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 Car! - 2006 Audi A3
  By Paul - June 26 - 5:14 pm

  I was looking for a car good for a small family, 25+mpg, and fun to drive. The A3 is a perfect fit. Ive only had it for 250 miles but completely love it so far. It was tough to get the exact one I wanted and had to include XM radio. This is my first Audi and was nervous about going non-Japanese, but it felt so great to drive. MPGs are not quite what they say. I have the black leather interior and everyone comments on how great it looks. Also seen comments about the sunroof letting light in when closed but the glass is really tinted so I havent noticed much heating effect. I think the ventilation system is also really great and intuitive vs other cars.

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  Awesome Last Minute Switch from 530XI - 2006 Audi S4
  By Ron - June 25 - 7:53 pm

  I spent 6 months looking for an AWD Sport Sedan (live in NE, lots of snow and hills). Really didnt love any of them. Finally decided on BMW530XI over InfinitiM35X and LexusGS300. Went to buy 530XI and saw this at the dealer. One drive and I was sold. The car has the excitement that all the others are lacking. Acceleration, cornering, grip, etc... without the "ego" factor - understated "stealth". And the interior is much more functional than the BMW. Electronics (NAV, SAT Radio) work flawlessly! Recaro seats are perfect for a comfortable, but aggressive drive. This car competes as a realistic option for more than just the M3 it is usually compared with. I couldnt be more pleased!

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  Audi All the Way!! - 2006 Audi A3
  By Zodiac3 - June 25 - 2:22 am

  Researched the car for over a year and finally test drove an A3 among other brands: BMW, Volvo, and Acura. A3 won me over mainly for its fuel economy and the performance - TURBO. A very capable "sportswagon". Most of my friends couldnt believe how well handled the car is on the road - mine comes with the sports option. The AudiConcert sound system is quite good. I cant wait to take this car along the Coastal Hi-Way in Calif. Nice work, Audi!

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  Excellent audi A4 - 2006 Audi A4
  By alex abela - June 24 - 1:19 am

  This is a great driving car for a 2.0 litre turbo vehicle. I have an all road as well and both drive differently. The A4 S line drives like a sports car. After 2500 miles the car seems to get faster and more agile with every turn. I do get a lot of looks from audi owners because of the S line which makes it look like an S4.

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  911 Beater - 2004 Audi S4
  By audi4ever - June 23 - 10:37 pm

  This is one sensational automobile. Leased S4 automatic from local dealer in October 2004 and have been smiling ever since. The performance and handling are superb very close to my 2004 Porsche 911 C2 in terms of fun to drive quotient over windy, country roads. My spouse, who wanted an A6, uses the S4 to commute and loves its size and superior handling and power. The suspension is compliant/ A true sports sedan! Super in winter with a set of 4 snow tires. Downside: fuel economy is atrocious - under 15 mpg around town. But when lease expires in April 07, we have already decided to get another. Love Audis bumper to bumper warranty and service from local dealer.

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  Love at first drive - 2000 Audi A8
  By doc - June 22 - 12:40 am

  What an awesome car. After owning an Audi 5000, I never expected to buy another Audi, but renting an A4 in Europe convinced me that Audi has come a long way. The first thing that attracted me to the A8 was the superbly understated styling. Once I drove it I was hooked! It is the finest car I have ever driven. It is luxurious in a subtle way which perfectly suits my style. I like that it is relatively scarce, but surprised it isnt a bigger seller. I especially like the light agile but confident feeling I get from this aluminum bodied all wheel driver.

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  A4 2.0T 6SpMan - Best in class - 2006 Audi A4
  By Danno - June 21 - 3:04 pm

  Had a 2001 A4 1.8T Quattro recently upgrade to 06 A4 2.0T Quattro S-line with manual 6spd tranny. Awesome car, fantastic handling and ride control. Try driving with the ESP off - it puts the cars outer limits back in your control.

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  Best Car Ive Ever Owned - 2002 Audi A4
  By Aviator - June 19 - 6:30 pm

  This car rocks! Handling, performance, utility, it has it all. 3.0 is much better than the 1.8 turbo with lag oplenty. The A4 Avant is stylish and very well built, and Audi as a company does it right. Their maintenance program and professionals are top notch. Car is very high tech. They can program desired functionality within minutes at service, like auto door locking, windows pan-tilt when in reverse, etc. Love the memory seats and mirrors and dual climate control with heated seats.

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  My 3.2 Avant - 2006 Audi A4
  By Sergio - June 18 - 10:20 pm

  The Avant A4 3.2 "S" Line looks like a normal wagon but it handles like a sports car, specially on a rainy day, it becomes another car with the traction control and Quattro (AWD) makes you feel secure.

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  Head Turner - 2002 Audi A4
  By mikey - June 16 - 9:42 pm

  Excellent vehicle, fun to drive and you are guaranteed to turn heads. Get a warranty, bought it used and it was over the 50,000 mark, expensive to fix (2000 for a clutch). I would buy another a4 in a heartbeat.