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 Car - 2004 Audi A4
  By lbbl - August 11 - 2:00 am

  Very smooth ride, quiet, fast. The car gets so much attention. Best car Ive ever owned.

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  Great Car - 2004 Audi A4
  By mattb2003 - August 10 - 2:00 am

  This is an excellent vehicle. Got the 1.8T 6 speed manual Quattro with the sport package. Car has great pickup if you rev. the engine up to 3000 rpms. Could use more low end torque and a few extra horsepower (225 Turbo would be perfect). Was thinking about the 3.0, but would lose that horsepower in higher elevation (I live in CO). The car is solid, and has an excellent interior. Have had it for 3 1/2 months now and no problems. Bose sound system is great. Leather interior feels great, and the car handles like a dream. The car grips the road like no other, even in the rain. Let the snow fall!

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  Lemon - 2005 Audi A4
  By tomhorvath - August 9 - 10:00 am

  Although pretty to look at, and fun enough to drive, the design shortcomings and limited features quickly became tiresome. Mediocre fit and finish was just the beginning of our experience with a car that went back for repair over and over. What started out as chasing rattles and loose trim lead to a noisy undercarraige and a replaced transmission. The dealer did all the warranty work with a smile, but we took the hint and traded it in for another brand car, built in a whole different country. The car is fine for a test drive, but soon disappoints.

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  Sweet 2005 ultrasport package - 2005 Audi A4
  By Audi fan - August 9 - 10:00 am

  This is my first Audi and I chose it over the 325xi, c-class, acura TL. AWD is amazing and the turbo gives plenty of torque and power, however another 30-40 hp would be better. Interior was the best out of the cars I test drove. Only had car for 2 weeks, hopefully no problems down the road. This car gets double takes all the time. Ultrasport package is a must if you are really into looks and tighter suspension.

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  Spectacular! - 1997 Audi A4
  By William Miller - August 9 - 2:00 am

  I had a blue adui a4 and i loved it, it was like my little go kart, becuase it was so fun to drive. I liked the layout of the interior, but i wish the backseat was bigger. I was also very pleased with the reliability. All in all, i recomend this car to anybody who is looking for a small, reliable, and fun to drive automobile.

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  I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS CAR! - 2004 Audi TT
  By TTGirl - August 9 - 2:00 am

  This car is great! I havent had it long but I love it so far.

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  Quattro Handling with sleek security - 2001 Audi A6
  By Logic43 - August 9 - 2:00 am

  Noone gets hurt in this car. I have had two accidents in this car and all passengers (3 first accident, and 2 the other) walked without a bruise or a scratch. Of course, I took car to L.A.s finest Euro repair shop (Avio Coach Craft). Additionally, the twin turbos really launch this car. If owners have a problem with the maintenance, maybe they should invest their money in other areas>like an extended warranty, which will be about 1/3 of all the repairs, and upkeep of a high performance, luxury car(believe me I checked). This forced induction car has endless possibilities of upgrades! Great as a used car as well.

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  LOVE MY CAR!! - 2016 Audi A6
  By Alicia Jernigan - August 7 - 8:29 pm

  I am 40 this year, a single mom, successful with a 7 yr old boy. This car is so safe, sexy, fast and comfortable! My heart skips a beat every time I see it!

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  Not as bad as it sounds - 1999 Audi A4
  By UpstateNY Albany - August 7 - 2:00 am

  Always wanted an A4, finally talked myself into getting a certified 99 previously leased by a soccer mom. I figured with the warranty and it being used as a family vehicle I was safe buying my first used car. So far, a few problems. The rear wheel rotor went during first month. Broken magnetic strip in the tiptronic housing. A headight died. A coolant leak and oil leak needed attention. Paint chipping on trunk lid. Radio has spazed out a few times, but no repairs needed. Brakes are acting up at 70k miles. Catalytic converter blew one day. Thank God for the warranty. Otherwise, the car has been great. Very comfortable to drive and ride in.

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  to better winter driver - 1994 Audi 100
  By wtmakp - August 6 - 2:00 am

  This is the best winter driving car I have ever driven. In icy conditions it handles so well you have to keep reminding yourself not to drive too fast. Things have had to be fixed and yes very expensive, i.e. water pump,fuel sensor,ignition switch,all oil head gaskets. No major mechanical. Ive decided to sell this and had been looking for minivans,less expensive vehicles to replace this like something toyota, for 2 months-and what did I come up with--99 audi a6 wagon. The driving experience is just too tough to give up! So Ill try one more time to see how many things have to be fixed!