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 had to find SOMETHING wrong... - 2006 Audi A4
  By at165db - January 14 - 9:24 pm

  ...but the only thing that comes to mind is the shark fin antenna. I love the layout of the interior, the steering wheel controls, the clutch is great, I got the sports suspension and its fine for everyday use, but when I go to the mountains, it really shines! Ive never had a car with dimming side view mirrors, and Ive got to say, that feature works so well. As for how the car drives, Ive been driving my car for 8 months now, and recently drove a friends civic. Its crazy how spoiled you be come when you drive an audi. The car behaves SO much better at 80 mph on the freeways than something like a honda. In short, I love everything about this car.

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  Beautiful and Fast - 2004 Audi S4
  By Jimmy - January 14 - 2:00 am

  I just purchased my 2004 Dolphin Gray S- 4 with the premium and XM infotainment packages and I love it. The car handles, looks and sounds like a dream. You can take turns like you wouldnt imagine. The color is beautiful. I enjoy driving it more than my friends convertible 2003 M3 and have the advantage of 4 doors. You can really feel the difference a V-8 makes.

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  what a car! - 2003 Audi A4
  By rbconnell - January 14 - 2:00 am

  my audi A4 1.8T Cabriolet is one of the most fun cars ive ever owned. long trips are no problem, as the car just takes care of the road, and the interior appointments make sitting for a few hours pass in no time. terrific seats! economically, it is a great value, and the milage is pretty good, too. the audi is quick and civilized, and turns heads like nobodys business. buy one and have a blast!

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  A3 - what a car - 2007 Audi A3
  By alex argyros - January 13 - 12:30 pm

  When I first saw this car I wasn’t in the market for a new car. I was driving a GTI 2002 and was pretty happy with it until I saw the A3 and fell in love with the looks. Then I drove it, wow!!! No other car has the full time all wheel drive and this much power to boot. The transmission is outstanding. You just point it in the direction you want it to go and it goes with precision handling, dry or wet surface. And sport mode brings the car to another level. I am a big fan of a good 6 speed manual transmission, until I drove this car in sports mode. Everything a manual transmission does without the human error. Perfection. I can’t wait for an S3 or an SR3, hoping it will come out.

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  The ultimate in design and engineering. - 2002 Audi A4
  By Parquenord - January 12 - 10:00 am

  I originally went to an Audi dealer to drive a TT and decided that it was not enough of a step up in size and comfort from my 99 Miata to justify a switch. I drove the A4 and was hooked. Two days later I picked up my Amulet Red 1.8T, 5 Speed with Sport Package, Sunroof, Xenon Lights & Bose Stereo. I am totally infatuated with my car! It is as sporty and as much fun to drive as the TT. The 5 speed shifts with ease, and with the exception of a slight turbo lag, I couldnt ask for more power. The fit and finish on this car is nearly flawless. Handling and performance could not be better. I have never been this enthusiastic about a car. It is precision "German Engineering" at its best!

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  Love this car! - 2007 Audi A8
  By Royal - January 11 - 11:01 pm

  This car is beautiful, inside and out. It feels classy rather than flashy. We just had a major snowstorm here in Seattle and while everyone else, including lots of 4wd SUVs skidded off the road, I drove right home!

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  Civilized Drivers Car - 1998 Audi A4
  By audi driver - January 10 - 7:09 pm

  Perfect balance between comfort and sport. Whether you are just running errands or just out for a relaxing enthusiastic drive, its a pleasure to drive. Everything is right where you want it in the interior. Great sounding stereo and Quattro handles awesome on wet/snowy roads. Plus, when you get into your 1998 Audi next to someone getting into a 2001 Honda(and you paid less than them), you cant but think "sucker"

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  Outstanding for a 4cyl - 2006 Audi A4
  By Stefan - January 10 - 4:56 pm

  Excellent machine! Always wanted an Audi, dont know why I waited so long. Ive owned other German made vehicles and the Audi is far superior! I believe Ive found my car of choice for future purchases. Totally sold.

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  Great all around family car - 1999 Audi A6
  By kevin - January 10 - 10:04 am

  Make sure you do your homework. Buy an Audi that has been well maintained, and do regular maintenance. No one can believe that the car is 8 years old w/ over 100k on her. She looks and drives like new. We have had to do the control arms (11 piece set w/ tie rods were $400 + $250 labor), also put in Koni FDS shocks and the car rides BETTER than new. We have slowly been changing all the fluids (tranny, differentials) and this makes a BIG difference. We also switched to synthetic (0/40 Mobil1) oil, again with very good results. Audi comfort and interior quality is second to none.

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  Practical and fun to drive - 2006 Audi A4
  By DaveZ - January 9 - 7:19 am

  Second A4 Ive owned and this one is a lot more fun to drive. 2.0T is a great engine, lots of pep despite a little turbo lag. Have been averaging almost 28 mpg. Handling is great, very responsive. Have had a few electrical problems, but still love the car. Cant get it away from my wife! Back seat a little tight, but great trunk space. Nav system takes some getting used to, not as intuitive as my wifes MDX. Really like the satellite radio and the whole sound system. Overall very satisfied.