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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  audii - 2004 Audi S4
  By al-bon - July 7 - 2:00 am

  Audi S4 is a great car all the way around..... only if it had better gas milage it would be a 10

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  Stable rocketry! - 2004 Audi S4
  By timcrow - July 7 - 2:00 am

  Quite simply put, one of the most stable rides out there. An incredibly well thought out machine at a price point that makes more expensive "comparable" cars in class appear laughably over-valued. Ask any German national, by the way, which of the big three manufacturers cranks out the finest auto and without fail, theyll say Audi (Ive tested this on several occasions). Do yourself a favor and at least take an S4 for a test drive.

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  Little Rocket - 2004 Audi S4
  By Chi-town S4 - July 7 - 2:00 am

  This was quite an upgrade from the 2000 S4 2.7 Turbo I owned before. This car is nothing but fun to drive (except in rush hour traffic). Besides the ride of the car, its also a very classy looking car (I love the chrome mirrors). I have yet to meet an M3 driver who isnt impressed with this S4. I recommend this car to anyone considering it.

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  Fun to drive, but rotten electronics - 2004 Audi A8
  By lewis m weston - July 7 - 2:00 am

  The car drives well(but not as well as the 740iL it replaced) but the electronics are a horror. To tune the radio the driver needs to take his eyes off the road. About half the time the right outside mirror doesnt return to normal position after reversing.The MMI screen comes up blank if its been closed before, and needs to be opened, closed and opened again to work.After 2 months, something drained the battery and the car had to be towed to the dealer.

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  more speed - 2004 Audi TT
  By troy m - July 7 - 2:00 am

  This is a car to show off in! It has a style all its own,right down to the gas cap with an interior that compliments the rest of the car.

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  Here we go again - 2006 Audi A4
  By endophil - July 6 - 11:33 am

  I had a 2003 TT. Great car to drive, but reliability was terrible. With only 6700 miles everything went wrong. Well I deceided to try Audi again. Only one week old and the memory seats dont work. Hello Audi. They make a great driving car and thats it. Reliability is horrible. The current clutch is also a disaster. It has no definite grip point

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  Great shopping experience aided by the Edmunds - 2016 Audi A4
  By Pat Byrne - July 6 - 11:02 am

  End Up leasing the car, but your info helped to make decision. Thanks!

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  Wow - 2004 Audi A4
  By varsityjoe - July 3 - 10:00 am

  I have been a Volkswagen owner for the last 6 years and I just bought my first Audi. It is simply an extension of the quality the Volkswagen puts in their complete line. Its a great car!! The handling is superb and the interior is even better!! I compared with BMW and bang for the buck, Audi is a better buy in the upscale category. For all of those of you who are looking for a family car or those of you who are single active people, the A4 Avant is certainly the best wagon out there. Get one, you wont be dissapointed!!

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  Beauty - 2016 Audi S5
  By David Beacom - July 2 - 2:27 am

  This car is handsome and powerful and a little tight on interior space. Great for two people, maybe three.

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  Take care of it & itll take care of U - 1997 Audi A6
  By Bavariandream - July 2 - 2:00 am

  The A6 (C4 platform) is a great value, when purchased used. Mine is a high mileage car (127K) and it still runs and looks like (almost) new. Keep in mind that it needs some preventative care (not just the regular oil change) in order to keep it running flawlessly. Timing belt (yes belt, not a chain like most Beemers) need to be replaced every 60-75k. While doing this you should also replace the water pump, because itll break down at some point, and this will save you a lot of $$$$. Check and top off the differential/tansaxle fluids twice a year. Wear and tear repairs done: Front wheel bearing, front CV boot, timing belt and water pump, differential seal.