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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  Q7 - Is it what people say? - 2007 Audi Q7
  By krulla11 - February 13 - 9:53 am

  I have been reading what other people are writing about the Q7 so I thought I would take the time to write one as well. Performance: happens to be really good, it’s a fast car and it sits on the road well. Comfort: I have to say that it has been giving me a really bumpy ride. This weekend I had people in my car and we took a long trip together, and they all complained that it shook them up. Interior design/exterior design: In overall it’s done really well, except for the fact that in the backseat you can’t seat any adults, and when you do put down the seats you get very little room for cargo compared to other SUVs .

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  Quick, powerful and fun! - 2003 Audi A4
  By judirow - February 12 - 7:24 pm

  This car is a dream! Four years and it has never been in the shop for anything but a service. Its fast, its fun, it has a great gear box and great heated seats in the winter. The 4WD takes it over mounds of snow without a wimper. The only thing wrong with it is that it only gets 20 MPG in combined driving and takes premium gasoline.

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  WOW - 2007 Audi S8
  By AAA - February 9 - 6:01 pm

  Drive this car on Highway 1 from Carmel to San Simeon and you will be hooked for life. Better by far than my SL 500. Handling, acceleration and the paddles - pure fun - truly wow!

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  What can be finer? - 2007 Audi A8
  By Carl R - February 8 - 9:01 pm

  I love this car! After driving a Jaguar for 3 years I was able to see the difference with my first test drive. This car is wonderful. The fit and finish is second to none. The drive is terrific and the quality of the leather and wood cannot be matched, other then perhaps a Rolls Royce. The power is great and the looks equate to understated elegence. Every two or three years I purchase or lease a different type of luxury vehicle. I truly believe from now on I will always purchase an Audi. Its a great car!

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  Perfect marriage of trans and engine - 2007 Audi A3
  By Thadlaw - February 8 - 4:27 pm

  As the owner of an 05 S4 Cabrio, I am a bit spoiled. When it came time to buy a winter and commuting car, I decided to test drive the A3 2.0T with DSG. Honestly, I am not sure which car is more fun to drive! The DSG is such a seamless AT that the car just wants to go, and has almost undetectable shift lag. Put that together with the supreb handling, unparalleled Audi cabin, and high fit and finish overall, and you have one sweet little ride. The hatch and knock-down back seats make it a pretty versatile car as well. My 14 year old keeps telling me about all the chips and performance equipment we could throw at it, but why bother? It runs circles around most cars on the road as it is.

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  Happy Audi Owner - 2005 Audi A6
  By Rexy - February 7 - 8:53 pm

  My 2005 Audi A6 is very comfortable, has excellent hadling, and 4 wheel drive that works well in snowy Northeastern NY. Its workmanship and interior fit are exceptional. The MMI system is very intuitive and easy to use. This is the best car that I have ever owned. My dealership has been outstanding.

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  Sticks to road, but roBs your wallet - 1999 Audi A4
  By DEO - February 7 - 7:41 pm

  I bought the car used with about 90K miles. Worked fine until 110K. I have since spent over $3000. Ive never spent so much on a car and I always buy cars around 100K. However, Ive stuck to Japanese cars before. Ive learned my lesson. Im looking to trade it in for a Subaru. What every one elses review says is true. Fun to drive, expensive to maintain.

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  New Audi A4 - 2007 Audi A4
  By Audi A4 - February 7 - 1:13 pm

  Truly a thinking mans BMW. Sure it has FF format and it doesnt quite drive like FR BMW, but it has a confident handling and ride quality that many drivers wouldnt really mind at all. And how about the price point. It is several thousands dollars less than BMW, but I think it has much more tasteful interior that will age gracefully. Wonderful car to drive and look at.

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  For the momey - 2017 Audi A8
  By KKVB - February 6 - 7:46 pm

  Great car for the money. The last gen tech gets you a great deal off sticker. Great power, very comfortable, awesome engine..

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  So Far...GREAT CAR! - 2003 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By lbeckwith - February 6 - 2:00 am

  I have wanted an Allroad for 2 years, but the 9 month wait for a 6 speed always sent me away. Found one on the lot last week and bought it immediately. Why would anyone buy the auto, when the 6 speed is so much more enjoyable. Best way to do away with turbo lag is wind it out a bit before shifting. And if it breaks...they fix it for 4 years. Hope all remains well...its great so far!!!