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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  Audi TT - still the best - 2000 Audi TT
  By jaz50y - July 18 - 2:00 am

  As one of the earliest TTs, had some recalls and small failures, like window motors and cd changer, but all repairs have resulted in no follow-up problems. Still the best looking car on the road, still smells new inside, still a pleasure all the way around.

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  Awsome car - 2004 Audi A8
  By Yaudi - July 18 - 2:00 am

  This is the best car i ever had!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  Bang for the buck! - 2009 Audi A4
  By MrJimmy - July 17 - 11:50 am

  Great car for the money. Just bought this car for my wife, looked at BMW X6 - seats only 4? 3 series SUV I wasnt impressed with, I drive a 335i and we needed a winter car. Front end, very aggressive styling and they did a better job with the back end too. Enough for 5 people, dogs and luggage.

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  This car is the best car ever!!! - 2004 Audi A8
  By Merita - July 16 - 2:00 am

  i like this car very much

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  Audi A4 1.8T 1997 - 1997 Audi A4
  By Tomex - July 15 - 2:00 am

  It was love at first sight and I have never lost my desire to get in and just drive. The A4 has proven to be comfortable in all aspects of seating and visual line of sight as a driver. The car is aggressive in corners and commands the roads in all possible conditions. Even with this small turbo engine, acceleration is quick and prompt. No wondering when the power will become available as you step down on the peddle. As far as mechanical issues, none. After seven years I just did the brakes for the first time. Finally, the car is a 1997, and the sytling still turns heads and warm smiles of respect.

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  The best of the competition - 2004 Audi A8
  By louABS - July 15 - 2:00 am

  Nearly perfect in every way.

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  audi a6 - 2003 Audi A6
  By tonycolorado - July 14 - 2:00 am

  I had a Volvo S70 before I got my A6 and thiers no comparison. I live in Colorado and the Quatro is fantastic in the snow and for all around driving.

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  Incredible! - 2002 Audi A4
  By Cory949 - July 14 - 2:00 am

  WHAT a car! Much more than I expected. Quattro is amazing and the interior puts the other German makes to shame. Audi is truly the benchmark of German automobiles. Power is smooth and even, brakes strong, fuel mileage very good. The difference between the A4 and the BMW 325 is night and day, with the Audi taking honors.

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  Audi Q-5 SUV - 2016 Audi Q5
  By Steve - July 13 - 6:19 am

  The Q5 is a solid performer in the SUV luxury class. I am a full size guy- 6 feet and 222 lbs and it is very comfortable to drive. Handles well. Excellent sound system. Nav ststem needs to be updated and was in the 2017 model Q7. The version I have is very quirky to use and the female voice sounds like an 80 year old woman ( no disrespect intended). Excellent trunk space and seats go down easily. Other than Nav system the technology is very good.

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  A Great Package - 2002 Audi A4
  By brett - July 12 - 5:30 am

  This car is extremely capable. It looks good and feels great. Its handling is tight. Its power is good but, with a 2.7T, it could raise the drivers response from "fun" to "overwhelming." The seats are comfortable, and highly adjustable. The Bose radio upgrade is spectacular. At its price point, the 1.8Ts appearance, comfort, handling, and finish make this car tough to beat.