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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  7 yrs old and 90K miles and still like it - 2002 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By Chris P - June 10 - 12:56 am

  I really like this car. Mix of sporty, utility, and family wagon. Mine is 6 speed manual (rare) with the factory jump seats in the back (even more rare) so seats 7 (5+2kids). Its the best SUV.

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  A very reliable car in all conditions - 2003 Audi A4
  By moshulu - June 5 - 2:00 am

  Feel so happy whenever I drive my A4. Handling is incredible, and you can certainly feel the tight grip that quattro gives you in all weather conditions. Interior is stunning, with all its features right at the place where they should be. Also.. WOW, what a look! Nicely done by Audi.

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  The perfect "wife car"! - 2017 Audi Q3
  By Alex B - June 1 - 1:59 pm

  I got this car for my wife, its her 2nd Q3. Previously she had the premium plus fwd. Honestly if you compare it to the average small SUV out there, this thing is absolutely fantastic. She loves how it looks, it drives better than competitors due to the Audi Quattro. There is nothing like a Quattro Audi, I drive one myself as well and even if you dont get snow its really nice the way it handles the road. The main thing about the Q3? It listens to the driver. Go try the x3 or the x1 or the lexus rx: theyre great cars but they have a mind of their own. The other thing is that we got an amazing deal thanks to Edmunds forums. I found out the residuals and the money rate, I followed advice on how to shop and I got a really great deal. Its a premium plus with the sport plus trim, which makes it look even nicer than stock. Anyways, we love our Audis and as long as I can afford to drive them I will. When I cant Ill switch to VW.

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  Great Car to be IN - 2004 Audi A4
  By johnny2you - June 1 - 10:00 am

  Just like it ALL. Interior finish is Amazing!!

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  Best car on the planet by far! - 2003 Audi A4
  By Drewness - May 17 - 2:00 am

  this is just the most spectacular car anyone could possibly have, thats all i can say. you must drive an audi to understand their greatness

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  Ach du lieber! - 2003 Audi A4
  By MoeV1 - May 12 - 10:00 am

  My first ever convertible, and man, what a ride. Very good detail throughout the entire car - even the top is insulated inside. Tested this next to an A6 Sedan, and this has the fun factor all over the sedan. Very quiet - both through the roof/windows and in the tires/road noise. Excellent handling. The CVT transmission is very smooth, and the Multitronic transmission option is very fun. Has good weight for a small car which adds to the handling.

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  My 5th and best Audi!!! - 2003 Audi A4
  By Gearoil - May 12 - 10:00 am

  Traded a 2003 A4 1.8t with sport package. Ride was way too harsh. Tremendous improvement with the Cabriolet.

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  Great Car - 2002 Audi A4
  By _usc_audi_ - May 8 - 5:46 pm

  The new A4 is better than ever. My brother had the previous generation and this new generation is better than ever. The build is great, i love the looks. All around great drivers car.

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  Who needs a truck? - 2002 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By E_Man - May 8 - 11:20 am

  A great ride overall. This car has no major weaknesses, and a whole lot of strengths. Pros: Good looks and performance. Great interior and overall comfort. Excellent handling and braking for such a heavy car (4200 lbs.)Adjustable suspension is great for trips on rough city roads, plus its cool when it auto-adjusts at a stoplight. Optional third seat in rear helps haul small kids around without taking up space for adults in back. Good build quality -- over 4K miles and no problems. And best of all, its not a truck! Cons: Fuel economy could be better. A bit pricey, but you can pay more and get less for a truck!

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  Love it - 2017 Audi Q7
  By Q7guy - April 23 - 10:50 pm

  We have had the car for a couple weeks - Orca Black/Black Interior/Prestige Trim. I spent quite some time with the X5, Volvo XC90, MB GLE, Acura MDX, etc. and this car hands down performed better in my opinion. The interior is stunning though the exterior is a bit tame. Although it is still very early, we havent had any problems and the service at our Audi dealership has been fantastic. This car is a replacement to a Q5 TDI we have had for a few years, also zero issues.