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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  Great Sports Sedan - 2002 Audi A4
  By zegers330 - March 25 - 10:00 am

  I was basically down to the A4, IS300, or G35. Wouldve chosen a 3 Series, but didnt look like too good of a value in comparison. Been driving an IS300 regularly and its awesome, but didnt want two IS300s. Finally chose the A4 because of quattro, looks, and warranty. So far the car has been great. Handling is good, but not quite as sharp as the 3 Series. Ride is excellent, turbo has surprisingly good torque, engine music readily heard. Tiptronic works great. Road and wind noise is low, and interior shouts quality. Lots of pleasant surprises (lights everywhere, little compartments). Car looks great, especially with 17-inch alloys. Lots fun to drive.

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  Best Performing Car - 2005 Audi A6
  By Andy - March 24 - 4:24 pm

  Only flying feels better

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  love this car - 2005 Audi A8
  By kitcow2 - March 24 - 1:39 pm

  My previous car was a BMW 740il. When the lease was up I looked around , as I was not crazy for the 745. Boy, am I glad I did! The Audi is more quiet, responsive and comfortable for drivers and passengers.

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  Really love my Audi - 2001 Audi A6
  By Stacey Schrader - March 23 - 11:36 pm

  Bought my Audi used with 32,000 miles on it. Ive driven it for a year and put 12,0000 miles on it and it drives and looks like a dream. Im complimented on it when people drive with me and have enjoyed every hour driven. I am planning on my next car to be an Audi

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  Daily Commuter with Benefits - 2016 Audi S7
  By G.G. - March 23 - 9:22 pm

  Absolutely love this car. Has been performing well as a daily commuter, but has the power and performance when I have a chance to push it.

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  Best A4 yet - 2006 Audi A4
  By Roy M - March 22 - 12:30 am

  This is my fourth Audi A4, and the best yet. 3.2 V6 very smooth and powerful yet still delivers about 28 mpg on the freeway. The car is so solid and well built I am extremelly pleased. I have not found a single flaw in workmanship, just totally amazed at build quality, details and fit. Best interior you will find at just about any price. Quattro, ESP (electronic stability program), EBD (electronic brake distribution) all make one feel very safe and comfortable in this vechicle. Expensive but I feel it is worth every penny. I highly recommend one. I especially like the smaller vechicle size. Audi is really doing their homework to make a great car even better.

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  First Audi - 2005 Audi A6
  By Deb - March 21 - 9:08 pm

  This is my first Audi - other car a 01 BMW 530. Traded in 04 Lexus GS300 for the Audi. This is certainly more powerful and agile than the Lexus but I still think the BMW handles way better all around although the Audi is Great in the snow and love the interior. It seems to need a bit of a warm up on first start - a bit hesitant and it is garaged. Once its going, its seems OK.

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  Outstanding vehicle on all fronts!!! - 2003 Audi A4
  By Qdup1 - March 20 - 10:00 am

  The A4 1.8T with CVT transmission eliminates the off-idle deficiencies of the small (1.8 liter) displacement motor, not to mention the wonders of this remarkable tranmission in and of itself. Smooth, smooth, smooth and very good performance. The rest of the car can be summarized in one word...QUALITY! Check it out and compare...youll see.

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  Super great interior and comfort - 2005 Audi A6
  By abel gonzalez - March 19 - 4:37 pm

  Careful consideration is paid to making every control very accessible, logical and easy to use. Not one idea was left without especial attention paid to it. That makes it much more fun to enjoy the many ammenities in can come with. It will pamper you and get you spoiled in no time !! It will take you back to wanting to stay in your car while it is parked, just to onjoy the ambiance and all of what it can offer you !!

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  Best car Ever! - 2004 Audi A8
  By Rudy Mayer - March 17 - 3:34 pm

  Love this car...never owned anything better. This one puts Mercedes and BMW to shame! Overall, I have never been happier with any other car. Usually buy 2 cars per year one luxury car and one sports car. I have kept this one longer than any other one. Go Audi!!!!!