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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  audia8 - 2005 Audi A8
  By audia8 - July 2 - 11:40 am

  An all round excellent vehicle. All the safety & comfort features you could want built into a performance vehicle. Quality craftsmanship & outstanding audi services. If youre looking for the safety & comfort of an S-class, but want the performance of a 700 series, then your only choice is an A8.

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  Love My A4 - 2003 Audi A4
  By redapple - July 2 - 2:00 am

  My Audi is my baby. I love driving it. Its fit and finish is awesome. For the price the quality cant be beat. I recommend it to anyone considering a BMW of Mercedes. Ive owned a BMW and my Audi is much more versital for a lot less money.

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  Get the extended warranty - 2002 Audi TT
  By Cyan - June 29 - 11:28 pm

  I have had many small problems. Some of which Ive had fixed by Audi service only to have the problem come back. Never left me stranded or embarrassed. I get lots of looks, kind of a funny sounding wimpy idle. Handles like its on rails but could use a little more power. Tons of space for a small car. Its my work truck, I have seriously fit a 32"X80" door into it just fine. Half dozen 2X4s no problem. Can get 7 5-gallon buckets and my tools.

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  1997 Audi A6 Review - 1997 Audi A6
  By Al Strohmaier - June 29 - 3:17 pm

  This has been the best car I have ever owned. I live in NE Ohio in "snow belt" country, and the A6 eats snow and ice and slush as well as my F-250 4x4. I dont get tired driving it, whether its my short commute or occasional multi-hour trip. Great ergonomics. Im a car nut, and every time I think about buying a new car I hold it up to the A6 for comparability. Most are found wanting. New Audis arent cheap, but my experience with the car makes me want to look at low-mileaged used A6s for $27k rather than purchase a new Honda Accord or Toyota Camry with a lot of their bells and whistles.

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  Looks great on the flatbed. - 2001 Audi TT
  By TTerrible - June 29 - 2:56 pm

  Problems too numerous to list but Audi 1.8T motors have well known timing belt failure issues that cause major engine damage. Failure typically occurs well before 90,000 service interval. research A4 class action lawsuit. Expensive to buy, insure, maintain and, most of all, repair. Too many computer chips and sensors that fail regularly. I have been left stranded on the roadside twice in 6 months by serious mechanical failures that were expensive to repair. Dont buy one as a primary vehicle. Definitely dont buy one used. Better yet, dont buy one at all. I have owned mine for two years and it has had 5 or 6 significant repairs that required me to drive a loaner or rental car for a few days

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  Weeeehooooooo!!! - 2006 Audi A3
  By stevesd - June 28 - 11:25 pm

  Nothing compares to my A3! What a personality it has!!! Its sexy looking, quick and heaps of fun to drive. There are not many on the road and people constantly stop and ask about the car... WARNING: Watch the pedal because you will be doing 85pmh and not even realize it... :)

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  The SUV to DRIVE!! - 2007 Audi Q7
  By Michael - June 28 - 10:53 pm

  The Audi Q7 4.2 is a drivers car. It feels just like an Audi sedan. The power is impressive as well as the fit and finish. Dont expect too much in the way of mileage, but with an SUV what do you expect. The car is heavy but feels really light and nimble. Its exceeded all my expectations.

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  Love our A4 - 2006 Audi A4
  By Tony - June 28 - 7:06 pm

  I got an A4 2.0T with a premium package in Red for my wife in March 06 as a replacement for her 93 Ford Escort which she loved and hated to give up. However, after a week in the A4 she stopped talking about her Ford. Her only problem with the car is getting me out of it so she can drive it. The dealer was excellent and I’m bringing it in for the first 5,000 service. This was our first Audi, but will not be our last.

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  Awesome Car - 2006 Audi A4
  By dentite - June 27 - 11:31 pm

  I initially was in the market for a camry or TSX, but went to the Audi dealer on a whim. I love the way the car handles and the steering feel. It truly is a speed sensitive steering, unlike the BMW3, and easy to manuever. Great car for people of all ages. The car is a great blend of luxury and sportiness. Cannot express how much I love the steering wheel and steering ease in the parking lot. I drive a lot in stop and go traffic and the car handles flawlessly. I live in the harsh midwestern climate, and the quatrro definitely is fully utilized. Love my car, Attention Audi board/exec members, if you are reading this, please do not change the steering ease/speed senstive wheel.

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  Great Car - 2006 Audi A4
  By Lou - June 27 - 10:21 pm

  I have always wanted an Audi and now I finally have one. And, so far it has not been a disappointment. For the last 12 years, I have driven only Acura Integras and RSXs. So, it was time for a change. Of course, it has only been a month but everything about the car says "cool car". And while I really do not care what others think, it is nice to hear people say lots of nice things about it.