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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  Extremely Fun well built sedan - 2000 Audi A4
  By EFox - November 12 - 2:00 am

  Since the time of purchase my 2000 Audi A4 1.8T Quattro has been nothing but a wonder to me. It has only had one flaw, and that was the driver side/seat airbag was defective and was replaced. Otherwise its been a beauty.

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  bet your life on it - 2001 Audi A4
  By Carey B. - November 11 - 2:00 am

  Let me start by saying that I was in a head-on collision just 2 weeks ago and my 2001 A4 performed just as it should have, safely. It is an incredibly solid and safe automobile. All the minor complaints (lame cupholder and small back-seat) I once had about the car have receded into the past. To be able to walk away from a bad accident is the best testament anyone can give for a car.

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  I am glad I made right choice. - 2017 Audi Q7
  By Sung Park - November 10 - 10:26 pm

  I was looking a car for couple months. I compared SUVs from Volvo, Benz, BMW, Porsche and Lexus. Audi Q7 is the best one.

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  Great Car - 2000 Audi A6
  By Rick Traskos - November 10 - 2:00 am

  The 2.7 is a fun car to drive. Plenty of pep and holds the road like a tiger. Now if they could just get that wonderful Bose radio system to get better reception, that would make the car just about perfect.

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  Pers[ective audi - 2003 Audi TT
  By jason r x speed - November 10 - 2:00 am

  My audi TT is quite reliable.needibg no excuses for poor exterior design it features many admirable qualities

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  TT after 3 months - 2003 Audi TT
  By Banker John - November 9 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this car as a 25th wedding anniversary present for my wife. She typically doesnt get excited about cars, but really went crazy over the TT. Ive had various convertibles for over 17 years. I drove a Z4 and and a Boxster (tiptronic) for comparison. TT won out on styling, interior quality and what I would label as 80% driving - that stuff we all do during our daily trips around town. Z4 was a close competitor, but I just couldnt get used to the looks. Boxster (with tiptronic) was a dog to drive around town, and its interior was pretty spartan (read cheap looking) compared to the other two.

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  Lemon Law the TT - 2004 Audi TT
  By flar - November 8 - 2:00 am

  I am lemon lawing this vehicle! Nothing works correctly, my TT has been out of service for 23 days and I have only had it for 10 months. It was a brand new car when I bought it. If you buy this car, be prepared for lots of time at the shop and plan on driving a loaner.

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  No Complaints - 2001 Audi A6
  By Frankcusfa - November 8 - 2:00 am

  I have owned SAABs, Volvos, MBs and BMWs, but this is the finest automobile I have ever owned. A couple of problems in the beginning, but AUDI fixed with no hesitations (including replacing brake pads at 14K and entire clutch assembly).

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  Very fun for a "station wagon" - 2006 Audi A4
  By SoDead - November 7 - 11:36 am

  What a great car! I gave up a 98 528i for the Avant... The ride is a bit stiffer than the 528i. Not a major problem.

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  Its No Lexus!! - 2002 Audi A8
  By oskiguy - November 7 - 2:00 am

  The best car Ive ever owned. Not as quiet and as functionally/logically laid-out as the Lexus (wifes). Fun to drive, excellent fuel economy and one seldom sees another one.