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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  2017 a4 prestige - 2017 Audi A4
  By Hells - December 10 - 10:33 am

  I have always been interested in owning an A4. The new 2017 A4 prestige meets my vehicle requirements at this time. It is sporty, fun to drive, packed with safety features and looks great! My A4 has the head up display, sport, technology, and warm and cold weather package. The interior is trimmed with burl wood and the door exit lighting includes the Audi beam ring projectors. The virtual cockpit is awesome!!!!! It consists of google maps and google earth. Gas mileage is very good. Audi packed a lot of technology into the 2017 A4.

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  This is a very nice car - 2003 Audi A4
  By waiting4thenewS4 - December 10 - 2:00 am

  Trade-in Mustang for this one to please my wife. So far she still loves it. Overall its very nice car, esp. the interior quality and design. Turbo lag could be made less noticeable.

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  TTrific - 2001 Audi TT
  By ghileman - December 6 - 2:00 am

  A lot of the so-called expert reviewers knock the TT for performance (especially compared to peers such as the S2000). However,I think the car performs incredibly well for the avg. road driver and youre likely to be thrilled unless your an F-1 driver. The style and quality of construction have been well documented and there is no doubt in my mind that the TT is an instant classic destined to appreciate in value over the long-term.

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  Start of a Beautiful Relationship - 2002 Audi S6
  By yamslaughter - December 5 - 2:00 am

  I got the S6 just last month and I love it! It handles well, is responsive, and speedy (does as I ask it to, when I need it - especially in "sport" mode). Its the true "mid-life crisis compromise". The front end belongs to me and the back end belongs to the kids and the dogs. Great utility and fun! I hope it remains reliable in the future.

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  Great Value - 1997 Audi A4
  By jlITE5784 - December 4 - 2:00 am

  This car has been great to own. I have experienced none of the mechanical failures reported by other edmunds.com owners. It drives great and looks beautiful. After a car wash, people think its brand new. It was a great buy considering the cost of a 3-series of the same year.

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  Audi TT - 2003 Audi TT
  By Renzo - December 2 - 2:00 am

  This car is about as fun as it gets. It may not be as fast off the blocks as the Porsche but its got the retro styling that distinguishes it from the rest. There are distinct styling features imprinted throughout the car. Handling is impeccable with very slight understeer. No skimping in the details. It would be nice to put an Audi performance chip in it, but that would void the warranty.

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  Far beyond emagination - 2002 Audi S6
  By d. eilbracht - November 29 - 2:00 am

  Probably one of the most reliable cars I ever drove. It really was a good buy.

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  Excellent Value, Great Car - 2017 Audi Q3
  By Marilyn Bass - November 28 - 4:39 pm

  First of all, I have owned a lot of cars. But, I think I found the one. I bought this car four months ago. I have the premium plus. So here is what I like: I love the feel of a luxury car. When I close the door, I feel closed off from the outside and it is VERY quiet, I like that. I love the leather, the style and the look of the car. The instrument panel is really nice. Its easy to understand and easy to operate. What I was really surprised about is the power and the handling of the car. It has more power than I am use too. That is not something I really look for in a car, but this one has it and I find that I really like it.

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  AUDI A6 - 2003 Audi A6
  By heathervartan - November 28 - 2:00 am

  This is a fun car to drive. It handles very well, and seems very safe. Everything is within reach, and easy to manage.

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  SPORTback - 2006 Audi A3
  By avanticat - November 27 - 9:36 pm

  The Audi A3 sportback is a great vehicle to own and drive. With a great engine, good fuel economy, and stylish European looks, the 2006 Audi A3 sportback really lives up to its name as a SPORTback. It is an awesome first car.