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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  Empty Nesters Love 2016 Audi Cabriolet - 2016 Audi A3
  By Nathan - April 6 - 9:55 am

  Wife and I are "empty nesters," making the A3 cabriolet perfect for us. The ride is quiet, sufficiently powerful and "luxury smooth." The standard leather seats are very comfortable. The inside is laid out thoughtfully and everything is accessed conveniently. Car is quite handsome with top up or down and the convertible top is incredibly easy to operate in all respects. The Audi 3 seems to have all the latest technology---as much as I could possibly need and deal with. The ability to leave my iPod home and enjoy all my music from a custom-loaded, tiny sound card is just one of the many very nice little extras I discovered after buying this car.The windscreen is a great standard feature that is remarkably effective in minimizing the wind inside the cabin---wife thankfully no longer needs to put the windows up when the top is down in order to protect her hairdo. Only oddity is that power seats are not available at any price---no problem for us, though, since I am pretty much the only driver. The car is a bit pricey but the quality seems to be there and Ive learned that you get only what you pay for. Thus, Im confident this A3 cabriolet will be a durable and reliable car for us for many years to come. It is truly a pleasure to drive and Im quite proud to be seen in it.

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  One of the best cars. - 2003 Audi A4
  By Jusitn - April 4 - 2:00 am

  The difference between german cars and any other country that manufactures cars( we will use american car companioes) is like night and day. Everything from performance to the paint job is significantly better with german cars. After driving german cars i feel that i cant go back. It all begind with the new Continuiously Variable Tranmision that is smooth as butter. Hard accelerating results in the smoothest up shifts. The tiptronic engine combined with the CVT and the turbocharger make this unbeatable for the price. The interior is just as nice. With full leather and the latest technology this car could be your home.

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  Just leased my second Allroad - 2003 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By ross1113 - March 30 - 10:00 am

  Had a 2001 for two year with no problems, although turbo lag is less than joyful. But for fit, finish, silence and downright useability it is a superb machine for its avowed purpose. Taking delivery in two weeks on a 2003 Allroad with same equipment and using the $2,000 Audi Loyalty contribution. Wish there were broader exterior color choices and happier less dark interior color combinations - but that aside, this longtime Audi wagon owner is quite happy to go back to zero miles and start again with a totally reliable German high quality machine.

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  We ove our R* spyder! - 2015 Audi R8
  By Don Dixom - March 25 - 2:19 pm

  We hope they cahnged the fact that the radio turns on every time you start the car! Otherwise, superb.

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  Oil Consumption fixed - 2010 Audi A4
  By Hubert - March 24 - 9:44 pm

  I had this car at 37,000 miles certified preowned. Dealer tried to convince me that oil consumption (quart every 1000 miles ) is normal with turbo which is complete bullsh.... It was repaired at the warranty since I didnt believed and never stopped complaining. " Under the settlement agreement, current owners or lessees who have not already paid to have repairs made will be entitled to a replacement of the crankcase pressure regulating valve, front crankshaft seal and front crankshaft bolt. Additionally, the engine control module software will be updated to match the new part(s). The agreement also gives owners and lessees an extended warranty of 4 years/50,000 miles to 8 years/80,000 miles (whichever occurs first) to cover any repair needed to correct excessive engine oil consumption. Audi will also reimburse any affected owners of the 2009-2011 Audi A4, Audi A5 and the 2011 Audi Q5 for parts and labor on any previous repairs made for oil consumption problems." Since than I have no problem. I used fully synthetic oil from Europe "Elf" every 10,000 miles and i am not adding even one drop of oil between intervals. Love the car. I hope to keep it for next 100,000 miles. I changed Air filters, micro filter and Spark plugs two times. I am getting 30 or more mpg on Hwy and 27 in the city. Great car!!!! Next one i am getting is AUDI A4...

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  Awesome Vehicle - 2017 Audi Q5
  By Michael Hyzny - March 23 - 9:24 pm

  Incredible style, ride and comfort with a good balance of power and mileage, BUT cost goes up more than mileage savings due to price premium of premium fuel.

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  Blazing speed - 2004 Audi S4
  By Suppe - March 18 - 10:00 am

  This car is a 10 all around.

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  Slick, Hot, Functionally Awesome - 2016 Audi A7
  By r levin - March 13 - 12:48 am

  love the car and edmonds blog tremendously helpful in negotiating the lease.

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  First time Audi Buyer - 2004 Audi A4
  By JAF - March 12 - 2:00 am

  My wife wanted four wheel drive and I wanted to keep my convertible. This car provides both! The 3.0 rides extremely well (better than my Mercedes C230), has more than sufficient acceleration, is quiet, has a great convertible top and looks super. It also feels bigger than the BMW 3 series. After doing a significant amount of research I am extremely satisfied with my decision.

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  Allroad Review - 2002 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By TOM - March 11 - 10:00 am

  I dont need to say much but the Allroad is great! I have had it for about a year and everything about it is wonderful. Its 0-60 performance(6.8sec) is wondeful, its handling is outstanding and its looks are perfect. I took it up in the mountains and it easily went through creeks and mud and I love the fact how it rises up with the touch of a button. I did hesitate buying an Audi but I was convinced they changed(reliability wise) and that they did. Last I would like to say this car is just not a Wagon it has Suv/wagon appeal, Audis chrome affect looks, Porschea handling, and a beatiful interior to fit.