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 car ever owned - 2006 Audi A4
  By SEXICAN - October 23 - 10:38 am

  I previously owned an audi but this one takes the cake. I downgraded to a 2003 GTI 20th AE and owned that for 6 months, then realized I really didnt want FWD. I went from AWD to FWD and now back to AWD and I will never go back to anything less. The fact that my car is a lot faster than before and rides better than the VW and not to mention looks 100x better. The A4 is a great car for anyone looking for a luxury and sporty vehicle. I am still smiling everytime I drive my car, and you will too.

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  Audi has Finally Impressed Me - 2006 Audi A4
  By will0351 - October 23 - 3:31 am

  After test driving much of the competition, I test drove the Audi A4 Quattro and never looked back. The handling, interior luxury, and overall experience is unmatched by any of the others. While it may not have the name brand appeal of BMW/Mercedes, It is twice the car none-the-less. Audi = Attention to Detail!!! Audi just needs to Market more. Never even seen a commercial.

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  2006 Audi S4 quattro 4dr Sedan - 2006 Audi S4
  By Car Critic - October 22 - 8:38 pm

  This is a great all-around car with few compromises. I traded a 2003 M3 for my S4. I love the S4s V8 rumble, MUCH better than the M3s metallic howl at higher rpm. The S4 is a technology showcase (w/ NAV.sys) vs the basic M3. The M3 wins by the numbers (0-60, slalom times, etc), but the Audi is easier to live with and more luxury. The AWD S4 pulls effortless out of a corner the stability system remains invisible unless real trouble is at hand.

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  Great looks fun to drive - 2015 Audi A4
  By Dinesh Taneja - October 22 - 2:24 pm

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  Good car - When working properly. - 1999 Audi A4
  By Ty W. Thomas - October 21 - 3:53 pm

  Bought this car with 43,500 miles. So far in 3500 miles here is what has been done to the car: Coil Pack replaced-$451.00 Sunroof switch - $60.00 Gauge cluster went out - $561.00 Airbag light continues to come on - $150.00 (Dealership has not solved the problem yet-light just came on again!!) Now the water pump is making a bearing noise! Cost: $502.00. I am a VW/Audi enthusiast and am severely disappointed with this car. To think I sold a perfectly good 96 Passat TDI for this? The car did sit outside for a while before I purchased it-but still... Fuel mileage has been 21 city, 28 hwy. SO SO.

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  Long term review of certified car - 2000 Audi A4
  By JM - October 20 - 8:52 pm

  I am positive the car did not receive a detailed review as part of the Audi certification process as too many things were wrong with the car within the first several days of ownership - cruise control, computer display, rear window switches on drivers door opened the wrong window.

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  Great AWD Car - 2003 Audi A4
  By Jeff - October 20 - 4:40 pm

  The only real car to get if you want a sporty AWD car that hauls like an SUV but gets 25 mpg. I love the looks and build quality of the A4 Avant. I literally can not think of another car that I would pick right now to replace it. Get the Bose, its awesome, save your money on the Nav, its just okay.

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  Mixed Review - 2006 Audi A4
  By jim delaney - October 18 - 8:53 pm

  This is the second Audi purchased by my family. The first, an Audi A6 had major brake problems at 20k. We recently purchased a 2006 A4 with a S- Line package. It does have a nice look and ride but we have had major problems with it since the purchase. It has been in and out of the shop for several months with constant rattles, speakers not working, and a major problem with the front end. The car will randomly lock up when turning corners and there is a constant rattle from the the wheel being turned. This is a major dissapointment, because the vehicle is fun to drive and does perform well in poor driving conditions.

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  Impeccable - 2007 Audi S8
  By audini - October 18 - 1:47 pm

  This car is truly a joy to drive. I have a Maserati as well as an Aston Martin however, every morning when I wake up and grap my keys. I find myself continually grabbing the Audi Keys.

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  A mint condition Audi sports car - 2001 Audi TT
  By CHUCK HUGHES - October 18 - 1:44 pm

  This car is fun to drive with a "turbo" boost. It looks like a new one and drives like one also. New snow tires make this all wheel drive one that goes in the winter unlike some sports cars you need to park for 6 months. Total original miles is 23,400. Garage kept makes it a Beauty!