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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  Great when purchased, great now. - 2000 Audi S4
  By Erik Moeser - July 16 - 9:56 pm

  This has been an excellent car. Snows/winter wheels essential, and it is like a cat. Mostly problem free... new headlight washer pump(s?) and oxygen sensor, the latter fixed under emissions control warranty. Otherwise just routine maintenance. Performance suggest torque/hp ratings understated, as it feels fully as quick as the newer V8 models. Interior is of ultra high quality materials and design, and looks/feels as new after more than 6 years. Whole car is tight and performs as new. An absolute bargain at todays used car value, even putting aside $ for possible eventual repairs.

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  Cant wait for my 2nd summer! - 2003 Audi A4
  By 03a4 - July 15 - 2:00 am

  I had the top down today on the first day of spring in Chicago, and even the anti-war protesters on Michigan Ave gave admiring glances. I have 6600 miles on my red A4 cab since 12/02, mostly short hops in the city. No problems with the car at all - fit and finish were as good as my prior new cars, a Nissan 200SX and a Lexus SC300. I would recommend this car without hesitation. I considered the BMW 330i, the MB CLK 320, the Infiniti G35 coupe, and a few otehr import convertibles, and still believe that the A4 is the best combination of style, performance, and value.

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  Your luxury car has arrived - 2007 Audi A8
  By blkhemi - July 14 - 9:12 pm

  This car is what luxury cars are all about. The interior fit/finish is second to no car on earth. The exterior design is flawless, even the grille is growing on me. The incredible power of the W-12 powertrain is nothing short of amazing. The ride and handling balance is perhaps best in class. I absolutely love it.

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  Lovin It! - 2006 Audi A3
  By Chuck - July 14 - 7:24 am

  Were a growing family, had to find a car to replace my old 2 seat Honda del Sol SI. Were a Honda family, and I had my heart set on an 06 Civic SI. But I just couldnt get excited about it after driving. Drove 8 cars back-to- back-- Honda, Volvo, Mercedes, Lexus, Acura, even a Prius, and in the $30k range, the A3 was BY FAR the most spirited drive out there. Its a German car and has its quirks, but for a $5k premium over the Civic SI (with options), this is a *lot* more vehicle. Not too many of them on the road either, and it definitely gets attention. White exterior with Black Open sky roof / Black interior gives a sharp contrast aka some of the Minis....

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  Qauttro all the way - 1998 Audi A4
  By ee54880 - July 11 - 11:33 pm

  I have owned my A4 for 3 years and yes I have replaced a lot of parts, but with some research and a little know how, repair costs are 1/4 of what dealers charge. It handles great, has nice interior and looks great. I will never buy anything but an Audi again period!

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  Audi A4 1.8T does the job - 1999 Audi A4
  By JayDeeHiTop - July 11 - 8:39 pm

  The Audi A4 has been so much fun to drive even though I have only had it for a couple of months. The only thing that is wrong with it is that when it is idling it tends to vibrate a little too much for me. Also the fan for the AC sounds like a vaccum cleaner. Other than those two things, to me, it is a great car!

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  Luxury. Perfomance? - 1994 Audi 100
  By audi4life - July 10 - 12:52 pm

  This is a great car. While it may not jump off the line, it is still fun to drive and is very reliable. I cannot find a nicer looking 12 year old car. My 94 100 cs has every feature imagineable, and for a 94 was well ahead of its time. The fine audi leather blended with rich wood grain trim is luxury at its finest. Complete with a v6, power sunroof, heated front seats, power seats, automatic adjusting power mirrors, electronic temp. display, and nice 16 alloy rims, this is a great car. Performs best on the highway, as the Germans designed it for cruising on the autobahn. Runs just as well at 100 mph as it does at 60 mph.

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  Fantastic Driving Experience - 2001 Audi S8
  By Toni - July 9 - 4:14 am

  I just bought a 2001 S8. Its my first foreign car. I am completely amazed at this cars performance. I have yet to come close to testing its abilities but I thoroughly enjoy blowing away any one that thinks they can outperform me! Complete luxury inside, total power and very understated. Its big inside, took getting used to for a smaller woman.

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  One year later, still going strong - 2006 Audi A3
  By Michael - July 8 - 11:57 am

  I did an Edmunds review on this car, a year ago when I bought it, and I am still very happy. It is reliable, fast, very useful due to its hatch and folding seats and very comfortable and fun to drive. I added 245 size tires which give the car better traction and handling, but do scrape a little at the back, but well worth it. Currently my mileage is 7700 miles (hard driving), and the car was bought in CA, USA. I still think the car is an excellent buy, but time will tell.

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  Best car Ive owned - 2006 Audi A4
  By ViCi - July 7 - 10:40 pm

  This car handles like no other car Ive ever owned. I live in Alaska and Ive driven it 400 miles in a blizzard with no traction problems whatsoever. For that reason alone, this Audi is worth every dollar I paid for it. It will go fast and then it will stop on a dime, even on glare ice. Amazing! The only problem Ive had is that the engine coil was defective and had to be replaced during the first month (um, minor detail). I have read a lot of comments about the parking brake, cupholder, and armrest configuration. For me this has been only a minor inconvenience but it would be nicer not to have to move the armrest. All that notwithstanding, I love this car. It is so much fun to drive!