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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  Always in the shop - 1998 Audi A4
  By Jason - May 28 - 8:56 pm

  I have had my Audi A4 for about 6 years. I bought it used in 2000. The car is not bad, but it always has something wrong with it. I have had the Air Bag light come on about 3 times. The Check Engine light comes on a lot, too. The Turbo burned up once. The car has had many problems with the electrical system. I just cant afford to drive the car, since things are always going wrong with it.

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  My first car ... - 2006 Audi A3
  By Kiran - May 28 - 7:43 pm

  Its my first new car. Premier package with Opensky. I am driving a car again after two and half years break and am still getting used to it. Mileage is as expected. Acceleration and handling feel great but sometimes it doesnt seem to respond as well to gas pedal. I dont know if it is my driving. The front sunshade latch on the Opensky broke after 5-6 times of use. The dealership admitted that they have been getting lot of complaints about that latch. The screws attached to the net/hook in the cargo area are really loose. I also occasionally hear some rattles from behind. It is the first production apparently. Otherwise, the storage space seems to justify why I preferred this to A4 sedan.

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  Feel of luxury for a great price - 2006 Audi A3
  By Marcie - May 28 - 2:08 am

  Never thought I would own a brand new Audi, but from the minute I saw this car I new I had to have it! The price with some luxury options was reasonable considering the happiness I feel driving it. The paddles are fun, the seats are comfy, the open sky is beautiful and it is so peppy..getting by the trucks on the highway is a breeze. Had some minor problem with the keys bu the dealer to care of it. Have 15000 miles on it already and the car is running beautifully. Best bet for an entry luxury car...has the look of its higher priced brothers and sisters and a top notch engine and interior design.

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  Love it - 2003 Audi A4
  By jsbennettii - May 26 - 2:17 pm

  I bought this car for my wife and an S6 Avant for myself. Both are great cars. I have driven 8 Mercedes cars in the 20 years prior and now you couldnt get me to buy one if they went on sale for 25% off. I only wish I had waited and gotten quattro in the A4 Cabriolet. It was not offered at the time I purchased the 03. Also...I would have been happy with the later issued A 4S Cab. My S 6 Avant has spoiled me. I cant wait to buy my next one...and think I may get an A3 for my sons college graduation. Audi rocks

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  Like a Rock ! - 2003 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By cyberallroad - May 26 - 10:00 am

  By far, this is the most comfortable car I have driven for long trips. The ride is just soo much better than the BMW 3 series. The cargo space is much bigger than other SUVs and wagons. The powerful bi-turbo engine is a sheer delight. The AWD system, safety features, curtain airbags, and Onstar service makes me safer on trips.

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  Not a Soccer Mom Car - 2003 Audi A4
  By saabconv - May 26 - 10:00 am

  Having no children, not wanting a mini- van or an SUV, but needing the space I decided on the A4 Avant 3.0. The car doesnt look like a station wagon, I get compliments from everyone, it rides great in the rain and over wet leaves, it feels like a bigger car, fun to drive, couldnt ask for more....

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  Fast, but Open-Sky is cheap quality - 2006 Audi A3
  By DKAM - May 24 - 2:42 pm

  Initially happy with the power and interior quality. A little turbo lag, especially in 1st gear. Quattro should be available with the manual transmission. I had to go for front-wheel drive to get M.T. which feels inferior to rear-drive cars like 325ci. Car is fast and nimble, but nowhere near that of the 3-series (2003 for comparison). The interior sunshade for Open-Sky system is cheap looking and feeling. The latches are breaking (common problem). This is an Audi luxury brand car and should not have such cheap parts. The rest of the interior is of good quality and presentation, though.

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  60000 Mile failure - 2001 Audi A4
  By SBrown - May 23 - 11:46 am

  I love the driving experience of the A4. The handling is phenomenal and the comfort is excellent. Not to mention the heads that turn when Im going down the road. The only issue was that after 2 months the engine failed and has to be replaced. It had only 60,000 miles on it. I would not wish a 1.8T engine on my worst enemy. Nor would I ever puchase another Audi.

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  10 year old car feels like New - 1997 Audi A4
  By stick - May 22 - 11:03 am

  I have 150k and it really does feel like a new A4. The Quattro is a must for MN winters. The interior layout is perfect in the front. The rear is very tight. The repairs are expensive, but you can buy parts online and you really can do it your self. Its easier than my Jeep to work on. Ive done brakes, wheel bearings, and plugs. When you find one you like, call the local Audi dealers with the VIN to see if they have serviced it. They will tell you everything that has been done. The back of the owners manual has space for service stations to stamp. If you want to upgrade the motor in any way, dont get the 12valve V6! Their is NOTHING available. Go for the turbo. The V6 is more dependable

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  Can Handle all Kinds of Weather - 2016 Audi A6
  By N Whyte - May 20 - 10:30 pm

  First thing my wife said as we were driving in a rain storm, WOW this car handles the bad weather great. It just does everything well and with ease, you will notice how well everything in the Audis function when you get into another car. I am surprised at the gas mileage, 32 on a 25 mile commute to work every day on a mix of highway and 2 lane hilly roads. Acceleration is great, friends shocked when I floor it. My second Audi, will be more....