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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  Old Audi A6 - 1999 Shines with 226000 mi - 1999 Audi A6
  By Kongo - October 8 - 11:07 pm

  I was very happy to find this car priced at $4400.00. I was expecting the worst when I traveled across the state to take delivery. I found out the original owner drove the car every day from Bellevue to Olympia. It was serviced on schedule and oil changed every 3000 miles. This car is near perfect and even with 226000 miles, it feels like new and I would not hesitate to drive it across the US without fear of any problems. I like this car much more than our 2002 325ci. We are thinking of unloading our BMW and buying a couple more of this type of car. Cheers!

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  First Audi - 2016 Audi A6
  By Jeff - October 8 - 9:30 am

  I bought this Audi after extensive research and driving A4s as rentals. I had a poor impression of Audi in the past. When I drove the first one I was surprised how fast I found myself driving without even noticing, no noise, no fuss, just effortless acceleration. (previous car had 370 hp). Audi is a car you discover slowly. And the more you drive it, the more you enjoy it. I would start with complaints first: at this level, the car is missing some basic equipment found on much cheaper vehicles: rear cross traffic alert, Apple/Android Car Play. I think the windshield chips a bit too easy and so is the paint. The Bose sound system is good but not outstanding. My previous Genesis had a better sound(Lexicon). The electronics are somewhat fussy and distracting. But when it comes to driving pleasure and performance, this car is outstanding, it moves so fast with such ease, its quiet, planted on the road like it is on rails. It has an intrinsic elegance and a remarkable presence. Update: almost a year later, I keep enjoying this car more and more. Long trips are a breeze. Passing other vehicles or merging on highway is super easy and fun. No malfunction. Bose sounds better after some adjustments. Audi added another year of free internet access. Comfort and quietness are excellent. Complaints: the screen that comes out of the dash is a gimmick, I worry the mechanism will brake in the future. Also the kill engine at stops is very annoying, this is what one of my first cars used to do, only it wont start when pressing the gas pedal. Brings back stressful memories :-).

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  Good car but totally unreliable - 2004 Audi A4
  By SilverA4 - October 7 - 6:48 pm

  I really like my 2004 A4 but it has been in the shop too many times. It had problems with the turbo charger at about 37k miles, then a leaking oil gasket at 45k, ignition coils replaced at 48k and the entire 2nd cylinder head was replaced shortly after that. Luckily this was done under warranty but Im thinking of selling it now before anything else can go wrong.

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  Great!! - 2007 Audi S8
  By Jack - October 7 - 8:51 am

  The is such a great car! I bought an S550 4matic for myself, but there just wasnt enough power there for me. I saw the S8 drive by and my son (who is 13, and knows a lot about cars) told me I had to check it out. So we drove right to the Audi dealership, and ordered it. I have since given my wife the S550, and she wants to have my car. I really enjoy this car, and it is powerful, and has the fourwheel drive. We live right outside of Philly, and we do get snow so that four wheel drive is great to have. It you can buy it I would definitely recommend doing so.

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  TT -- a Great Car that has Issues - 2000 Audi TT
  By Rick - October 7 - 12:30 am

  I had always wanted a TT. Its a beautiful, timeless, distinctive design. Have had many problems with this car so far. Replaced the clutch @ 44k and the water outlet (common problem), $2,500. Then we had window lift mechanism issues, ($1,000). The gas door switch broke ($125), headlight washer -- (the front bumper has to be removed $400). Problems with the back-up lights, etc. Have read other forums that the timing belt can break unexpectedly. Buy a used one if you know how to work on cars. Edmunds repair estimates need to be adjusted upwards. However, the TT handles great and gets good MPG -- important in LA. Presents itself well anywhere. Easy to get in and out of.

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  One problem after another - 2005 Audi A8
  By Ali - October 6 - 7:01 pm

  From the first moment I got this car it has been in the shop. Over the past two years I have taken this car in 16 times. Problems include navigation inoperable, passenger window makes too much noise, trunk would not close properly, unless force was used. And the car died and would not start at all on one occasion and it was towed to Audi dealership. It took them three days to figure out the battery needed to be replaced. Very surprising that the battery needed to be replaced within the first year. The only good thing I have to report is that service has been accomodating and have provided loaners on every occasion.

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  S4 Avant - A car to love - 2004 Audi S4
  By S4AudiAvantAdvocate - October 5 - 3:44 pm

  Purchased my S4 Avant in July 07. Most enjoyable car I have owned. It has utility but is refined and comfortable, the design and styling of the B6 model S4 is timeless. The handling is incredible and effortless despite a 2 ton curb weight, 4 doors, a fully functional rear seat and a large wagon cargo area. My fuel economy has averaged 17.8. I have gotten as high as 21 in highway only driving. Not as bad as others suggest, but certainly no economy or hybrid. The acceleration certainly provides a more than adequate trade off. The rear seat is comfortable for average adult passengers. Not as spacious as a full size (A6/8, 5/7series) but the other options dont provide a V8 6 spd manual.

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  Audi Q7 tdi premium plus - 2014 Audi Q7
  By Quattro - October 4 - 12:10 pm

  This is a great car. Best for long range trip.

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  Audi Q7 tdi premium plus - 2014 Audi Q7
  By Quattro - October 4 - 12:10 pm

  This is a great car. Best for long range trip.

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  The Little Car That Could... - 2007 Audi A4
  By sagarian9 - October 3 - 9:19 pm

  After months of research, I dismissed the following cars: Saab 9-3, Volvo S40, Infiniti G35, Acura TSX. It came down to the Acura TL and the A4. I bought the A4 because of the ride and I got it for $3K less than the TL. The car is fast, but watch out for turbo lag from a standing start. The quality of build is terrific. Im getting 30 mpg with 70% hwy driving. The trunk is surprisingly spacious, but a little tight for the drivers right leg. Get the premium package (with leather seats). Great fun all around!