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 said "Bye, Felicia!" to a BMW 328 for this car - 2015 Audi A3
  By Gordo - October 23 - 2:16 pm

  I purchased this car as a CPO with 13,000 miles (it was a dealer loaner) after getting rid of a very problematic BMW that was in the shop every month for the 9 months that I had it (always a new issue). I was leery about getting another VW product after being burned with issues galore by two late 90s-era Jettas and my 2004 Passat, but that was a long time ago and I had recently read that Audi reliability was #3 or #4 out of all brands, so I took a leap o faith. Its been a month, and so far, I have been VERY impressed. I actually have the 1.8T with the Premium Plus package, and it has everything I could ever want-heated seats, Nav (which comes with a free 6 month subscription to AT&T that turns the car into a rolling hotspot and links the Nav up to Google Earth-which is pure awesomeness), Dual Climate AC, and the best part of all-the Bang & Olufsen stereo-which truly is "banging". I had the Harmon Kardon stereo upgrade in my 328, and I didnt think it was possible-but the B & O system is way better! Thus far everything is working as it should-no interior lights have burned out nor interior trim pieces have broken off, a la my previous VWs. I recently broke the car in on a Cannonball run to West Texas-6 hours in the car and the seats still felt comfortable. The car is rock-steady at 90-100 MPH, and passing power is more than ample. My only complaints are sometimes there is excessive road noise (dependent on the road surface, of course)-but I believe this is due to the lower-profile optional 18-inch 10 spokes that I have on my car. Also, due to these tires, you can feel more imperfections in the road, and I dont like the way the brakes feel when braking with these tires, either. The car is small, but its designed to be a small car so Im really surprised when people say the trunk space and backseat are inadequate. Duh. I have no kids so its a perfect size-my BMW was actually too big for my preferences. The gas tank is relatively small, so I find myself filling up more only due to its size (I think 12 or 13 gallons max) and not due to bad fuel economy-in the traffic hell that is Austin I still average 28 MPG. This car is right-sized with very sophisticated styling that pictures dont do justice. I think these cars are a fantastic value if you get a slightly used one, mine brand new cost $37K with all the options I have.

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  The best all year round car - 2005 Audi S4
  By lig - October 23 - 2:00 am

  This is by far the perfect all year round vehicle. The 340hp pulls you courteosy a 4.2l v8. I came from an 01 s4 to the 05 and there is a dramatic improvment all throughout. Handling is like a knife, acceleration is scary, interior is very smartly designed with everything in easy reach. Seats offer excellent support and comfort. I have not one complaint about this amazing machine.

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  My views on the Audi A8L - 2005 Audi A8
  By Lawrence Hahn - October 21 - 2:00 am

  During some minor bodywork, the battery had to be disconnected, after which the MMI was inoperative. Now, I cant use the sound system or nav system. Local Audi dealer could not restore MMI and claims he must order new nav system CD, which I find difficult to believe. I love this car but cannot understand why Audi felt it necessary to incorporate MMI which results in a simple operation such as turning on radio or changing temp settings to a demanding task, reqiring pulling off the road.

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  The best out there !!! - 2005 Audi A8
  By BufSol50 - October 21 - 2:00 am

  If you want to own the best all round hi-performance sedan that can be obtained without dipping into your grandkids inheritance this is your car !!! It looks classy and understated .... has more bells and whistles than my 04 RL and runs like a bat out of ..... well .... you know where ..... in any kind of weather its as stable as a mountain goat. Keep your 745s or your S500s or your LS430s .... gimme my A-8 and git outta my way !!!

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  worth it - 2005 Audi A8
  By big h - October 21 - 2:00 am

  sleek on the outside and soft and seemless on the inside. handles great and interior features are easy to use. drives like youre sitting on your living room couch with good pick up and turns on a rail. the only down side is an obnoxious continous ringing noise when the door is open and the key is still in the ignition (even when in park)and continous beeping when seat belt is not in use. could use a couple more locations for service, but otherwise, is spectacular.

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  Amazing car! - 2009 Audi A4
  By Melissa - October 20 - 11:13 pm

  I have the premium plus pkg with nav. This is the best car Ive ever had. Easy to drive and so much fun. Handles turns extremely well at fast speeds. The gas mileage is pretty good, getting 22ish city. I love the "smiling" lights and how they look during the day and at night. Ive never felt so safe and comfortable in a car.

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  Audi comfort and safety - 2004 Audi A6
  By kalhank - October 19 - 2:00 am

  We first experienced the Quattro as a company car in Toronto, ON. We noticed that we could safely drive our Audi in the winter when BMW and Mercedes owners were not able to make it up hills in a city where snow removal is done after most of the storm has passed. We love the cockpit and the comfortable seats for highway driving. The A6 is a great balance between road feel and smooth ride. The Audi is a must drive if you are shopping in this price range.

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  Great performance and day-to-day driving - 2005 Audi S4
  By pags - October 18 - 2:00 am

  Been driving for one week and love it. Will write another review in a few months to see if I have changed my mind. Excellent car so far. Does not drive like a A4 or Passat at all. I have driven them both. This car should not be compared with other high performance rear-wheel drive cars like it has been (esp. M3), but with other AWD sedans. I have yet to see one that could come close to the S4s performance, yet.

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  Audi A6 2.7T - 2001 Audi A6
  By Dallyup52 - October 17 - 2:00 am

  Great car, comfort and road hanling all in one package.

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  amzing s4 - 2005 Audi S4
  By car fanatic - October 17 - 2:00 am

  This is the absolute best car i have everd owned. I have owned close to 60 cars including bmws and mercedes. It drives amazingly and has tons of power. Very comfortable Recaro seats.