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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  No funner 7- seat SUV out there! - 2007 Audi Q7
  By Cori - July 28 - 4:41 am

  I just got the car a few days ago and it was worth the wait! Having three kids and looking for a luxury and sporty SUV with room for friends is challenging. Audi did it! Not only is the handling fantastic but with the air suspension upgrade, the ride is so smooth. The features for the driver and the passngers are fabulous. Although the third row is too small for an adult, its perfect for kids. Having the sun roof in the rear doesnt make you feel confined as in other 3rd row mid size SUVs.

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  Can we go topless? - 2005 Audi S4
  By Inquisitor - July 28 - 3:16 am

  I bought this car in late 2004 and after a year and half, I figured I could finally do a complete review of it. I cross-shopped and found the S4 cab was best all-around. Up to 80 mph, the wind noise with the open top is astonishingly low - the best of any convertible Ive ever been in. The handling is superb for a convertible, but remember it is a front-heavy AWD vehicle, so drive it correctly or helloooo scary understeer - learned this at an Audi Club driving event. When done right, its awesome through the twisties. Overall, this is a grown-up, amazing sleeper of a cruiser.

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  squeeky brakes are standard - 2004 Audi A4
  By Frozen Fingers - July 27 - 10:00 am

  i puchase a 2004 A4 and seem to have a clicking noise when i put the car in gear and start moving and squeeky brakes come standard. dealership told me that is normal??????

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  A8 L Perfection - 2005 Audi A8
  By Tony C - July 26 - 11:00 pm

  Owned other luxury cars and there is NOTHING like my Audi. I DEFINITELY will trade for another. My gas mileage exceeds 24 MPG on highway and 18 city. The highlight is Tiptronic transmission and all wheel drive. An absolute pleasure in the winter. Believe me the car doesnt know the difference between summer driving and winter roads. Try one you will fall in love.

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  agility and speed - 2006 Audi A3
  By Jason - July 26 - 8:13 pm

  Overall an exciting car to drive. Im able to navigate busy DC with little problem, and the DSG TRANNY IS KICKIN. The only complaint I have is the driver seat seems to be losing its support. Seats started out firm, but now they are uncomfortable. Limited thigh support for my 61" frame. Sunroof is a blast. Wanted all-wheel, but didnt want the 6 cylinder. Overall a kickin car to drive.

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  Love my Audi - 2001 Audi A6
  By My second Audi - July 25 - 11:51 pm

  Wonderfully smooth car. A treat to drive, both in the city and on the highway. Lots of space for family, a big dog and luggage. For all of our needs, it is a great car. Previously, I had the Audi A4 sports sedan. Likewise, it was a wonderful car.

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  Audis greatest sedan is an SUV - 2007 Audi Q7
  By todd eidenire - July 25 - 3:36 pm

  I am not an SUV guy, I was looking at an A6 or even an A8. This was responsive and more fun to drive. I made my commute less stressful. I do have some guilt about the mileage after driving an A4, but the visibility sitting up higher made up for that, and the handling kept has all you expect in German Sportiness

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  Truly worth buying - 2006 Audi A6
  By Ajay - July 25 - 12:58 pm

  I chose the A6 against Merc E-class and BMW 5-series, just because I wanted to try something different, and this vehicle seemed promising when I visited the showroom. It offers fantastic grip on the road, and I have driven it at 155 mph frequently, without being worried. All the electronics offered in the car are also very useful and good. I never experienced any error in the car as yet (after using it for over a year). I unfortunately didnt get to buy a Quattro. Therefore, i am not much happy with the FWD of this car as it tends to slip a lot during acceleration. Incase if you are planning to buy the A6, then please go for the Quattro (AWD). It literally stands out.

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  Great overall, Minor Defects - 2006 Audi A4
  By Carlos - July 25 - 11:07 am

  My audi is fun to drive, quick. I got the titanium pkg and it looks great. The features are awsome, Bluetooth, adaptive HIDs , etc etc. The AWD is great. Driving in harsh rain is a breeze. Automatic dimming mirrors and wipers is a lovely feature. The seats are so comfortable and the leather is of high quality.

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  Tight and Slick - 2006 Audi A4
  By Dan - July 24 - 10:00 pm

  Great ride....excellent acceleration with the tiptronic. Tight handling and quick responsive shifting. Very comfy and slick redesign for the 06. Worth every penny.