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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  love it! - 2004 Audi A4
  By SmartAshAudi - February 18 - 2:00 am

  I love my Audi. I have had it since April, and outside of a little glich in the engine at first, I have not had a single problem with it. The power is great and the design of both the interior and exterior is a great selling feature.

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  A Really Fine Car - 2004 Audi A4
  By frankv - February 18 - 2:00 am

  This is a fine car. I have the 3.0 engine and that gives it a real jump. The car handles well, especially in bad weather. This is my third A-4 since 1996 and I think it is really the best. MY wife uses it more than I do and I feel very comfortable with her driving it from a safety perspective. The 2003 model is the most comfortable of the 3 A-4s that I have owned. I think that with the larger engine, it does not get the greatest mileage, but that is a tradeoff. I highly recommend it.

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  Ken in Norway - 2004 Audi A4
  By KenK - February 18 - 2:00 am

  This is my third Audi. I am a US Air Force officer stationed in Norway. Speed limits are very low here and the roads are small and twisty. This car wants to run, but it cant...however, the twists and hills make for some fun driving. Ive driven my other Audis on the Autobahn, in DC and Idaho, all with outstanding results, I expect no less from this one. Good looking car, fun to drive.

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  Audios - 2004 Audi A4
  By Lita Kolb - February 18 - 2:00 am

  My company/family owns two Audios at present.Both of these are a repeat from owning Audios before. Good looking, safe ( quattro is a must) and perform beautifully. Wish gas mileage were better but it is OK.

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  Solid, great all-around car! - 2001 Audi TT
  By Cardude - February 17 - 5:36 pm

  Pros: Power 2200-5800 rpm, tight handling, killer brakes, gorgeous style, solid feel, safe, AWD, flashing brights back at people who think HIDs are high-beams. Cons: Less balanced than a Boxster, loses power 6000+ rpm, limited visibility, rain water on rear window, no CD player standard in a $38000 car, cupholder placement (all these are niggles). MountainScott, the car is a single turbo NOT a twin-turbo. TT does not stand for twin turbo. "Go in knowing what youre getting," as you say.

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  Sedan that Drives like a Sports Car - 2003 Audi A6
  By dman - February 17 - 11:40 am

  The A6 is fun to drive. I will sometimes take the "long way home" just to drive this car more. Completely happy with the car and all of the features inside and out.

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  Best luxury vehicle - 2005 Audi A8
  By Javed - February 16 - 7:25 pm

  I just recently purchased an Audi A8l after trading in my almost brand new Mercedes CLK 320. The comfort and the drive is so beyond description. Not one bit of sound in the pot holes of NJ.

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  Spend on whats important - 2017 Audi Q7
  By JJM - February 15 - 11:00 pm

  I have a few audis with all trim levels. I opted for the 3.0 premium with cold weather and electronics package with nav and apple play. The basic options on the car really are great and span the vast majority of what is important. It drives almost as nicely as my A6, has ample room and is arguably the best moderately large SUV out there. Not as big as a suburban but infinitely nicer to drive with great gas mileage. The model I have kept the price below 60k. You can get another 10k plus into it but in my opinion there is no need. Really pleased with this 2017 Q7

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  1999 audi avant--my 6th audi--best yet! - 1999 Audi A6
  By wyogold - February 15 - 4:00 am

  great all-around, all-season automobile...comfort and poise whether driving through southern wyoming mountain passes, or down I-25 to the denver airport (unless you lose key going thru customs and have to rent a car plus shell out $187 for new laser- cut key)...overall a great automobile that I still enjoy driving...

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  Amazing Car! - 2001 Audi A6
  By Zimman - February 15 - 2:00 am

  This car does it all. The quattro system and twin turbo engine combine to provide an amazing level of everyday performance. Ours has been dead reliable, and the free scheduled maintenance is a great perk. Its even something of a bargain, compared to other cars in its class. We tried all the usual suspects (530i, E320 4Matic, GS430) and found that this one had an unbeatable combination of virtues with few drawbacks. We have enjoyed every mile, and I still look back at the car when I walk away - is that love, or what? ;-) Oh, and one more thing - the 2 people who suggested that this car is slow and soft obviously DIDNT drive a 2.7T. 0-60 in 6.6 is FAST in anybodys language....