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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  Quality made in germany - 2015 Audi A3
  By Marc - August 8 - 4:16 am

  Nice car with excellent quality and low gas consumption.

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  good - 2004 Audi A4
  By bigcoolalberto - August 8 - 2:00 am

  this is the best car ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  1.8T 6m - 2004 Audi A4
  By Dabney - August 8 - 2:00 am

  I have had my A4 for a month now. Nad have about 2k miles on it. I got it for 3 reasons. Gas mileage, 4wd, and i need a sedan for the family. I love this car, one of the most fun sedan s i have ever drove. Vehicals i looked at new TL, 330, and is300. This being the th slowest vehical of the 4 i normaly wouldnt have picked it. But i couldnt help myself. I just love this car. And the all wheel drive is great.

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  So little to criticize so much to like - 2004 Audi A4
  By jnick - August 8 - 2:00 am

  All aspects - the tight engineering and design, the smart use of turbo in a 4 cyliner - add up to just a great purchase. One little complaint? The standard sound system is tinny at low decibels... of course easily cured by turning up the volume.

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  AWESOME CAR! nothing like it on the road - 2004 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By joedepaul - August 7 - 9:00 pm

  Got over 100K miles and drives better than great. Recently forked over a grand to get belts and pump changed as is routine for a vehicle with these many miles. Worth every penny for peace of mind. I cant say enough about the styling. Theres no other car out there in this class, new or old, that looks this good. You would think the interior would be dated but looks better than a lot of the newer luxury brands out there. The car looks great both inside and out! Quality superb! Driving dynamics and performance will keep pace with a brand new german or japanese sports sedan any day of the week. \And I have never, NEVER EVER driven a better car or SUV in the snow! AWESOME CAR!

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  Best of Luxury - 2006 Audi A8
  By William - August 7 - 6:13 pm

  Traded 2004 A8L on 2006 and really like the new features added. New front end look is great. Car is solid, quiet and fun to drive. Mileage is great for a big car.

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  Good Car, Bad Service - 1998 Audi A4
  By Neveragain - August 7 - 10:00 am

  Good car and good company until my servicing dealership performed unauthorized work on my vehicle. Audi customer service claimed there was nothing they could do and I would have to take it up with the dealership. On top of that, they didnt even do the service correctly. They aligned my car and claimed it was perfectly straight with the steering wheel cocked to the left. They requested I take it to another shop and if they think the steering wheel isnt straight, then they will fix it. It took them three visit and three weeks without my car and my wheel is still off center. Believe it or not, the car was in better condition before I dropped it off at the dealership.

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  INCREDIBLE, AWESOME AND TOTAL FUN - 2005 Audi S4
  By Garner Bennett - August 7 - 12:11 am

  As a former BMW owner of a 3, 5, and 7 series over the years I approached Audi with caution and curiosity. The moment I drove the 2005 S4 I was hooked! The handling, power, style and sheer performance surpassed all other cars Ive owned. As a Realtor and need for a larger car the small size of the S4 is a compromise, but very much worth it in all respects. I now enjoy the hours I spend in my car! Dont think twice... buy this car and youll never regret it!

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  Some Good Things, Some Bad Things - 1998 Audi A4
  By Robert - August 6 - 2:26 pm

  It is expensive to fix, unless you are a DIY or can find a good mechanic who knows these cars. Do not bring back to the dealer, esp. if its used. Some issues with control arm and tie rods, but I put lots of miles on it. The digital readouts sometimes do not work well, esp. if there is significant climate change (I live in New England where it can change by 30 degrees in a day.) A/C is crisp and good, Engine is sound, body is excellent and resists salt erosion and wear, mechanically there are some issues esp over pothole roads. It is fast and nimble car, no back seat leg room.

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  needs better attention to details - 2005 Audi A6
  By don - August 5 - 10:15 am

  This is really a great car spoiled by a few problems, the throttle response in stop and go traffic is horrible, the brakes grab and the car has more rattles than a baby. On the plus side a great ride with outstanding fuel economy. I purchased a fully loaded 6 rather than the 8 with fewer options and 6 is just fine. Overall the execution is ok, however for the money the E320 is the better option as Audi missed a few easy to fix issues