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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  Still in love - 2001 Audi S4
  By JakeS4 - June 26 - 2:00 am

  This car has smooth power delivery and great looks. The Quattro is excellent in wet and snowy conditions and delivers power well during acceleration. I love the six-speed transmission and the turbos allow passing without down-shifting. I cant wait to see what Ingolstadt comes out with for the next generation S4!

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  If you drive it, you will own it. - 2000 Audi A6
  By a6man - June 26 - 2:00 am

  Although I think the BMW 5 series is the cherry on top, the A6 is the cream with the cherry stain on it. This is an awesome car. Comfort, looks, all wheel drive, you will have to get the 5 to beat it.

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  Great, reliable buy! - 1996 Audi A4
  By jayb - June 25 - 2:00 am

  I loved this car the day I bought it. I purchased with 85K and have only had work on the rear brakes. Car is amazingly fast and handles like a sports car. Suspension is perfect for any driving situation and has an extremely comfortable ride. I would encourage any one to buy this vehicle.

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  AllRoads Lead to the Audi - 2002 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By Rodman - June 24 - 10:00 am

  After a thorough review of sports sedan vs sport ute, I found the Audi to be the best hybrid of both. It has the off road capabilities of any "commuter" sport ute on the market and the acceleration and handling of a great sports sedan. I Love the fact that many people see it as a "whimpy wagon" until theyre breathing my exhaust as I fly to 60 in 6.8 seconds :o) After 2K miles it is performing beutifully. I hope to enjoy it for the long haul.

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  great car!!!! - 2003 Audi A4
  By a4quattro - June 24 - 10:00 am

  Ive driven mine all over Texas and have failed to see one flaw yet. Audi did a great job with this car. I see some people have had some problems but mine is great so far.

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  Very impressed with my Audi A3 2.0T Quattro - 2017 Audi A3
  By Steven Rosengren - June 24 - 4:46 am

  Overall this is an impressive "little" luxury car. The car handles and rides extremely well. It goes exactly where you point it and the ride is smooth and very quite. The engine performance and handling are very refined. The feel of the leather wrapped steering wheel and leather seats are amazing. The sound system and infotainment system are excellent, but take some time to get familiar with. I do not like the engine start/stop system, but I am glad you can turn it off. Overall this is a great compact luxury car that I look forward to driving everyday and looking back at after I park it.

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  Great luxury sports sedan! - 2005 Audi A4
  By Tom - June 24 - 3:20 am

  This car has great performance for a 4- cyl. It handles really well in corners (and I have a non-sport suspension), rides well, and has a great interior. It won out over Acura TSX/TL, BMW 325&330 (though I was seriously considering the 330 w/performance package), Lexus IS300, and Infiniti G35. In terms of practicality, it has good trunk space & fold-down seats. Most importantly, its just an all-out fun car to drive--cant wait to stretch its legs outside of the DC metro area!

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  Audi TT Coupe - 2000 Audi TT
  By Ron Lambert - June 24 - 2:00 am

  This with out question is the most fun car to drive. the quality & performance of this car is the best. I had this car for nearly 3 years now & had no problems.

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  best of the best: Audi TT - 2002 Audi TT
  By old dominion TT owne - June 24 - 2:00 am

  ...I researched, shopped and compared for nearly a year. At 63" & 245 lbs not every sports car could accomodate me in COMFORT & style. The TT beat the Corvette, Mercedes Kompressor, and BMW Z-3. Without a doubt this is the finest sports car for the dollar available in the marketplace today!

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  Still Sunning - 1994 Audi Cabriolet
  By JPAD - June 23 - 2:00 am

  Ive had a green one since 1996, bought it new. In 108,000 miles its had every maintenance. Replaced the worn top cloth twice now just for appearance, it has never, ever leaked. No really big repairs under the hood, though. Fan motor resistor recently replaced as well as other small items, switch. I think the elegant, block of steel design inside and out will age well. I have thoroughly enjoyed it in the South. Id heartily recommend such a classi look and smooth performer. The reason it feels underpowered is that it weighs nearly 4,000 pounds. Its not gotten a good reputation and sales were never brisk. Its really a super, solid car.