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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  BMW beater... in the winter at least - 2009 Audi A5
  By dillon - January 13 - 11:26 pm

  Traded in 2000 BMW 328i. Had always planned on replacing with another BMW but I havent been impressed with the current designs and decided to make the switch. Looked at a number of cars in this segment but ultimately choose the A5 for the practicality of the AWD, decent MPG, and of course the stunning looks (dont buy this car if you dont like being gawked at). Acceleration and handling are good but there are certainly cars with better. Got to test out the Quattro last month in some serious snow and ice... and it was unbelievable. For me it was all about being able to drive in the winter. If thats not an issue than I think the competition is stiff for the A5.

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  Best Car Ive Owned - 2007 Audi A4
  By Mike Ellis - January 13 - 1:53 pm

  I recently bought an 07 A4 Quattro after comparing several other brands. The build quality, gas mileage and AWD were a no brainer. The car is quiet, fuel efficient and fast! The turbo four is a great engine.

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  Not a good purchase!! - 2007 Audi A3
  By Waste - January 13 - 7:35 am

  I purchased the premium package with the white exterior and dark grey interior. This is a good looking car, BUT I have had so many problems with it. Exteriorly, the trim on the sky system keeps on popping off. I had to bring my vehicle in 4 times to get this fixed. The Pirelli tires that come stock are terrible! I had to replace the fronts under 20000 and the rear 25000. Now I am having engine problems with the transmission. Recommendation: dont purchase this vehicle! Also very noisy while driving past 60 mph especially if you get the roof racks, which are also junk. Mine broke the first week I got them.

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  Solid performer - 2007 Audi A4
  By Gordon - January 12 - 6:56 pm

  It was a toss up between the A4 and BMW 3 series. I went with A4 as the interior is superior (in my opinion). So far, no regrets. Good power, handling and fuel economy. All said, I would buy another Audi without hesitation.

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  Just OK! - 2003 Audi A4
  By britt11286 - January 10 - 10:19 pm

  I have had my Audi for 2 years and it has been to the dealership for multiple problems 4 times and it needs to go back again. From interior peeling to ignition coils, it really has been one thing after another, mostly little things though. I hate the fact that the 2nd cup holder is in the center console, pretty useless! However, I have to say that I really love this car. It is a smooth ride and it can virtually get through snow and ice with very little slipping if any at all. The Bose stereo puts out great sound. It handles corners great. Could have a little more power, but its not bad. Will get another A4 but it will definitely be the newer 2009 model. Hopefully theyll get it right in 2009.

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  10 years of ownership - 1994 Audi 90
  By millforme - January 3 - 12:30 am

  I am the second owner, the car has lived in Colorado its whole life. I am an avid snowboarder so its seen countless mtn passes. I also appraise homes, so this car never turns off. I bought it with 72k it now has 260k and it is just as solid as the day I purchased it. I also have a 95 S6 avant and the build quality is no where near my 90. This car is incredible in the snow, quiet as a ghost with no rattles or vibrations, and with 260k!

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  Love Audis, but not this Audi - 2001 Audi A4
  By DFD - December 29 - 4:04 pm

  I bought my Audi used from a reliable used foreign car dealer. Love the power and handling, and it looks good. Two of my biggest problems that I have come across is the terrible fuel economy and the lack of heat. Im getting about 18 mpg now, and that is mostly hwg. My heat blows cold air constantly. I recently spent $650 to get it fixed, just for the mechanic to tell me it still doesnt work. But all in all, I would buy another Audi, theyre lots of fun.

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  High maintenance - 2001 Audi A6
  By coalminer - December 26 - 7:10 am

  The car has good looks and drives well when not in the shop. Audi engineers need to make a car more reliable and less costly to fix. Had the car 2.5 years and spent $16,000 in repairs from engine work to sensors to cracked rims. What next? Dont buy one new or used its a money pit!

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  German Engineering at its finest - 2001 Audi S4
  By Kelvin - December 22 - 11:34 pm

  Purchased my S4 used with 30k and it ran like a champ right off the dealership lot! Love the QUATTRO engineering. This car is a bona fide pocket rocket. Handles corners extremely well, firm tight suspension and great acceleration. Only wish I had gotten a 6 speed instead of the automatic. The S line should stand for super. Audi has done it right again with the S4.

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  Better than any SUV or CUV built! - 1997 Audi A6
  By David Erv - December 19 - 6:57 pm

  This sucker is the best car ever for Wisconsin winter driving. My bride would be lost without the Quattro technology driving to work at 5 am. This machine handles in snow like a snowmobile. No cotton-pickin lousey SUV can do it better unless perhaps it happens to be yet another Audi. I am dumping my GMC 4WD Suburban to get another Audi Quattro Avant!