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 car, 20K miles - 2015 Audi A4
  By Audi Fan - September 26 - 9:59 pm

  After more than 2 years and 20K miles, I can say this car has been great. Excellent acceleration and handling. The sports mode allows for more lively driving. The quattro system is great on curves. No problems with anything and have gone in only for routine maintenance. A few years ago A4s had some problems with oil consumption, but I have not had that problem with this 2015 model and its possible Audi solved whatever problem was ailing earlier models. Bluetooth works well. My only critique is that the technology is not as good as some other cars (e.g. no backup camera), but I care more about speed and handling than technology. Mileage is really good on the highway.

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  Audi A4 is THE Car!!! - 2000 Audi A4
  By VladAtNebo - September 26 - 2:00 am

  I love my Audi A4. I bought it because it is very fun to drive is solidly built. There are many performance upgrades available. Such as, 500 for a chip that adds 45hp and 85pound/ft torque. It has sound accelaration, cornering, braking ability. A manual tranny is the way to go. Its been very reliable and I have 73k so far. I use synthetic oil to keep the turbo happy and it keeps me happy when I ask for power.

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  Youve heard it before - 1998 Audi A4
  By Drew M - September 25 - 2:00 am

  Bought this car used a couple of years back. It was a great car, without any problems for about 8 months. Since then, it pretty much lines up with the things said in other reviews. Be prepared to pay to keep it moving! It is going back into the shop today (just got it back 2 weeks ago) and will probably be sold after that.

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  This is one fun Car!! - 2004 Audi TT
  By TT Fun - September 25 - 2:00 am

  Let me just start off by saying that this is one fun car to drive. I have read a lot of articles talking about how its not as fast as some other cars out there. Let me tell you I have driven the 350Z and the boxter. Once you get past the launch. this car is every bit as fast. It is just harder to get the car going from a standing start. And what a lot of these articles forget is the allwheel drive, it is amazing. It handles like a dream, very presise. Definatly a sporty ride. Very little body roll. I have never owned a car that makes me want to go into the garage in the middle of the night and just look at it. This car does!

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  Best Wagon - 2003 Audi A6
  By annette - September 25 - 2:00 am

  The vehicle I am so enchanted with is the Audi A6 Avant All Road wagon. This vehicle has quick pick up-get up and go. The breaking system is quick and accurate. The Bose system for audio is Excellent. Good visabilaty on all sides, Side mirrors tilt down upon backing up (Reverse) The seat adjusts well to all family drivers. Very comfortable, stable well handeling automobile. I have been a Ford- Chevy driver for 15 years. Very impressed with this German product! The Dealer- ship, Newport Auto Center, Newport Beach Califonia, A+++ in all areas. Very helpful,profesional, sales, service staff Excellent. A customer for life.

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  Audi walks away from a LEMON - 2003 Audi A4
  By Gilly Sr. - September 24 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned it for 14 months and its been out of my posession for 47 days for mechanical rasons. 38 days for ignition coil(s) problems, 4 days to replace a faulty catalytic convertor and most recently, 5 days to replace a failed fan regulator module. Audi customer service takes a week to call me back to tell me theyve decided to continue to service the car under the terms of warranty. I gotta a lemon folks and Audi doesnt want to make it right. Now its my lawyers turn.

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  love this car - 2000 Audi A4
  By woodyp74 - September 24 - 2:00 am

  this car is awesome. needs a bit more power...go with an apr chip and its even better

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  TT from Mexico - 2004 Audi TT
  By Soccer sucks !! - September 24 - 2:00 am

  Extremely fun! unfortunatelly not the best suspension for Mexicos driveways, but lovely on highways. I do agree with VALuptuous about the blindspot. Z3s has nothing to do with the TT not even the 3.0 lts. Girls love it...

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  Awesome German Enginering! - 1990 Audi 90
  By phantasylink - September 23 - 2:00 am

  I have had this car for over 4 years. This is an awesome car! It has great handeling, and power for passing speeds. It flys down the freeway with great fule economy. It is very reliable! I would reccomend this car to anyone! Espically over the BMW 325i

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  Used A8 is great value - 1998 Audi A8
  By PaulP - September 23 - 2:00 am

  I bought a Quattro A8 that had just come off a lease, and find that it is a great car. Two years later, I now have 96K miles on it with only a few minor electrical glitches (outside mirror motor). The quality and performance is superb.