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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  Great buy! - 2004 Audi A4
  By ddepont - September 20 - 2:00 am

  Sport suspension is a little too hard. Fun to drive!

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  2005 A6 3.2 Q - 2006 Audi A6
  By mwroby - September 19 - 4:56 pm

  Extremely well built and thought out vehicle. The interior is cutting edge, yet refined and clean. The MMI system is extremely intuitive, I learned its operation in a couple hours. Very good power, it will push you back in your seat. I rarely see these vehicles on the road, which is a good thing. Audi is rated 8 out of 37 in quality this year from JD Power and Associates, and I agree.

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  So far, so good - 2002 Audi A4
  By jp834 - September 18 - 10:00 am

  Bought the car in December in Upstate NY, the next day it snowed..The traction control and ESP are awesome. I would have never made it out of the driveway with my old Volkswagen. I only have a couple complaints. The lack of horsepower (for those with new A4s the HP improves after about 3000 miles) We need the 4.2!!. Not enough leg room on the right side for a tall driver, significant brake fade under hard braking conditions, heavy and cumbersome in hard corners, but, Im in love with it anyway!! Cant wait for the new S4.

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  Most enjoyable ride ever... - 2005 Audi A4
  By zerofish - September 17 - 5:02 am

  After much research and test drives, I purchased my A4 Cab. It fits me , its fun, it has great style, is fast enough to get into trouble, and better than my 4-runner in snow. I had heard rumors of poor service and maintnence troubles. No frets and regrets.

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  GREAT CAR ! - 2005 Audi S4
  By SERGIO - September 16 - 4:08 pm

  Great car, a blast to drive, fit and finish superb. Amazing fuel economy for a v8. will satisfy anyone. AWD is extremely helpful.

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  Amazing - 2018 Audi S4
  By K Rein - September 16 - 9:23 am

  I purchased the S4 a couple months ago after researching many other similar vehicles, to include BMW and MB. I came from a 2011 Infinite G37X and while I loved that car, you really cannot compare the two. The Audi is simply the best vehicle I have ever driven. My S4 has the Napa leather package and the S Sport package which I highly recommend. This car handles amazing, it actually feels like there is someone sitting behind me steering my rear wheels while taking turns or curves at a higher speed. The six piston brakes are awesome also. Anyone who nit picks the steering, suspension, brakes, transmission or anything else on this car is being ridiculous. This car is solid all the way around and this review is coming from your everyday guy. There is nothing I dont love about this car, I look forward to getting into it everyday. Lastly for you audio enthusiasts, the Bang & Olufsen stereo is also amazing. The louder you play it the better it gets. I hope this review helps you when you are trying to make your decision.

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  A6 review - 2006 Audi A6
  By PA guy - September 15 - 10:02 pm

  My second A6. Mix of great things and some annoyances. Biggest issue is steering wheel which doesnt align straight when car is going straight. Not fixable because of the design and quite irritating when driving. Lower drivers seat cushion doesnt move much so for some average size folks not a comfortable position. Also the impeccable interior design of the last generation A6 design drops with absence of single CD capability, usable second cup holder and airbag and door lock lights that are very bright. Goodies two: Navigation is very easy. Automatic electronic key is far nicer than you would guess. Great trunk with quality folding seats.

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  Beautiful car not worth your time - 2003 Audi A4
  By MikeandMel - September 15 - 2:40 pm

  This is one georgeous car. When it runs, its great. But as the miles add up, flaws start to add up one after another. At 50000 miles, I was told there was an oil leak (no visible drips under the car). The warranty fixed it. Then, my FM radio reception died unless I was within 15 miles of the station (previously the reception was MUCH better). Just prior to the 60000 mile service, the engine quit. Thought it was electrical. It was actually a broken cam shaft! All freeway driving, I baby this thing. Average 36 MPG. How can I break a cam shaft? Dealer says everything looks fine, not abused. Poor manufacturing in my opinion. Looking at a $4000+ bill to get it fixed. Not my idea of reliability.

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  Substance and Style - 2004 Audi A4
  By M B - September 15 - 10:00 am

  I was skeptical that spending more money provided you more substance. The new A4 Cab. I purchased has changed my mind. I purchased the car with the 3L-AWD. The ride and handling are exceptional. The car is quiet and comfortable. I previously owned Subaru Legacy with AWD and an Alfa Romeo convertible. This car blends the best of both these autos. It has the precision, comfort, and style of the Alfa with the common sense of the Subaru AWD.

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  Audis the new standard! - 2004 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By Ardriver - September 14 - 2:00 am

  After driving large American SUVs for 15 years, I thought Id try something different. WOW! Fit, Finish, Power, Handleing, Acceleration AND AWD? what a package...