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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  Great Ride comes w Great Luxury and Performance! - 2016 Audi Q5
  By delz05 - August 28 - 1:58 pm

  I have had the pleasure of driving a well built, great performing luxury SUV, the 3.0T equipped, 2016 Audi Q5. I have chosen the S-Line model, which has some of the nicest body lines that compliment the Black Optics over Ibis white color scheme. Equipped with the Tech package and 21" wheels, the Q5 is pure enjoyment! The black leather interior is practical, functional and very comfortable. I do have the Sport Interior, which gives you the flat bottom steering wheel and firmer sport seats with thigh supports. The Bang and Olefsen stereo is a superb sounding, enriching pleasure every time I play it a little on the loud side. With a well laid out display, the MMI response could be more responsive, but it is not burdensome. Satisfaction and contentment are equally matched with adrenaline and excitement whenever you need the supercharged V6 engine to come to life. Excellent throttle response leads to spirited acceleration, seat planting torque and miles of smiles as you allow this performance SUV to stretch its legs. Audi has put forth a nicely balanced, visually and sensory pleasing vehicle at a very affordable price. I highly recommend this drivetrain package over the 2.0T level, as you get a firmer suspension, larger brakes, dual outlet exhaust and a horsepower/torque range that will put enjoyment at your finger tips!

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  Almost perfect car. - 2014 Audi Q5
  By JT - August 28 - 12:12 am

  After owning 11 different cars over time. This was the best overall!

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  Awesome car and fun to drive - 2004 Audi A4
  By Jplyman - August 26 - 2:00 am

  This car is so much fun and performs great. I looked at Volvo S60, BMW 325i, and Saab 9-3 Arc this was bye far the best value of these cars. I have 6-speed so the performance is excellent and I dont think you can get any better car for the money.

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  A Goldilocks car: just right! - 2016 Audi A3
  By smerdyakov - August 25 - 6:02 pm

  I was considering trading my 2014 S4 for a 2017 A4, but the annoying center display and contradictory options packages eliminated the A4. I then turned to the A3, which I had thought would be too small: I was wrong, at least for the way I use my car (mostly local driving, usually only with one passenger). I bought a 2.0 Quattro Premium Plus with the sport package, and it accelerates much better than I expected, nearly as well as my S4 did (being smaller and much lighter helps in that regard). As one expects of Audi, the fit and finish, inside and out, is excellent. As far as driving dynamics are concerned, it is very responsive and nimble, feeling much like my Porsche Boxster. Given its smaller size, it may not suit those who have to carry a lot of cargo, or those who have to carry more than one passenger. It may also not be the best car for those who drive a lot of highway miles, due to its short wheelbase. Overall, however, I recommend it highly to those people looking for a sporty, high quality smaller car.

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  audi a4 ultrasport - 2004 Audi A4
  By bmwr60 - August 25 - 2:00 am

  Tremendous vehicle to drive and practical as well. Previously owned Passat with same engine. The Audi is much more fun to drive and gives great confidence with the quattro all-wheel drive. Beautiful subdued styling with all the things you need, but nothing you dont.

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  Audi Lack of Assurance - 1999 Audi A6
  By lkjl - August 24 - 2:00 am

  Car has been great with minor problems until 90k. Brought the car into the dealership for its last checkup and they found all sorts of leaks and guess what Audi Assured said. Sorry......we cant cover them. I am very disappointed because until now I was a big fan. I would not recommend this car or company to anyone

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  There is no other choice! - 2004 Audi S4
  By emmabryan - August 24 - 2:00 am

  If you live in the northeast, as I do, there is no other choice for under $60k. I have been caught in blizzards with this car and had no problems. I might have considered the M3, but what do you do when it snows? Stay home? I have taken bends in the highway at over 100 mph (after downshifting to 5th gear), and not gotten nervous or felt any lateral movement. People in their "fast and the furious" cars always try keep up with me. So far I havent had anyone come close....

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  Why is Audi overlooked by so many? - 2001 Audi A6
  By DWPC - August 24 - 2:00 am

  Im completing 4 years driving my A6 2.7T, and can easily rate as the best car Ive ever had, including two E- Class Mercedes. Its been utterly flawless, dealer service is excellent, is both fun and luxurious to drive, offers strong V8-like performance. As my lease end neared, I checked out new several cars. NO car Ive driven matched the A6 balance of drivability, comfort, and luxury...so Im keeping it.

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  the b review - 2004 Audi A6
  By the b - August 24 - 2:00 am

  this car runs great. although mileage in not good on side roads, freeway mileage is great.

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  Nice Car, Expensive to Repair - 1998 Audi A6
  By S.Costa - August 23 - 2:00 am

  Nice Vehicle. Bought 2 months ago. Some problems included rim leaks,window failure (drivers side), battery start, air bag light. Also the bose speakers blew on the drivers side door, but are ok now. Repairs on this car are very high. Dont buy the car if you cannot afford the up keep!