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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  lil woody on rails - 2005 Audi S4
  By Bobert - November 4 - 2:48 am

  This car rips! After one year, have not found handling limits yet. V8 not torquey in muscle car style but really screams towards redline. Throw your bike or skis in the back and go carve up (and down) a canyon. Bose stereo took quite a while to break in but worth the wait. Where else can you get this level of performance and a stick w this level of practicality?

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  One great Audi! - 2002 Audi S4
  By EL - November 2 - 11:52 pm

  This is an all around great car. Its an absolute blast to drive, and you can blow away most cars youll encouter at the red light on your way home from the grocery store. Plus, its just a little bit different, which is always good.

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  Great car - 2006 Audi A6
  By Hogendoorn - November 2 - 12:30 pm

  It drives like it is on rails, it is like the car is focused on the road. I never had a 4 wheel drive, that may have something to do with the fantastic driving experience. I have only driven about 4000 miles so I cant say how the reliability will be but sofar nothing is wrong or negative. My previous car was a Lexus LS400, but you cannot compare that one with the new Audi A6, I thought I would do a step back, instead it is a jump forward.

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  Major repair every 4 months - 2001 Audi TT
  By stan - November 2 - 1:29 am

  A very comfortable and fun car to drive, but the most unreliable car Ive owned since the 48 Dodge pickup that I bought for $50 in 1973. A lot of the problems were with the turbo system, but also had both cooling fans, catalytic converter, wiring harness in door, instrument cluster, fuel sensors in tank all replaced before the car had 50,000 miles. I purchased this car new and it was never wrecked.

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  Audi A4 Premium Plus AWD - 2015 Audi A4
  By PMP - November 1 - 7:38 pm

  Could not justify buying this car new but found a certified pre-owned with low miles and in great condition $20K under the sticker price of a 2018. Overall great

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  Nearly Flawless Vehicle - 2004 Audi A4
  By Norcal42o - November 1 - 2:00 am

  I am a college student and this car is perfect. It gets amazing gas mileage, it is quick yet has some give between pushing the pedal and actually being slammed into your seats. The car handles turns amazingly, but then again my audi has quattro on it. I could not be happier with my car and I am 100% positive that my next car with be an Audi.

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  Simply the finest car on the road - 2006 Audi S4
  By S4Ken - October 31 - 5:44 pm

  I dont care what anybody says, Audi has blown away MBZ and BMW in the worst way with this car. There is nothing this car cannot do... I can go in the snow without chains, but smoke Mustang Cobras all day long at the same time. Mileage is poor, but if you are worried about MPG, you have no business owning a car of this caliber. This is my 3rd Audi, and definately not my last. I have owned MBZs, Lexus, and had much experience with Beemers, but this car embarrasses them.

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  Instant Fun.......Just Add Me! - 2005 Audi S4
  By PsyMD - October 31 - 10:53 am

  I bought this vehicle new as an 05 leftover. I can truly say this is the most fun car Ive ever driven. I never thought anything on four wheels could be more fun than my 99 Prelude, but this is like a Prelude on steroids! I love the slightly lower- key styling (no fins, spoilers, etc.) and the aural excitement from that V- 8. Handling and performance are both superb. Ive seen many mentions of this cars low gas mileage, but Ive been averaging about 23-24 mpg. The main downside so far is that the generally beat-up streets of Baltimore City are eating my tires at an insane rate (not really a fault of the vehicle, though). For a car this spirited and fun, however, its worth it!

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  WOW Allroad - 2001 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By MR t - October 31 - 10:00 am

  Wow what an amazing car! My Allroad has brought me only good things. Its power looks and (hustler) biturbo just makes me smile. I think no other car ive owned (ML430,Acura MDX-never buy and Lexus RX300 has made me happier. It handles like a charm, looks like a doll and out runs most sports cars, with help from my Audi tunning chip(300hp+. I strongly reccomend this car to everyone!

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  Disappointing - 2003 Audi A4
  By LA Driver - October 30 - 11:30 pm

  After great initial enthusiasm for this car I have become very disillusioned. I have had ignition coils replaced twice (once stranding me 400 miles from home), more flat tires than ever in my life, squeeks and rattles, seatbelts that get wet when it rains, on and on. I love this car, but I cant afford to keep it now that the warranty has expired. Its cost me $2000 in the last two months in repairs. Its great to drive, but too unpredictable to enjoy all of its wonderful features.