a S5?

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  allroad - 2004 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By welling - November 8 - 2:00 am

  fun car to drive on the highway. The interior is great quality. The radio has wonderful sound and the controls have a good layout.

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  Replaced the SUV -) - 2007 Audi A4
  By ldt - November 7 - 3:27 pm

  After driving an ML320 for the past eight years, it was a big decision to return to a sedan. We looked at, and drove, many of the SUVs and cross over vehicles but werent happy with the fuel economy (nor the cost) so we started driving sedans. We bought the A4 because of its proven AWD system in the NE winters. We have 9000 miles on it so far and its been great. We average 28 mpg, the driving is great fun and its very responsive on curves, etc. The quallity of engineering is impressive and the service (for the 5k oil change) quick and friendly. Great little car!

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  Audi has nailed the perfect car! - 2008 Audi S5
  By EX Bimmer owner - November 7 - 6:09 am

  Until recently I have owned and driven BMWs, the most recent being a 330 xi. That was the last Bimmer I will ever buy, Audi has converted me to a loyal and longterm fan. I have been curious of Audi as a brand for some time and the look of the new S5 was what it took to get me to go and have a closer look. Wow.

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  A pleasure to drive - 2006 Audi A4
  By Mike Kalnitzky - November 6 - 8:46 pm

  I knew right away after a test drive that the Audi A4 3.2 was the car for me. I have around 3,000 miles on it so far and I am very happy with it. I just purchased mounted winter tires from the TireRack and am eager to test out the Quattro this winter here in Cleveland.

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  Ultra Sport ! - 2004 Audi A4
  By quattrojon - November 4 - 10:00 am

  This is my third A4 quattro. Brilliant Black with Ebony Leather 3.0L with the new Ultra Sport Package. With the full Aero-kit and 18" RS6 wheels it looks and drives great! I have every option( except nav..I know where I am!)The fit and finish is hands down the BEST in the industry. The dealer and staff at Boardwalk Audi in Plano,Tx. are great and the service I had with my first two Audis was wonderful. I would recommend this car to anyone looking for a terrific sport sedan.

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  Fun to drive - 1999 Audi A4
  By denn - November 3 - 11:51 pm

  Our Avant is a great car. Its fun to drive and the styling is great. We have had our share of mechanical issues but it still beats driving the less than inspiring others.

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  Never follow, lead with an A4 - 2007 Audi A4
  By Kline - November 2 - 6:50 am

  This is an unbelievable car that has as much "pep in its step" as a BMW, but with more elegance and minus a couple thousand dollars.