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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  What a Great Car! - 2003 Audi A4
  By FunGuy90814 - February 16 - 2:00 am

  This is the best car Ive owned, to date. I ordered an Audi A-4 1.8T Quattro with manual transmission from Germany and it was delivered at the end of May 2002. I havent had one problem with this car, not one. The build quality is superb. It handles like a dream (the Quattro is amazing!) and even the gas mileage is excellent. Ive never been happier with a new car. The fact that Audi provides a complete warranty package for the first 4 years or 40,000 miles (which includes oil changes and wiper blades!!!) says something for the way Audi builds quality into their cars.

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  Happy in Virginia - 2016 Audi A7
  By Thom - February 14 - 3:15 pm

  I owned a 2011 Porsche Panamera that burned up in interstate 95 on the way to vacation. Prior to the fire I was looking at the Audi line of cars. After quite a bit of research I decided on a Audi A7 due to its versatility and great interior. I didnt go back to Porsche because of their lack of concern when my car caught fire!! I was planning on buying off of the local dealer but they told me it would take 90-120 days to order the A7 configured the way I wanted it. I got on the net and connected with Lauren Whitcraft at Rick Case Audi in the Atlanta area. She located a dealer who had a car that was being built in Germany and traded one of their vehicles. In a little over three weeks she notified my car was ready to go. I must add that we did the deal over the phone in thirty minutes from the time I called initially. I flew to Atlanta on a morning flight and she picked me up at the airport. After I hit the road I drive from Atlanta to Richmond in a constant rain. My new Audi A7 impressed me the entire trip averaging 37.5 mph. I have owned a ton of cars and this one is a keeper. On a recent trip I averaged 42.6 mph(diesel). My wife keeps telling how much she like the A7 and just smile and go "yes I do. I really with I could complain about something but I cant. I am looking forward to taking a long trip some day soon. In closing I can tell you this puppy is pretty darn fast too. It midrange acceleration does not seem to bog down until I loose my nerve....Did I say I love my A7? I cant wait until the 2016 Q7 comes out so we can fly to Atlanta and replace my wifes vehicle.

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  Brilliant - 1999 Audi A8
  By 007ab - February 14 - 2:00 am

  This car is brilliant in design and execution. It is a spoiler for sure. Currently in the body shop due to a person not looking before backing from their parking space. I miss driving it.

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  A V8 is the difference - 2004 Audi S4
  By Z8dream - February 14 - 2:00 am

  It came down to the S4, M3 SMG2, and Z06. In the end the fit and finish of the S4 was superior to the M3, and especially the Vette. The M3 is nice, and fast to be sure, but the feature content is lacking as opposed to the S4. The V8 is much more linear than the twin-turbo V6 of the old S4. I am very happy I chose the S4 and have no regrets.

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  It eats BMWs for breakfast !!! - 2004 Audi S4
  By richardS4 - February 13 - 2:00 am

  My last 4 cars were BMWs, including an E6 M3. The S4 runs circles around all of them. Great V8 engine, 6-speed gearbox and all-wheel drive. Beautiful Nogaro blue color with black leather/blue alcantara seats - stunning. It took a little while to learn how to launch it smoothly in 1st gear, but now that I can, it is blindingly fast. 145 mph feels like 90 mph in any other car. I will never go back to BMWs, which have gotten so ugly. The only question you should ask yourself when you go car shopping is "What is the best Audi I can afford?" I hope your answer is "S4."

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  Do Not Get the Aluminum Decorative Inlay - 2017 Audi A4
  By Chris Russell - February 12 - 2:24 am

  I cant believe Audi came up with this Aluminum thing. When the sun hits it, it gets so glaring. And of course, around midday, the sun will surely hit it because the Audi design is so aerodynamic. This Aluminum thing reminds me of a similar design that Honda came up with about 12 years ago for its Civic. That was glaring too. But Honda dropped it. But Audi caught it and put it on its A4?? So I recommend paying extra for the dark wood or brown wood. About everything else, A4 is completely redesigned. Im quite happy. I may write an update in 6 months.

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  Audi A6 4.2 with sports package - 2004 Audi A6
  By DRStephens - February 12 - 2:00 am

  With the sports package putting this car an inch closer to the ground, with quattro power to all four tires, and the stability of the extra wide tires, this car is hard to beat. This enables one to accelerate through corners and leave the two-wheel (front or rear) powered cars in the dust. Its a blast to drive.

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  Allroad Best 4WD Station Wagon - 2005 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By Rich03449 - February 11 - 6:36 am

  We purchased this vehicle because of the harsh winters we have in New Hampshire. If youre looking for comfort, style, reliability and performance this car is a great choice. It powers through snow, great in rain and a pleasure on dry country back roads. Tough and durable without losing grace and style.

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  RECOMMENDED - 1996 Audi A4
  By 96A45SPEED - February 11 - 2:00 am

  I purchased a 96 A4 Quattro with a 5- Speed Trans. I LOVE this car. It is fast enough, yet has the ride youd expect from a $30000 car. It handles great, accelerates well, and also turns heads. The thing to Remember with Audis is this: TAKE CARE OF THEM, AND THEYLL TAKE CARE OF YOU. If you want a car that you dont have to think about, buy a Honda. But, if you like to do maintanence, or just remember to keep up with maintenence, youll have no problems. The Audis one car that once you drive, you may never buy another Kind of car again.

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  Its my 4th and the best, - 2004 Audi S4
  By Hoots - February 11 - 2:00 am

  I find myself just taking off on the long route home. This car is so much fun to drive its a let down when you have to turn off the key at night and say goodnight. What an amazing machine. I feel so lucky to have one.