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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  A4 - 2002 Audi A4
  By nork - November 2 - 10:00 am

  Some cars feel like luxury while some dont regardless what each is advertised to be. I personally like to sit in one and figure it out for myself. Now sit in an A4 and youll be surprised that you only need to pay below 30k for it. The door shuts with a heavy "chug", sometimes I would find myself closing it a few times just because the first time didnt shut it completely (my old car was a Lexus, light doors).

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  Best Entry Euro Sports Sedan - 1999 Audi A4
  By BAT - October 28 - 10:00 am

  There is very little I do not like about this car. The turbo engine (w/ performance chip 200hp 235lbs/ft torque) is awesome. Handling is superb both wet and dry, in the snow (under 3- 4") I would take this car over anything else on the road. I went by SUVs in the ditch at 55mph on I-95. I also love the classic, elegant, styling of the car both inside and out, there is no need for the add on ground effects, wings etc. other manufacturers need to use to make there cars stand out.

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  I loved my 2012 Q5 so much I bought a 2016! - 2016 Audi Q5
  By tomarcoleo@gmail.com - October 24 - 3:28 pm

  I purchased a new 2012 Q5 2.0T and drove it for over 120,000 miles without any problems. It drove like a sports sedan and I regularly got over 30 mpg. I am now own a 2016 Q5 2.0T and am amazed that with all the updates, the new one is even better. Fantastic car!

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  Anything but fuel efficient - 2003 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By Fun Driver - October 22 - 10:00 am

  Great car, great ride, coolest kid on the block. However, fuel efficiency sucks!

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  Audi Got It Right!!!! - 2005 Audi A6
  By Former BMWer - October 22 - 9:43 am

  Traded a my 740i in on the 4.2 A6 and have driven 5000 miles in 2 months. Not one problem and every mile was a thrill. i look forward to driving this every day --- rain, snow or shine. Outstanding acceleration, cornering and highway stability. Audi really got it right!!

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  Audi 3.0 Quattro - 2003 Audi A4
  By ATT - October 15 - 2:00 am

  Excellent car. Excellent Cabin. Excellent performance.

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  Great Car Nothing to change - 1998 Audi A4
  By A4 Drive - October 10 - 2:00 am

  Just have to say that this car was the best purchase that I made. It has and does every thing it is ment to do.

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  I love this car! - 2003 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By jonfin - October 10 - 2:00 am

  We were looking for a car to take the place of our Merecedes wagon -- one with more creature comforts (cupholders, a decent air conditioner etc.), yet being able to handle as well as a Mercedes. The allroad fit our needs perfectly. It is fast: 250 hp, twin turbo. It is slightly higher than a tradional car, so the visibility is better. It is luxurious inside, its very responsive and its a kick to drive. What more could you ask for?

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  Perfect 10 - 2003 Audi A4
  By RGunner - October 5 - 10:00 am

  Perfect 10.. you need to drive this car in wet / snow to really drop your jaw

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  Great Drivers Car - 2006 Audi A3
  By jonesport - October 5 - 8:23 am

  I needed a high mileage/comfort car to supplement the Truck I drive 200 miles daily. The A3 is the perfect complement. Great mileage Great performance and a tight focused drivers expirence. Interior is understated but sharp. Nav/Sound System is easy to use and produces tremendous sound. All in all a great purchase.