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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  Best of Luxury - 2006 Audi A8
  By William - August 7 - 6:13 pm

  Traded 2004 A8L on 2006 and really like the new features added. New front end look is great. Car is solid, quiet and fun to drive. Mileage is great for a big car.

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  INCREDIBLE, AWESOME AND TOTAL FUN - 2005 Audi S4
  By Garner Bennett - August 7 - 12:11 am

  As a former BMW owner of a 3, 5, and 7 series over the years I approached Audi with caution and curiosity. The moment I drove the 2005 S4 I was hooked! The handling, power, style and sheer performance surpassed all other cars Ive owned. As a Realtor and need for a larger car the small size of the S4 is a compromise, but very much worth it in all respects. I now enjoy the hours I spend in my car! Dont think twice... buy this car and youll never regret it!

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  Im a Broker - 2001 Audi A4
  By andylarz - August 4 - 8:36 pm

  I am a wholesale auto broker so I have my pick of vehicles. And this is the BEST car I have ever owned!!! I got the car with 38k miles and in the last 14 months have put 43k miles on it, without a single non-routine trip to the shop. The interior styling cant be matched and although I have heard some bad things about the 1.8t my 2.8 V6 is as solid as an engine gets!!! The whole powertrain is solid and the AWD is a dream come true, I live in Salt Lake City and Im a skier so I make good use of the AWD. However, even on dry pavement you can tell the difference that the AWD makes in handling, performance and SAFETY !!! This car is as smooth and refined as they get, I LOVE IT !!!!!!

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  Best Car Ive Had - 2005 Audi A4
  By asdfhasdf - August 3 - 10:20 pm

  This car overall is the best ive had. No problems yet and the performance is amazing.

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  Style & Vale - 2015 Audi A3
  By Kbergh - August 3 - 5:22 pm

  Great engineering, great gas mileage, great value stylish design.

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  Awesome - 2005 Audi A4
  By Rodger - August 2 - 7:00 pm

  Great car. Looks good feels good drives like a dream. The Quaddro system makes for improved handling not just on snow or wet roads but handles far better than a comprable BMW.

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  Class wears a sport coat - 2005 Audi A4
  By Tony - August 2 - 10:48 am

  Having owned the A4 now for just over a year, I thought it was time to give my impressions. If you are looking for a red light racer, keep looking. If you want a car that handles VERY well, accelerates good enough, but does so with a classy, polished feel, then this is a car you should check out. The sport package gives the A4 a flat, smooth ride, balanced handling, and good cornering. The AWD and ESP provides the driver with confidence in snowy, slushy, and icy conditions. I average 33 mpg highway (at 70mph)/23 city stop and go. Interior is superb with everything right where you want it. If you are looking at BMW 3 series, Acura TL/TSX, or Infinity G35s, give the A4 a look, too.

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  Oh what a feeling... - 2005 Audi A6
  By American in Bavaria - August 1 - 1:29 pm

  Im fortunate to live and work in Germany so I can occassionally unleash the A6s full potential on the autobahn. At 135 MPH (speed governed) it rides like its painted on the road. Smooth as silk with no vibrations or nervousness (except from my passengers). Servotronic keeps steering input moderated and, if needed I can stop on a dime if a wayward Opel pulls into the left lane. I wish all A6 owners had the opportunity to wring out the German engineering that went into this car on the autobahn. They would be doubly impressed with their Audi. Besides the high speed performance, Im impressed with its quality. After 8000 plus miles, not one problem (except that darn speed governor!).

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  Awesome A-6 - 2006 Audi A6
  By J. Link - August 1 - 12:40 am

  After over 20 years with BMW, the beauty of the A-6 won us over. Wow, what an awesome car! Never have we seen a better interior, at any price. And that Quattro drive! What more could one want? Then to hear the recent crash test ratings. The highest you can get, front and side. What a BONUS! Run out and buy one.....

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  Great Car !! - 2005 Audi A6
  By fourrings - July 31 - 11:55 pm

  We absolutely love it and this is our second Audi. Drove to Vegas from the Bay Area and the car performed very well considering the extreme desert heat(116 degrees).Could use more horsepower but im satisfied with it..Great gas mileage.