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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  Powerful Compact Sedan - 2006 Audi A4
  By JLee - November 12 - 12:15 pm

  First Audi, have to say its been great thus far. Test drove both 3.2 and 2.0T, felt 2.0T had more of a kick at start off. Great fuel economy, and excellent overall build. MMI lacks ability to play MP3s, and does not have external audio plug for iPod/accessories. Rear seat lacks room, but this is a compact sedan. 6MT is decent, clutch has too much distance, lacks the short sport like feeling.

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  Awesome S4 - 2004 Audi S4
  By KLouie - November 11 - 11:46 pm

  The S4 is a very smooth and powerful car. The build quality is excellent and the interior is beautiful. The torque range is very good and linear. I would like a little more steering feel and a little less body roll through tight turns. I love the exhaust note and turn off the stereo just to hear it(even though the stereo is excellent). I have a Porsche Boxster S which I love this car is great, just different. It is an awesome car which works as a daily driver except for the gas mileage.

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  Sporty A8 - 2007 Audi A8
  By JRH332 - November 11 - 10:42 am

  I purchased my A8 on 11/04/06. This is not the long wheelbase model but the shorter A8. If my dealer told me the truth this the only A8 in the Audi Central Region with the 20" Sport Package. The car is not only a knock out in looks but a blast to drive. Great performance plus all the luxury you could ever want. I traded in a 2006 Infiniti M45 Sport so you know I had to go some to find a better vehicle! Audi needs to advertise this model more.

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  I love it!!! - 2007 Audi A6
  By Doris - November 10 - 5:23 pm

  This car is soooo awesome. It drives like a dream. The luxury amenities are truly luxurious. The nav is awesome. The capability of calling friends by voice command and bluetooth technology will allow me to never get a ticket. It is so beautiful both on the inside and the outside. I am having so much fun figuring out how to use the console to its fullest potential.

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  Great Car - 2006 Audi A8
  By Capt Hill - November 10 - 11:51 am

  This was the third Audi Ive bought from this dealer. Great service, and we were totally happy with the transaction. The car is built like a bank valult and drives very responsively, even more responsively than my 2002 A6 4.2 sedan, which is also a great car. Creature comforts are amazing. The massaging seats are a plus, and seat heating is easy to set and change. Cupholders are OK, but do not quite accommodate the fancy Audi leatherette cups we also bought. They are too tall for the holders. Technically, I have not yet mastered the Navigation or the phone, but we are getting there. A truly great car, indeed.

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  LOVE This SUV! - 2007 Audi Q7
  By kokogo - November 10 - 10:48 am

  So far I am REALLY happy. This car/SUV is fun and sporty but drives like a luxury sedan. The engine growls but not too loud. I drove the 4.2 (not much more money than a loaded 3.6) and felt the 3.6 was faster, not sure why ,maybe less weight? Better gas mileage too. I also drove the S-line it felt a bit doggie, maybe the suspension or tires? I love the look and feel of the interior and all the bells and whistles especially the keyless entry no more digging in my purse! The MMI takes some getting use to but well worth the time. The only thing I did not like (at first) was the berber carpet so I ordered the all weather mats this made the car look great, now I like the durable berber!

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  Great SUV - 2007 Audi Q7
  By Mert2B - November 9 - 8:10 am

  I got my Q7 3 weeks ago. I used to have BMW X5 and I just could not wait for the next generation due to time restrictions that I had. Q7 is much roomier than X5. Since I have all optional packages, I love to play around. It doesnt ride like SUV but It does not like X5 as well. I am not sure how it will be in snow conditions but I am expecting much better than X5 since Audi has 60/40 split where X5 was more 20/80 split on all wheel drive. So far everything is looking good.

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  Yes its good looking but not reliable - 2007 Audi Q7
  By armen - November 8 - 4:39 pm

  All I can say that the car looks good inside and out. But unfortunately I had the car less than two weeks and 500 miles, car check engine light came on and the car started to choke and transmission started to stall and oil light came on and its been in the shop for 5 days already and the good part is that they don’t have a clue what is going on with the car.

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  In the pocket - 2007 Audi A3
  By Jazzman - November 7 - 12:12 pm

  Tired of the stiff ride in my Crossfire, I needed a bit more room and ease of entry. Enter the A3. Just as fast with a turbo 4 banger as the XFire, and a "softer" sporty ride. Quicker than my wifes 2001 TT, the A3 can pass lifes slowpokes with ease, yet makes for a nice "everyday" ride. I can get all the nine luggage pieces of my drum set in easily with the rear seats folded down...and still have room for a friend. Great car for city, highway or the twisties when you can. A month of driving the A3 and its still love!

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  And Away We Go! - 2006 Audi A6
  By Steve M. - November 3 - 12:29 pm

  Beautifully thought out car... was delivered to me in pristine condition, not a thing to criticize. Interior like a jet cockpit, driver fits in like a foot in a shoe. Everything automatic, voice recognition works flawlessly. Had to use the owners manual extensively for first 2 weeks, but then everything fits into place. MMI really takes command of everything! Almost 2000 miles, not a thing to complain about: I just hope all the fancy electronics last as long as the rest of the car with no problems. Lots of electronic convenience features I never had before in my 1999 Caddy Concours. Im sold on Audis if things keep up the way they are now!