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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  Buyer Beware - 2002 Audi A4
  By lemondriver - February 11 - 2:00 am

  This Audi is a nightmare. I had a 1999 2.8Q, it was a great car. I wish I had it back. This car has spent a cumlative 2.5 months at the dealer since Dec. 02.A brief list of mechanical issues, ignition coil, 3 Clutches, 2 windshield wiper motors,a incredibly squeaky drivers seat, trunk latch failing while vehicle was being driven,twice. malfunctioning factory cd changer. Audi customer service is non-existent and rude. The car broke down out of state and the local dealer refused to fix it, because they didnt sell the car. I had to pay several hundred dollars in tow charges. Audi refuses to reimburse any of those or rent a car charges. Run away from this car!

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  Love this car - 2006 Audi A3
  By lyders - February 10 - 11:13 am

  After owning two minivans in a row we were somewhat concerned about the smaller size of the Audi. The fun factor more then makes up for any size issues. We find outselves looking for reasons to go places. This car is a blast to drive. Mileage after 1200 miles on the odometer is averaging about 28-30 mpg. Fit and finish is great, performance is outstanding. All in all a very impressive car at this point.

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  Unlike any other - 2001 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By climbon - February 10 - 2:00 am

  Amazing car but had several problems that make me fear owning this car after the warranty. Had brake issues and spiral- spring (in the steering wheel). Its a 6-speed and I think the clutch is burning down pretty quickly, but that is not definite yet. Performance for a vehicle like this is untouchable and I love the engine....all I can say is WOW.

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  Love it! - 2000 Audi A6
  By Brentlypdx - February 10 - 2:00 am

  I have only owned the car a month, but it is my third Audi in a row. I find them to be innovative, elegant, and fun to drive. The A6 2.7T is a wonderful combination of elegance and sport all in one. You get to be a grown up, and feel like a kid.

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  excellent ride dissapointing reliability - 2015 Audi A7
  By Aurelian - February 9 - 2:31 am

  This is a spectacular looking car that feels great on the road however the leather seats started fading within few years only and MOST importantly as I just passed 100kmiles it started burning oil....of course any major repair is as much as paying for a monthly lease of a new car so I would not recommend you keeping it after the lease is up.....

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  Money Pit - 1994 Audi 100
  By Yowza - February 9 - 2:00 am

  Took a chance on a high-mileage vehicle for winter-only use. Lost this bet big- time: Ive driven it a total of 14,000 miles and its been in the shop 21 times (no lie!) and so far Ive spent $5,400 on repairs and there are still 3 nagging problems that cant seem to be solved. Every repair takes three or more attempts before its finished (oil pressure warning light problem has taken 7 visits so far, and were not done yet).

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  yougottobekidding - 1997 Audi Cabriolet
  By audisluv - February 9 - 2:00 am

  I like the power compared to my 2.5 TL Acura ,it comes on soundlessly and over 60 has the pull of locomotive.Compared to my sold miata it is not the best handeling but if a SUV (driver/phone user on wheels) decides to back end me I wont be flatted like a bug. Very comfortable with top down and the windspoiler in place.

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  graet car to drive - 2000 Audi A6
  By HR - February 8 - 2:00 am

  Great car to drive, especially on ling stretches. I am 62 and have no problems. Great traction with Quatro. Minor problems. Bought extended warranty. Audi service is very professional. Would buy again, buit gettinr very expensive.

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  Exceptional Luxury Sedan - 2004 Audi A8
  By Gregory Demetriades - February 8 - 2:00 am

  Audi not only goes head-to-head with the S-Class Mercedes and the BMW 7 Series, but raises the bar on what a luxury sedan is in terms of value for money, aesthetic pleasure, performance handling, reliability, SAFETY, and all around "feel good". This is one seriously exceptionally engineered handling automobile. It is a welcome addition and partner to my existing E- Class Mercedes and Porsche Boxster S. I would recommend the A8 to anyone who is looking for the benefits of a luxury sedan without forfeiting the pleasures of a high-performance sports car.

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  The good life in a beautiful car - 2004 Audi TT
  By Badbenson - February 8 - 2:00 am

  Ive been shopping for an Audi model for a year now initially my first choice was the Allroad, then an A$ Avant, then an A4 cabriolet, then an S6 Avant. Im now the proud owner of the TT 3.2 Quattro, and Im absolutely loving it. It handles like a dream, its fast, and it looks extremely sexy. What more can I say. Its been a long journey, but well worth it.