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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  Outstanding tech wrapped around a really good car - 2017 Audi A4
  By NSR - June 3 - 10:18 pm

  I test drove a lot of cars (3-series, C300, GLC, XC60, Mazda6, Mini Clubman) before choosing the 2017 A4 and so far, I really enjoy the car. Right now, I think it offers the best mix of tech, performance and luxury in the class, at least until the next 3-series or whatever leapfrogs it. Pros: - The tech goodies are really impressive. Virtual Cockpit is fantastic and having the nav right in front of you in a huge display is actually very useful. Its easy to learn the basic functions of the infotainment system, but it is worth the time to dig deeper and really understand all the different ways you can customize the experience. It makes the car a lot more enjoyable. Even with all the tech, the usability is much better than Mercedes and Lexus. Honestly, you really need to get the technology package to get the best out of this car. - Beyond the gadgets, this is a very good drivers car. Acceleration and braking are very strong, especially with quattro. The ride is firm but controlled. The steering is lighter than I would prefer though. - The interior is not as rich as the C-Class and the GLC, but the materials are high quality, visibility is excellent and the look is very clean and modern. I am 62" with really broad shoulders and size 14 feet, and I have enough head and legroom in the front. I did not fit well at all in the C300, IS and Jaguar XE. The 3 series also has a pretty roomy cabin. - It doesnt use run-flats and has an actual spare tire. I never cared until my wife and I both had flats last year. I had a spare tire. She didnt. I was able to get moving again. She had to get towed. Enough said. Cons: - Setting up the AudiConnect trial was a pain that required multiple phone calls and websites. I was told there were issues with both the new A4 and Q7. I work in tech, so I was able to muddle through this and get everything set up, but Audi really needs to improve the process. - Exterior styling is handsome, but too much like the last generation A4 and the current A3. Its really difficult to tell them apart at first glance. It would have been nice if the new A4 was a little more distinctive - Interior storage could be better. I love the adjustable center armrest, which seems to be a VW/Audi signature, but it doesnt fully cover the compartment, so you cant store anything showy in there. The glovebox is also very small, but at least there is a deep compartment next to the steering wheel that can hold a decent amount of items. - I wish you didnt have to pony up for the Prestige package to get the additional driver assist package. LA traffic would be a little less annoying with the dynamic cruise control, but cost aside, Prestige models are almost impossible to find on dealer lots right now, and good luck getting a color other than black or white. - With all the new tech, I hope long-term reliability isnt an issue.

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  Audi Cab - 1998 Audi Cabriolet
  By kmrk - June 3 - 2:00 am

  Fun car. Would prefer all-wheel drive but the front wheel is fine for a "summer" car. Low noise with the top down, good sound system, excellent mechanicals, very comfortable for large driver. Could definitely use a little more bhp but wonderful to cruise New England in the summer.

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  Nothing but the best - 2004 Audi A8
  By rcadamski - June 3 - 2:00 am

  The quality is impeccable. The drive is exceptional. Ride is the best ever. Plenty of power. And it is RARE compared to S, E class or 7 series. Everyone loves to look at it. Five golfers and five bags in the trunk travel in style. Rear seat is a lemo class. Shortcomings: Drivers seat bolsters are a little tight, and no satellite radio available when I purchased. Gas mileage is about 12-15, 25 at 80 mph on the highway. Love it.

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  Great car, some dealership issues - 2001 Audi A4
  By ilovemya4 - June 3 - 2:00 am

  We had a great experience buying this car. However, our experience with the a different dealer for maintenance (Royal Motors in SF) has been ABSOLUTELY HORRIBLE. Audi dealer mechanics are bonused based on customer feedback. We didnt know this when we filled out the Audi feedback letter after our 1st service at Royal Motors. One of the mechanics left a voice mail on our home phone complaining about how our low feedback score was going to hurt his compensation. To top it off, every time we go back, we get this passive-aggressive treatment from the employees, with petty comments like "I see you gave ___ a low score" years after that feedback was submitted.

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  Great car - 2005 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By luis pedro - June 2 - 9:13 am

  Audi allroad its a great car, here in europe the diesel 2.5 tdi with 180 cv are the most wanted, very spacious for legs, children and baggage, great engine, with 450 nm/m of binary, excellent quality in interiors and exteriors, good road driving, its the car that you expect in every situation.

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  AUDI TT ROADSTER - 2004 Audi TT
  By SAM HUANG - June 2 - 2:00 am

  LOVE THE CAR. ITS BEAUTIFUL AND SLEEK. THE CURVE OF THE CAR IS LIKE NO OTHER. TOTALLY SEXY!

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  Mostly a good used vehicle! - 2000 Audi A4
  By scrotummaster - June 1 - 2:00 am

  Exterior and interior are both well executed. Nice lines, quality materials, and great build quailty. My Audi came with the optional sport package (16 inch 10 spoke rims, leather seats, lowered suspension) and it looks much better than the stock car with only 15 inch rims. Quattro is excellent, especially in winter driving conditions. I am slightly worried about future mechanical problems based on other users reviews but I have an extended warranty (which I recommend for any used German car) but I havent had any problems up to 06/2004. Recommended-with an extended warranty!

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  Just Plain Fun - 2001 Audi TT
  By TonyG - June 1 - 2:00 am

  I love this car. Having owned many Amercian made muscle cars and sports cars, the ride, performance and styling of the Audi has made me in a convert to German made cars only!

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  Bose stereo - not impressed - 2002 Audi A4
  By desert man - June 1 - 2:00 am

  The Bose stereo is a weakness. Sound is only average. FM and AM reception poor. Dealer cannot improve it. Sound system in this car should be fantastic. Cant upgrade a Bose must replace all.

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  allroad review - 2005 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By Jim - May 31 - 2:03 am

  The Audi allroad is the ultimate vehicle. It provides tremendous performance and road handling capabilities in a unique package that always gets positive stares from other drivers. Fuel mileage could be improved but the performance is worth it.