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 Top Secret in the Market - 2007 Audi S6
  By BlueSky - January 28 - 7:06 am

  Audi A6 S6 will exceed your expectation. This is a car for the "connoisseur". The only way to appreciate the A6 S6 is take a test drive. Once you sit behind the wheel, you will see what I am talking about. This is a luxury car inside out and the V10 will let you know that you have a rocket in your hands. Attach your seat belts and enjoy the ride....

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  hesitation - 2017 Audi Q7
  By Diann Roy - January 27 - 6:47 pm

  The Q7 2015 has inconsistent hesitation upon acceleration which is a safety concern when pulling into traffic. Not a happy Audi buyer.

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  Three months with the 07 A8 - 2007 Audi A8
  By cctdi - January 26 - 5:23 pm

  I bought this car in October last year after three months I have yet to find a thing that I donÂ’t like, it took me no time to get used to the mmi, and the voice command is very responsive. I got the black/ black in and out which shows the crafty, style and quality more apparent. I like the A8 that muchÂ… Now, I am dreaming the S8!

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  Audi S4 - 2007 Audi S4
  By searly1 - January 26 - 8:49 am

  Outstanding performance agile and responsive excellent braking and steering more comfortable than its BMW counterpart great engine sounds excellent build quality. The only disadvantage, which is a given for this kind of performance, is relatively poor mileage... 22 on open road.

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  Great automobile but....... - 2001 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By Steve - January 26 - 3:16 am

  Incredible automobile - styling, design, drivability, etc. Works well for Maine winters. Minor problems along the way BUT no sooner than the 50k/4 yr warranty was over the whole transmission blew! Cost: $5,600 to replace. Audi split the cost and paid 75% while I paid $1,300. Bummer as the lease is almost over and had to fork over some large $$. I got nowhere with AudiUSA on this issue. No good explanation from anyone on the cause of the issue other than it occasionally happens. This is my 2nd Audi - first was a 1998 A6 which I purchased. Decided to lease this one. Im afraid after 2 tries Ill not purchase another Audi again. I fear the undependability and future costs to maintain it.

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  Cannot be Duplicated - 2006 Audi TT
  By Kalieb - January 25 - 12:35 pm

  I being 62" find it slightly uncomfortable with an upright seating position. However, this roadster provides a thrill that is unique. The power is adequate (could use a little more HP) for an amazingly light but sturdy car. The DSG transmission zips through gears seamlessly as if it was a continously variable. The contact and firm grip of the road through Quattro gives you the best position for off-the-line starts. The paddle-shifter located on the steering wheel gives a fun sport to driving but allows you to command more power (and speed) when you take the road. In addition, the convertible can set a mood for scenic cruising or "in-car-flight."

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  Not So Sweet - 2005 Audi A6
  By dso72 - January 25 - 12:06 pm

  I bought this car and drove off the lot with a huge smile. The smile has turned to tears. This car was the biggest mistake I have ever made. Audi is a nightmare to deal with. I have had numerous problems with the electrical system. One thing after another. They were all safety issues and made the car undrivable. There were also issues with the Sirius radio, blue tooth, speakers, airbag, and more. I am not sure if it is just my car but I am going to assume that it is. My car has been in the shop over 30 days in the last 6 months. Audi really does not care. I would never buy another.

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  A versatile car in every way except... - 2004 Audi S4
  By Dr. Michael Busse - January 22 - 4:53 pm

  This vehicle is very versatile. It isnt the fastest car nor the sexiest nor the safest but it IS the best combination of all of these. It is plenty fast, has very good looks, fit and finish, has all the safety features one could want such as curtain airbags and AWD, and has the ability to be usefull year round in northern climates. What this car isnt is reliable. They are expensive to repair largely due to the very tight packaging constraints of fitting in the v8. Common issues include clutches, valve cover gaskets, coilpacks, tensioner pullies, and starters. In three months of ownership the car visited the dealership 4 separate times with a total of 2 thousand in repairs (warrantied).

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  2006 A6 Quattro - 2006 Audi A6
  By David Price - January 22 - 2:12 pm

  Nice ride, Great car for that Sunday drive out in the country good or bad weather.

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  Great Car - 1997 Audi A4
  By Josh - January 21 - 10:54 pm

  Great car, suspension is fantastic, although the exterior is ok. It can be easily spiced up a bit by adding an RS4 body kit. They will then look fantastic. Outstanding car for the miles that are on mine, 101000.