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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  Love it! - 2003 Audi A4
  By jae - January 18 - 10:00 am

  Superb handling, and incredibly sure- footed thanks to quattro AWD. Suspension offers a great balance compromise between comfort and handling. 3.0 engine is smooth and powerful. Interior is stunning. All in all, a joy to drive.

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  Be still my beating heart! - 2017 Audi A4
  By AudiConvert - January 17 - 5:56 am

  After owning 3 Acuras in the past 12+ years, Ive now had my 2017 A4 Premium Plus for about a month now. The shifter is confusing but this car is such a dream to drive, Im long past it. So far, with 2K miles on the car, my long term average is over 32 MPG. Put this baby into sport mode and the 7 speed automated manual transmission will put a smile of your face every time! The sound system is amazing and the cockpit is whisper quiet. The virtual cockpit makes this one of the coolest, most advanced interiors on the market This is my first 4 cyl car in a long time and Im completely impressed! I drove every competitor before choosing this and nothing could compare. I have absolutely nothing but great things to say about this beauty.

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  German Dependability and ingenuity - 2002 Audi A4
  By sarah - January 15 - 7:40 pm

  This car has been a joy to own. The four years/50,000 mile warrenty has been a blessing. The car is a joy to drive.

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  10,000 miles later - 2005 Audi A6
  By JRamieri - January 15 - 4:06 pm

  I look for reasons to drive. This is the first sedan Ive owned in 12 years always having driven SUVs during that period. My previous was the Infiniti FX 45 AWD. This car is quick, comfortable, civilized and elegant. Excellent handing and very good in the snow. The trans is smooth as silk. Fit and finish are top notch.

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  Best Cabriolet Ever Driven or Made - 2003 Audi A4
  By GR8TA4 - January 15 - 3:09 pm

  This cabriolet with the 3.0L power plant and the awesome handling of the Audi suspension and body design has been very impressive. We have driven a lot of highway miles on it and find it to be comfortable at the end of a 700 mile day, quite a statement for a sports rated vehicle and unlike any that we have had before. If you buy one beware it is addictive. If you have one you already know.

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  car - 2006 Audi A6
  By deb - January 15 - 2:21 pm

  Never thought Id EVER drive a wagon again once the kids were grown. But this is easier to manuever than an SUV. It is really a great, responsive vehicle! I wish the cupholders were better positioned and without that rubber piece that keeps your cup stuck in the holder. The rear view mirror can be really tricky to put back on if it comes off (as ours did). The navigation system is great we have a BMW also and this navigation system is FAR superior to that!

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  AMAZING!!!!! - 2000 Audi S4
  By burningrubber - January 15 - 3:06 am

  The Audi S4 is about the most amazing vehicle that I have ever driven. This completely outdoes any corvette. I just drove the new C6 and my S4 is faster and more fun to drive, and much more of an everyday car!! I give it hands down to Audi for their amazing technology and design.

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  great car, not as good as the old one - 2006 Audi S4
  By marc - January 13 - 3:25 pm

  I have owned my 05 S4 of one year and 15000 miles. I still dont like it as much as my old 00 model with the bi- turbo. If I had never driven that, Id be in love with this. This is a great car for sure, but the 00 was better. Faster, tighter, more torque. This car loves gas, and at $2.60 a gallon, loves alot of it. The 00 was more economical too. The heating and ac in this 05 cant be adjusted right. You either freeze of die from heat. The dealer says its a new system-I like the old one better! Oh well only 2 years more on my lease.

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  Should the flagship retire? - 2001 Audi A8
  By Chris - January 13 - 12:59 am

  Vehicle has been a constant source of satisfaction from design and function point of view. Quattro is to die for when you live on top of a mountain in NE. Car gets many looks. Classy, understated but luxurious, especially with rear and side shades up. Formula shifting and 310 HP makes it a L&P vehicle. Too bad Audi cant engineer a car thats not in for repairs as often as its being enjoyed.

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  Debadged sleeper - 2016 Audi SQ5
  By Quattro - January 12 - 3:59 am

  Can be driven quiet, smooth and refined or turn up the performance and still keep the smooth and refined ride but with an amazing soundtrack. So much more fun than a Macan, save the $$, express some individuality and retain some credibility. Its the thinkers choice.