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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  I love my brand new Audi - 2007 Audi A4
  By rwf0011 - April 23 - 10:37 am

  I just recently bought my Audi, and I am extremely satisfied. I love the car how it runs, performs, handles, everything.

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  SQ5 Dream machine - 2016 Audi SQ5
  By Roy Hilton - April 22 - 11:00 pm

  First of all Edmunds price promise was great.All dealers gave different discounts so we just picked the best one that had the SQ5 with all the options we wanted. Only had the car 2 weeks but just completed a trip to Canada and it is just a pleasure to drive. Ive had other sports cars before and we just traded a 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee for the Audi. No Comparison. Besides the original price the Audi is in another league. Hopefully Ill be saying the same in a few years.

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  A great car! - 2005 Audi A6
  By liferules - April 22 - 9:33 pm

  Im on my 500th mile now and am still very happy with my decision to purchase this C6 Audi. What a peppy ride! Especially in the sport or tiptronic modes. The outside appearance is very stylish yet sophisticated IMO. The interior is elegant and comfortable. Both driver and passenger seats are 12-way. The sound system (Bose) is phenominal...better than home! The MMI is easy to use, and the steering wheel controls make it even easier. I have the keyless and nav, both of which I am more than impressed with. Overall, a very nice, quality ride. The "thunk" of the door closing reflects the quality of build.

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  Fun ride and head turner - 2009 Audi A4
  By Ammo - April 22 - 12:43 pm

  I picked it up 2 weeks ago in Aruba Blue. Love the car and the color. I test drove several cars before decided on A4. You cant compare beautiful interior & exterior designing with any other car in its class. When turbo kicks in you feel you are drving on the race track not on a highway. Love the MMI, bluetooth and iPod features. I love it.

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  Audi A4 3.0 AWD 6M - 2003 Audi A4
  By calamato - April 21 - 10:00 am

  Just purchased an Audi A4 3.0 after driving a VW Passat for 3 years. So far, I am very pleased with all this car has to offer. Performance wise, I think it is among the top in its class. It is extremely comfortable, although this may not be the case for rear passengers. The interior is ultra luxurious, and the exterior is classy. However, I do think the navigation system on the A4s need much improvement. (You only get an arrow to tell you which direction you need to go).

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  Audi S4 25th Quattro - 2006 Audi S4
  By JRMSR - April 20 - 2:01 pm

  The Audi is flawless with exception to the throttle. Quite abrupt and takes careful modulation to get the smoothest operation. Best car Ive owned to date. Comfort is wonderful and conveniences are outstanding. Performance is on par or better than most sport cars in the higher dollar range. Engine performance and torque are nothing short of massive, without being peaky. Lug it in a lower gear and it accelerates away without hesitation. I cant wait to drive the RS4. Fit and trim is perfect. Transmission is precise with positive shifting. Front to rear bias is absolutely terrific with neutral steering. Sound system is perfectly matched to the Audi without being harsh and overbearing.

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  Another Great Audi - 2007 Audi Q7
  By dabuku - April 20 - 8:13 am

  Ive been driving an A6 for seven years and wanted to upgrade to an A8, but the price point was more than I wanted to spend, so the Q7 was a great alternative - A8 size and comfort with the A6 price tag. It is very luxurious inside and out and the 4.2 V8 accelerates nicely, though not as quickly as my A6 2.7T. The 3rd row seat is not for anyone over 53", but I only plan to use it sparingly and it folds down easily to provide ample storage. My golf clubs can fit sideways (unlike in the A6 or A8). One complaint is the ride is a little stiff and I can feel the bigger bumps in the road. I have 20" wheels, but didnt opt for the adaptive air suspension (darn).

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  Poor CVT Reliability - 2003 Audi A4
  By zippy753 - April 19 - 5:22 pm

  The problem is that the CVT transmission is a sealed, closed design and cant be rebuilt or fixed. A replacement transmission costs about $8000 installed. Not worth keeping out of warranty.

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  2005 Audi TT - 2005 Audi TT
  By M Vargas - April 19 - 2:41 pm

  This my first Audi vehicle I decided to go with the TT . For in one simple word, economy. Fuel prices are outragous out here these days. And the large vehicle I had replaced it with was costing about $138.00 at each fill-up. Every single week. Also I wanted something in a 2 seater with a four cylinder, but with the turbo I still get the punch needed to get past those tractor trailers on I-95. Since its my daily driver, I dont even mind those $48.00 fuel-ups. Yes, one unforseen expense, she goes thru high performance tires a lot, mostly in the right rear and the front right also. Overall its been a good expirience.

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  Love this car! - 2018 Audi S5
  By Yolanda - April 18 - 3:23 am

  I love the way this car handles and the quality and technology are excellent. I previously owned a Lexus and this is my first Audi. His car has exceeded my expectations!