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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  why - 2004 Audi A4
  By ju101 - September 22 - 10:00 am

  great car have no ideas on how to improve it. Fun to drive and very confortable

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  Awesome! - 2008 Audi TT
  By Lance - September 19 - 9:48 pm

  This is my first European car, and so far it has exceeded my high expectations. The styling is beautiful, the ride is comfortable and solid, its very zippy, very nimble, steering is very comfortable, fuel economy is great even if you like to accelerate quickly. The interior is composed of high quality materials and a soothing variety of textures and finishes. The controls are all at your fingertips and easy to operate. It also has very decent cargo capacity that is actually accessible. I could go on, but suffice it to say its a truly exceptional experience to drive!

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  One year of ownership - 2002 Audi A6
  By 1st Audi A6 - September 19 - 9:27 am

  Ive owned this car for a year now and overall I am happy with the car. The A6 is a pure joy to drive. It is very quiet at highway speeds, is comfortable for long trips, theres lots of room in the back seat for adults, and the trunk is enormous. Parts and online forums are readily available for DIY work. Ive had one major problem: the transmission was repaired at 50,000. It took Audi 2 months to fix the car which is just too long. CV boots seem to be a regular repair item for Audi in general. I replaced one at 48k. Other than those two repairs the car has been problem-free. However, I recommend that if you buy an Audi then get one that is CPO or purchase an extended warranty. Check out your local dealers reputation as they can make or break your ownership experience.

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  The Best - 2001 Audi TT
  By jazzextra - September 18 - 3:41 pm

  Ive had my Audi TT for just about 6 years and it has been a dream. Im a drummer playing for small trios, amazingly I can fit my entire drum kit in the back if I put the back seats down and very comfortably. I get more compliments on this car than any of my previous.

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  One of my favorites - 2004 Audi S4
  By PikesPeak - September 18 - 11:34 am

  Over the years I have owned a number of fast cars and this ranks as one of the best. I originally intended buying the sedan but ended up getting the wagon (with a 6 speed) which I think is even better looking and a bit more practical.

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  A Real Jem. - 2012 Audi A6
  By Harry Culver - September 16 - 7:57 am

  This car is in excellent condition. I would not sell it except that I MUST STOP DRIVING.

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  S6 purchased 1/14/16 - 2016 Audi S6
  By Eamonn - September 16 - 6:23 am

  It was tough getting my hands on one of theses guys. I didnt even see one to test drive before i picked mine up. When i finally did I had absolutely none of the buyers remorse that often come with forking over 80+K for a car. From the way the car starts and revs when you press the classy res start button, to the diamond leather stitching inside the car is a true gem. The controls , especially for media and music have a learning cuvre, but the touchpad and nav are truly top class. I opted for the black optic package and 20 inch wheels which give the car a bit of an edge not seen on the basic model, and I recommend payimg for the extended 10 yr warrant as I can only image what this puppy will cost later on t o fix, but this being my 3rd audi, I know I wont have much to worry about until year 10 and beyond. The car is a dream to drive, and I love flexing its muscle to the unsuspecting speed racer nob heads you often encounter on the road. Car came with summer tires so i immediately got the snow tire package and am actually begging for snow. The car has tremendous grip on snow , as most audis with quattro do. Basically I love my new car, and inncidentlly it looks better then the slightly more expensive s7 in my opinion.

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  Take care of it & itll take care of you - 1999 Audi A4
  By JP - September 14 - 6:15 pm

  Bought my 1999 A4 2.8 manual shift used with 28,000 miles on it and have loved it every step of the way to its current 110,000 miles and counting. Ride has remained firm and car is solid and tight. I highly recomend the larger engine to the smaller engine with turbo, otherwise youre just going to be too underpowered and frustrated. It is important to remember though, that this is a german car not japanese and does require a certain degree of regular maintenance, which Ive found to be $800 a year on average, all in, to keep things in top condition. Id definitely buy another Audi!

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  Rolling Thunder, A6 on Steroids - 2008 Audi Q7
  By bigmountain - September 14 - 12:15 pm

  This is my first return to a German car in 6 years. This car feels rock solid. The handling and seating position makes for comfortable commutes on DCs Capital Beltway. The parking sensors and rear backup camera are great. The MMI and nav. system takes some setup and getting used to, but once youve mastered it, it is quick and convenient. The 6 speed auto delivers on its promises.

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  I Believe - Audi in BMW backyard - 2005 Audi A4
  By Bitten-the Audi Bug - September 13 - 9:18 pm

  I wanted to start driving a manual trans again, but could not find one that I really like with 4WD. Then after the A4s that I test drove I settled for this one - black on black.