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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  Early impression of a 2016 Q5 TDI - 2016 Audi Q5
  By Q5 TDI driver - July 22 - 4:16 am

  Ive become a big fan of diesels for their driving characteristics and efficiency. The Q5 TDI does not disappoint. This SUV is very quick with little turbo lag, which gives a lot of confidence pulling out into traffic and merging, whether from a stop or at highway speeds. The engine is very refined. For a family of 4 I felt the Q5 was the right size. I also liked the 3L TDI over the 2L offerings in BMW and MB. There is not much of a hit in mugs going with the 3L, since I have been getting around 30 mpg around town and mid 30s on the highway. The seats are comfortable, although they could be softer. The lumbar support is good. The sound quality of the Bang and Olufsen sound system is very good. The MMI infotainment system takes time to get the hang of, but is logical once you learn your way around. Most selections are made using the center console, since there are not many buttons on the steering wheel. Im enjoying the panoramic roof more than I expected since it fills the interior with light and makes the car feel even roomier. I have the 20 inch wheels and Im pleased that this does not make the ride harsh. This SUV has a firm ride and handles more like a sedan. Even on a 6 hour drive I did not feel fatigued and felt confident driving in a torrential rainstorm. Looking forward to seeing how it handles the snow, once I put the 17 inch blizzaks on. So far, very satisfied with my purchase.

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  Stealth Wagon - 2002 Audi S6
  By happy audi guy - July 22 - 2:00 am

  I agree with the others here this is a sports car that just so happens to be in the form-factor of a station wagon. It is extremely difficult to observe posted speed limits. Use the cruise control or youll be sorry (only took me 2 weeks to get a ticket from a country bumpkin speed trap dude). I can not even fathom what the RS6 will be like. 450 hp? They must REALLY haul on the autobaun.

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  Fun Car - 2002 Audi A6
  By Biewel - July 22 - 2:00 am

  Bought it 5 month ago and have no regrets what so ever. This car is fun to drive and offers plenty of space for the family. Rented a 2.5 TDI in Europa last month and Audi should offer this engine in the US as well. That car rocks.

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  Superb vehicle - 2000 Audi A6
  By Happy Days - July 17 - 2:00 am

  Nothing beats german auto engineering - A6 is very well though through, design is outstanding and performance is surprising. 4 wheel drive does make a difference. I am happy overall.

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  Why buy Mercedes? - 2002 Audi A6
  By johnv - July 16 - 2:00 am

  This car is great!! Leased this car . Black on black sport, premium, luxury, convience pkgs. For 46,800 you get the same space, performance, build quality,trim etc., as the mercedes E430 4matic for 15,000 less! Acceleration is strong with minimal turbo lag. Exterior design is aging, but very gracefully. The best bang for your buck midsize luxury car in my opinion. I am very pleased with this car. The salesman was also first rate, straightforward and no B.S. Very customer orientated.

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  A best car by AUDI - 2002 Audi TT
  By AZ - July 16 - 2:00 am

  A great car to drive in any wheather

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  Better value than SLK - 2002 Audi TT
  By wingsfan_nc - July 16 - 2:00 am

  About a year and a half ago I wanted to buy a convertible. I went down to check out the 3-series convertible, and the salesman wouldnt even take me seriously because I was 26. Looked at an SLK, and similarly equipped was around $47000. Got mine for just under 40k, and I tell ya, it gets more looks then either of those cars. More looks than a Boxter even. Sure, the Boxter is a better street performer.. But everybody has a Z3 and a Boxter. It has more headroom than the SLK too. Its everything a stylish roadster sould be. I love it. Audi has found a life-time customer.

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  audi a4 - 2000 Audi A4
  By steveharry - July 15 - 2:00 am

  great car fun to drive looks like a sports car. you feel safe car holds road very well

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  Best Value in Market - 2002 Audi A6
  By trajan - July 15 - 2:00 am

  I bought a loaded 3.0 CVT after shopping against the BMW 530i. With the same identical options, the Audi was $12,000 cheaper out the door while having more interior and cargo room than the BMW. Quality and reliability has been first rate. The CVT is a breakthrough technology for this size of car. The interior is the best in the industry. The A6 is simply the best value buy in the luxury car segment.

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  Best car Ive owned - 2002 Audi TT
  By GWK - July 13 - 2:00 am

  I was hesitant to even look at a TT because I needed at least a minimum cargo capability. When noticed the sizable amount of cargo space the TT Coupe has and my buying barrier disappeared. I have had the car to weeks and it is fantastic. It clearly designed as a work or art....smooth lines and 21st century construction. I would say that as many things of beauty it will take care to keep it that way. No door trim coupled with smooth sheet metal will make the slightest door ding very visible. Keep in mind its a small car. I am only 5-9 and I have to pull my head down to enter. But once inside its a beautiful and roomy feel.