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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  I Cant Wait to Drive My S4 - 2004 Audi S4
  By FastS - June 3 - 8:58 pm

  Ive never owned a car where I actually looked forward to driving it. This S4 has changed that. Driving it is truly enjoyable. The Recaro seats keep you firmly in place. I know there are faster cars and better handling but the overall experience in the S4 is one of the best.

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  So long BMW!!! - 2005 Audi A6
  By Hawaii Driver - June 2 - 5:59 pm

  After driving 8 BMWs in my life, I finally had to admit that the 5 series interior is just getting too cramped for 4 people to ride in comfortably. I looked at the A6 and was SO impressed with the handling, the fit and finish and the power that I never even went back to the BMW dealer. I DID compare the car with the Lexus GS, but the road feel of the Lexus doesnt come close to that of the Audi. This car rocks!

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  Distinguished - 2017 Audi A4
  By Robert From Boston - June 2 - 4:47 pm

  The new A4 is not flashy. But it is luxurious and competent. Steering is precise, braking excellent, and power is more than sufficient. The car is a joy to drive - quiet and comfortable.

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  FUN!! - 2006 Audi A3
  By billsyn - June 1 - 8:50 pm

  What a dandy little car. 2.0L with DSG tranny makes for a potent powerplant in this sports wagon(?). Much versatility, fuel efficient, comfortable, agile... just a blast to drive. Get one, if it has enough room for how you intend to use it.

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  Awesome Audi - 2006 Audi A4
  By nick - June 1 - 3:30 pm

  I have had my 06 A4 3.2 Quattro for a month and have a little over 1300 miles. The car is absolutely a blast to drive. Quiet, powerful, and smooth. Handling is predictable and confidence inspiring. The overall workmanship is top notch. The exterior styling is both classy and sporty. The interior is typically Audi - the best in the industry. The car exudes quality and solidity. It is worth every penny.

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  Audi A6 - 2006 Audi A6
  By B - June 1 - 1:25 pm

  Having previously owned a Mercedes E55 I was skeptical when it came to acquiring an A6. So far it has met all my expectations and then some. Build quality and interior design are first rate. MMI easy to use. Great stereo and nav. Highly reccomend this as an excellent value for the money .

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  No comparison - 2002 Audi A4
  By jackalope - June 1 - 10:00 am

  This has got to be the best car I have ever owned. Had it one week and Ive already have 1200 miles on it. Ive been looking for excuses to drive anywhere and everywhere. Smooth, crisp handling and everything just fits right.

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  Best of the Best - 2002 Audi A4
  By Tzar - June 1 - 10:00 am

  Ive been owning BMW 328I for 5 years now and we wanted to buy a sports wagon. Choices were: BMW 325 or Audi A4. A4 is better value. Styling is perfect, driving a car is pleasant. Car handles as it should be for a German automobile. Very satisfied with A4 Avant. Well see how the quality of the car turn up in the next 5 years or more.

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  A8 in north palm beach - 2001 Audi A8
  By anthony simpson - May 31 - 4:43 pm

  I purchased an A8L and I am very pleased. You never see a lot of A8 s on the road so your A8 stands out at being different. The cabin is so quiet that when you go through the brushless car wash and the dryers turn on you hear the fan motors instead of the wind noise.I sold a Porsche 911 for the A8 and I am very surprised with the performance. The off the line acceleration is very quick and smooth as it holds you back in the seat through all of the gears. My buddies have 745s, and Lexus 430s and they prefer to take the A8 the very few times we get together. Last but not least the build quality is Impressive because the car is all aluminium and straight as a arrow, seams, and door jams.

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  An overlooked vehicle - 2006 Audi A3
  By Blake - May 30 - 2:58 pm

  Having owned an A4 1.8T previously, Ive had first hand experience with the Audi product. The 2.0T is a huge improvement over the already great 1.8T and the DSG transmission is a blast to drive. The tight handling and fun to drive factor have made me forget about many of the luxury items I became used to in the A4, including Quattro. My A3 is the best car Ive ever owned.