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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  a4 Review - 2002 Audi A4
  By bobbygniu - August 25 - 2:00 am

  Best car I have ever owned. Great in winter, fun in the summer. Service from Audi is excellent.

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  Audi A6 2.7T quattro - 2003 Audi A6
  By Slhemphill - August 24 - 2:00 am

  Excellent car. Sporty yet luxurious. Plenty of power. Comfortable. Holds the road - very responsive. 18+ gallon gas tank is nice. It is so nice to have luxury that isnt bmw or mercedes - too many of those around. Someday people will appreciate the Audi and then there will be too many of them on the road!

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  Amazing Car - 2009 Audi A4
  By Simon0809 - August 23 - 6:30 pm

  This by far has been the best experience in any of the cars I have driven. The car has a lot of speed for a 4 cyl and also it has a sport gear. The interior is really comfortable, and I so far have not had any blind spots! Could not ask for more in a car!

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  Really Nice Automobile. - 2000 Audi TT
  By CashMorganLee - August 23 - 2:00 am

  We purchased our TT used and have had no major problems. There is not a Audi dealership in Charleston, sc, yet, so we have to take it to Columbia, for service, and any warranty work. I agree with the other reviews. I love it on the interstate at about 85-90 mph. It always gets a few looks where ever we are.

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  Pre-Owned TT - 2002 Audi TT
  By gottcha - August 23 - 2:00 am

  Fun, fun, fun, to drive. Wheather the car is parked or on the road, it always turns heads.

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  Q5 - great drive, poor comfort - 2014 Audi Q5
  By sussiprice - August 23 - 12:38 am

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  carl - 1999 Audi A6
  By thompso11 - August 21 - 2:00 am

  Bought the car used with 52k, looks great, love the interior, but poor reliability. Within the last 10 months I have had a transmission leak ($320), engine oil leaks ($1,000), cruise control module ($525), transmission relay ($520) and the digital display is fading. I plan on trading it in next week on a Nissan.

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  Love Hate Relationship - 1998 Audi A6
  By Jackied _irl - August 21 - 2:00 am

  I fell in love with this car the second I drove it – yes even girls love cars! It handles very well in New England snow & after giving up my much loved rear-wheel drive BMW the Audi AWD was a God send! I did however fall victim to the nasty fuel tank problem & had the sensors replaced 3 times. Once the dealer even contaminated the gas with diesel! The dealer & Audi in general have been the hate part of my car relationship. Would I buy this car again? I would have to say No. The reason: The dealers, I know, I’ve been to most of them within 80 miles of Boston & have yet to find a competent one! Alas, BMW this is where you win.

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  Exellent Car - 1999 Audi A4
  By GKR - August 21 - 2:00 am

  I just purchased this car it only has 38,000 miles on it and I love driving it. Style,comfort,handling is great. I owned prior to this a 1993 Mercedes 190E and this auto does not compare! Only thing I would have liked in the Audi is a CD player it comes with a cassette AM/FM radio, other than that car is GREAT!!!

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  A4 2.8 Quattro - 2000 Audi A4
  By Popeye - August 20 - 2:00 am

  Finally, I have the car I want! Lots of fun to drive.