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 love my Audi - 2001 Audi A8
  By Michael Lawing - April 4 - 11:45 am

  This is a great vehicle for a full size sedan. It has plenty of power and drives like a sports car.

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  Outstanding - 2006 Audi A8
  By jfboca - April 2 - 7:57 pm

  Prior cars include Lexus, BMW and Mercedes. I dont know how I will feel three years from now, but after the first month I am blown away by the quality, style, performance, comfort ane ease of driving this car. The CD changer is in a far away place because the car is so wide and comfortable. Visibility, is a little tighter than what I am used to, but that gives it the style part! If you are considering a sedan in this price range, please do yourself a favor and take a look at the Audi. It opened my eyes, and I feel great about my decision! I look forward to enjoying it some more. JF

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  Quick, Great Handling, and Reliable - 1999 Audi A4
  By raize221 - April 1 - 3:49 pm

  (currently 48000 miles) The car accelerates fast and when the turbo kicks in it takes off, especially above 3500 RPM. I like the gearing (5- spd manual) as first gear is long enough that I usually dont have to shift mid-corner when turning after a stop sign/light. The interrior is comfortable (leather) with many adjustments for seat location and the audio system is well done. The airbag warning light has illuminated twice since I bought it for seemingly no reason, after taking it to a dealer they said nothing was wrong and turned it off, so not a big problem. The car runs great every time I start it and is very reliable. I highly recommend a GIAC ecu flash to improve performance.

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  transmission problem - 2002 Audi A4
  By superman21 - April 1 - 2:00 am

  I bought an Audi A-4 in jan 2002. Just after that the A/C pressure switch went out, I had to get it replaced. Next, the transmission went out. I had to take the car back no less than three times. The dealer replaced the transmission but the car still does not run smooth, the transmission makes a loud sound when I put the car into gear. I guess I will have to take it back again. Also, the brake light went out. I should have bought a mercedes

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  Its a great car! - 2003 Audi A4
  By Harry Whitin - April 1 - 2:00 am

  The A4 is a quick, stable sedan that handles road and weather conditions superbly. Its comfortable, good looking and great fun to drive.

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  Come on now, do your homework. - 2015 Audi A3
  By Bigstepper - March 31 - 11:16 pm

  I researched the A3 and test drove it a handful of times before buying it. What I dont understand, therefore, are reviewers who are critical of the car (or any new car, for that matter) on things that should be obvious. Come on now, before spending your hard earned money, didnt you do your homework? You complain that the seats arent heated, and the GPS is not what you like. Really? I think its one thing to have failed experiences, like poor reliability or gas mileage, but if you wanted certain features, why did you buy the car? That all said, the A3 is a great compact car. I love the look and feel. And features. Follow up: 6+ months/6500 miles: 2015 A3 Cabriolet still looks and runs great. No issues. Had the oil change/5k service done at the dealer. Averaging 34.5 mpg on highway, and 25mpg around town. Nice combination of power, looks and economy for a 4-passenger convertible. The retractable top folds into half of the trunk, allowing you to use the unused space for small luggage, thus making it more practical than a Mazda Miata or hard top cabriolet.

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  Audi Quattro - 2003 Audi A4
  By Matt - March 31 - 7:58 pm

  The vehicle has not given me any problems whatsoever. It starts up immediately and runs like a champ. Fun to drive as well.

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  Very nice - 2005 Audi A6
  By Riz - March 29 - 3:52 pm

  Great car. Handles and drives really well. I went from a 330i to this and am really impressed. Its a lot bigger, but doesnt drive as big.

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  Best in Class - 2006 Audi A6
  By DBG - March 29 - 4:07 am

  I just hit my 1000th mile on my new A6. Being a 6 time former BMW owner, I have to say I am darn happy I chose my A6 vs. the 530 I first test drove. This car is awesome in rain, absolutely gorgeous and quiet inside and drives beautifully. Sure its not quite as tight in at the wheel, in fact, its a bit Lexus like.. requiring nearly no input to drive, however, the comfort, quality of the interior and awesome braking more than make up for it. Also.. it feels like my 02 740 IL inside with massive rear legroom vs. the ever so tight 5 series which was a major factor in this particular decision. The useability of the MMI system/NAV etc.. it the most intuitive of every car Ive driven as well

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  Im converting to Audi for life! - 2006 Audi A3
  By Jason - March 28 - 11:23 am

  This is my first Audi, and I couldnt be happier. The acceleration is amazing (0-60 faster than the Boxster), and the handling is crisp and responsive. The DSG is an engineering marvel as well. This car has opened my eyes to the beauty of Audi, and I will be an Audi loyalist from here on out. This car serves as my daily commuter as well as my weekend joyrider and it fills both roles admirably. The sport program on the automatic is also tons of fun, and useful for showing up coffee can exhaust bumble bees that meet you at red lights...