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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  fun + functionality = Best Sport Wagon - 2002 Audi A4
  By johnnyG - October 6 - 2:00 am

  Loved my A4 2.8 sedan - but strollers & golf clubs just didnt go well together in the trunk. Found my car thru the great audit certified site and had it shipped. Audi certified program is one of the best out there. Love the service & all problems to date corrected without jumping thru hoops. As for the car - a blast to drive, looks great inside and out. as a coworker told me - "your car LOOKS fast" - and it is. Perfect alternative to those small suvs - all wheel drive piece of mind for our northeast winters, and room inside and ontop for your "toys".

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  Former Jetta owner - 2004 Audi A4
  By VFG/Dahlgren - October 6 - 2:00 am

  Glad I got the 6 speedM. Very Fun to drive, great fit/finish, great looking especially the interior. Drags a bit in the low end but keeping it reved up helps and on the highway great acceleration and excellent road handling. Quiet and stereo sounds great. Get the XM sat. especially if you take longer road trips. Best invention since...the Wheel?..well almost. Good storage w convenient rear split. On the bad side..just quibbles really......the cup holders...come on Audi everything else so "german" and sensible. Cupholders in armrest are universally acknowledged/useless M version/dash cupholder should have a red flag warning as cups and bottles leap out!

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  Wow! Best Car Ive Ever Owned - 2017 Audi Q7
  By Heidi B - October 5 - 10:14 am

  We spent month looking at, researching, and reading about the 2017 Q7. This car has exceeded our expectations in all categories. Beautiful to look at, easy to drive, and comfortable for all passengers. The Q7 is roomy enough for trips to the big box store, while feeling like a comfy sports car. My Porsche driving husband is impressed by the handling at highway speeds and in parking lots. The rear seats provided more than ample leg room for two 6+ passengers. I love all the creature comforts and goodies: get the Premium Plus!

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  The Standard of Luxury and Refinement - 2004 Audi A8
  By ADHW - October 5 - 2:00 am

  This the best luxury sedan bar none! I have owned MB, BMW (my last car that I couldnt wait to dump with all its problems), and even an old Jaguar. The design, style, quality, luxury, and performance spell nothing but refinement. After buying this vehicle, I studied Audis history to know more about its past and now I know that the A8L lives up to Audis grand heritage and sporting history. Audi has one of the richest histories of any marquee. A true marquee. Not a marketing gimmick like a Lexus.

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  True to its Grand Heritage - 2004 Audi A8
  By Audi Joy - October 5 - 2:00 am

  This is the best vehicle I have owned and the best Audi I have ever owned. My S4 comes very close, but it is a different kind of car, so one cannot compare. It is simply superb and beautiful. It reminds me of the great Audi Horches from the early 20th century that were the epitomy of grand touring and luxury in their day in Europe. This is grand touring vehicle rich in Audis heritage both past and present.

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  LOVE ALL AUDIS - 2005 Audi TT
  By BRANDON LEE - October 4 - 2:00 am

  IVE OWNWED AN AUDI 4000, 5OOO, AND A A4 I PLAN ON BUYING AN A-8 NEXT YEAR. IF AND WHEN AUDI MAKES AN SUV ILL PURCHASE THAT ALSO.

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  Very nice, but could use more oomph - 2004 Audi A4
  By blicero - October 4 - 2:00 am

  I find the 1.8t A4 quattro to be a very comfortable and fun car to drive. While not a complete dog, the 1.8 liter four is a little underpowered for this cars weight. The six-speed shifts nicely and helps keep things more lively, but there is no substitute for more grunt. The interior finish is impeccable, the controls work well, and the quattro system helps in the corners. I am concerned about the long- term reliability. My car has just over 1000 miles and is rattling in the back ... I hope it will not be problematic.

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  Sleeper Luxury - 2005 Audi A8
  By hamiltonhoge - October 3 - 2:00 am

  Beats my Benz, Hands down, the best car Ive owned, Makes a new benchmark standard for 21st century cars,try it

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  Great car to own, though has some quirks - 2001 Audi TT
  By Howardsg - October 3 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned several Audis, and come to believe that design is more important than quality from this manufacturer. Dont get me wrong, this car is more fun to drive than any I have ever owned. However, it rattles a bit and could have used more time getting all the kinks out before production. Audi does not admit they made a mistake, just that their cars have "certain characteristics".

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  THE BEST - 2005 Audi A8
  By loopp - October 2 - 2:00 am

  I think that this car surpasses any other car in its class. i think that this is the best cr.