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 Ride!!!! - 2003 Audi A6
  By wolverine - September 27 - 2:00 am

  Great vehicle bought it to replace Expedition, and dont miss the big guzzler one bit! Great pick up, plenty of storage, decent economy, and fits in any parking spot. Only room for improvement...some of the functions (cruise, wipers, etc.) are somewhat hidden behind the wheel. Step on the gas, its a blast.

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  From a 328 xi to my new A4! - 2017 Audi A4
  By iaolivas - September 26 - 4:41 pm

  First of all, let me tell you that I loved driving my 2013 BMW 328xi, it was a fully loaded sports edition car, loved the acceleration, handling and looks! my only issue with it are the run flat tires that after 30K miles starter making a noise comparable to a bad bearing, but even with that, since my lease was coming to an end, the shopping began and I was certain I was going to get another BMW. Although this time was not as crazy to get the fully loaded version since there where soooooo many features that Ive never used and just payed for them any ways, this time around I was just looking for the car with the features I enjoy: Moon roof, sports wheels, heated seats, leather interiors, and that is it. Obviously, BMW car dealers only had cars with most of the high end stuff and even that we were able to find the right car, the price tag was high since wanted to stick to the 240 Hp of the 328 vs the 180hp of the 320. My wife owns an Audi Q5 and we happened to be in the dealer for a service and started to look around the brand new Audi A4 and learned about the upgrades on the design and technology and fell in love with the new car. This model comes with a 252hp engine, 0-60 in 5.8 sec and driving modes that made me forgot my intentions to buy another BMW. Some of the Pros that I see vs BMW: 1. Tires (of course) 2. Value. you get a 328 kind of performance with a 320 price tag 3. Car play. Love the integration with your smart phone 4. Space. 5. The premium model it was perfectly packed to my needs, only thing I didnt need but is included is the rear view camera and got a credit for its cost! 6. More comfortable than the BMW. Although sporty, it rides extremely well! The only minor thing that I have notice is that there is a little bit of reaction time when you press the accelerator, but once is going is pretty amazing. 3 years ago I test drove an A4 before getting my 328 and there were not even close, and while purist may say that BMW performance is better I will say that you get 95% of the BMW with 85% of the cost which to me is a pretty good value for your money

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  It works for me. - 2000 Audi TT
  By adsmith - September 26 - 2:00 am

  We LOVE this car. Bought it new 3/1/00 and have loved it ever since. Have had a few minor problems but nothing of any major concern. People still look at it like the piece of art it is. And it crosses all lines, its loved by kids, seniors, black, white, young, old, whatever...everybody wants to know "what IS that???" And it is as much fun to drive today as it was two and a half years ago.

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  S6 - 2003 Audi S6
  By R. Aviner - September 25 - 2:00 am

  Great handling and speed for such a large car. The Alcantara interior is superb and the soud system is wonderful.

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  Best Audi ever - 2002 Audi S4
  By pilot2519j - September 25 - 2:00 am

  Great car. Loves to run and handles like a gem.

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  Second Audi - 2002 Audi A6
  By EOY - September 24 - 2:00 am

  First Audi was a 98 A4 2.8 6 speed sport. This A6 also brings a smile to my face when I get behind the wheel. It isnt the fastest or the sportiest of the A6 line, it is simply a pleasure to drive. Was reluctant to give up shifting gears, however the CVT is a vast improvment over an automatic. No slop, no lag, no power loss. If you miss shifting, slip it into tip mode and blip thru six forward ratios. Handling is good even without sport suspension. Great interior. No regrets.

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  Love this car!! - 2002 Audi TT
  By Krobe - September 24 - 2:00 am

  Great car with lots of room even though I am a big guy. Lots of fun to drive. Get comments all the time about how beautiful the car is. All around a great little roadster.

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  Great Car - 2004 Audi A4
  By Audiowner - September 24 - 2:00 am

  Overall having had the car for about a month now, purchasing car was very pleasurable as the salesmen were very professional and helpful. as for the car it is a great mix between family car yet sporty. its drive is matched by none and its exterior design is best in class. Anywhere i go poeple stop to tell me the car is beautiful. I have a red a4.

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  Its better than the editors rate - 2000 Audi TT
  By thompja53 - September 23 - 2:00 am

  I bought the front wheel drive, 180 hp model. I dont drive it in snow so I opted for the cheap way out. Its deceptive. It seems really quick, but if you read the automotive reviews, they show it around 7 sec to 60. I think thats because of the "slow" shift from 1-2. If youre like me (middle aged, want a sporty car) then this is a good choice. The seats are a tad tight for someone of my weight (250) but at 62" this fits me fine. The base stereo stinks. I hate Boses but if I get another I will opt for that or do a custom installation.

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  This is the only Bavarian - 2002 Audi A6
  By GA - September 23 - 2:00 am

  Have 58,000 miles on my 2000 A6 4.2. Absoutely wonderful car. Wonderful interior, beautiful lines that still get looks. And gets the last word in most roadway encounters. Think so highly of this car that I bought the extended warranty at 45,000 miles. Thought about something different for a while: The problem is, after test driving the new E-500, the 5 and the new 7-series, I just dont know what all the fuss is about. Looks like I will be buying another A6.