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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  4-Year Perspective - 2004 Audi A4
  By rh - October 13 - 10:12 pm

  Overall, my 4-year experience with the A4 has been a good one. I concur with the turbo lag mentioned in other reviews on standing starts. However, at road speeds the turbo is much more responsive. I have had no mechanical issues with this vehicle that required service. The sports suspension and quattro make this car a pleasure to drive in any weather conditions. Traction in heavy snow has been fabulous. Ive heard a lot of negative stories about the Pirelli tires the 2004 model came with (defects, noise, low tread life), but I have 38,000 miles on mine, and have had no issues.

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  Audi A3 is Good - 2007 Audi A3
  By Sutcliffe - October 13 - 7:31 pm

  The A3 is delightfully deceptive, looking small on the outside but airy and roomy inside and appearing underpowered by a 2 liter engine but providing more get up and go than many larger engines. In addition, its beautifully assembled and it handles like a true sport. Fuel efficiency is good, averaging 29 mpg. The iPod interface works well, the sound system is super, the steering responsive and sure, and the wipers clear without clatter or skipping.

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  Superb - 2007 Audi A3
  By 79type2 - October 11 - 8:58 pm

  I have had my A3 for over a month and absolutley love it. The only option I wanted and got is the Open Sky System, which has worked pretty much flawlessly. Ive been averaging between 29 and 30 miles per gallon (highest slightly over 32, lowest slightly over 26). Runs fine on 89 octane and hasnt required the addition of any oil. Cargo room seems endless (I can fit two large laundry baskets behind the rear seats without having to fold them down). I have noticed an occasional light rattle in the drivers side A-pillar, and, when approaching speeds of 80 mph, a humming noise from the passenger side of the front sunroof. Also, parking brake is obstructed when front armrest is down.

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  2001 A4 Avant - 2001 Audi A4
  By sanjoseredsoxfan - October 11 - 4:59 pm

  I bought this car certified used which I would recommend. What a great peppy car! Fantastic handling on curvy mountain roads, as expected. Having turbo makes driving even more fun. Extremely reliable. Approaching 100K miles and it still drives like new. My only real complaint: for an all-weather, all-wheel-drive car it could be a little tougher. Its a bit dainty. A great commuter car that lets you cart groceries, kids and pets without the size of a normal wagon.

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  Mikes 2004 A6 2.7T Quattro - 2004 Audi A6
  By doctorboy - October 11 - 12:16 pm

  Subtle yet elegant. Thats what I would say about this car. Nothing is overdone or classless. Audi has an incredible job of making this car appealing to those seeking both practical and luxurious features in a car. Flight controls are easy to get to, flat-dash experience doesnt alienate the passengers, incredible handling, very quiet and stable feel, and details in the rear of the car like wood trim, ashtray and cup-holders.

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  Best Of Class - 2005 Audi A8
  By willman - October 11 - 6:53 am

  The Audi A8L is the best value for the dollar vehicle on the road today. Hands down, no contest. Beautiful inside and out in a sophisticated kind of way. Elegant in presentation and powerful of stance. Handles better than any other car in its class. Rain, snow, whatever the weather, drive with complete confidence. Big and strong going down the highway. When those four rings appear quickly in your rearview mirror, MOVE!!!

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  Just Leased an 08 TT - 2008 Audi TT
  By ejinaz - October 10 - 11:32 pm

  Just got the 08 TT roadster convertible Sahara Silver with Baseball Glove leather interior, and mag ride. I am amazed at how fun the car is to drive, being my first convertible, first german car ever, and with cornering/acceleration that is way fun. I cannot imagine springing for the 3.2 when my turbo 4 cyl is as much fun as Id want to have. Im not dragging it at the track or anything. The clincher is that the color and style is out of this world beautiful. I believe its an instant classic. Im hoping its sufficiently reliable, though as a 4th car (parked except for weekends and special occasions), Im willing to tolerate some compromises and shop time for its charms.

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  Acura Upgrade - 2007 Audi Q7
  By jadladrad - October 10 - 2:52 pm

  After buying a Acura MDX a year ago I traded it for a Q7. Huge upgrade! And basically the same price, no comparison. This was the buying decision I should have made but at the time I was a new SUV driver and the Q7 seemed like a lot of vehicle for me then. I love the Q7, from the interior and exterior foot lights to the powerful but smooth styling. Build quality is exceptional, superb braking and transmission makes for a very safe and smooth ride.

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  Better than yours - 1993 Audi 100
  By Cory nickoleff - October 10 - 2:01 pm

  I bought this car to use as a beater but after about 1200Km, I have found it to be my full time runnabout. I would rather drive this than my wifes 2006 Grand Prix, or my 2005 Sebring. Its just a better car, albeit a 14 year old car.

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  quality - 2004 Audi A4
  By AEMLAJ - October 9 - 10:00 am

  THE CAR IS EXTREMELY WELL DONE. The experience i have had thus far is just the incredible handling and extremely sophisticated convertible top, which gives me a sedan like db on the interior. Audi even placed carpet under the wheel well.