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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  Nothing but good things to say - 2002 Audi A4
  By Greg Mason - November 4 - 10:00 am

  I finally stumbled upon the new A4 and fell in love at once. I have always liked the styling, but Audi has been weak in performance and I almost didnt even give the car a second look. The increased horsepower has made this car a dream to drive. The interior is meticulous German engineering and provides an environment that is comfortable and refined, yet not overdone. The AWD capabilities make this a perfect all around automobile. I have been nothing but pleased with the car over the past 8 months.

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  Disappointed - 2002 Audi S6
  By No More Audis - November 1 - 2:00 am

  What a shame a great concept spoiled by poor execution. My initial car had a driveline shake that the dealer was unable to correct despite four visits within the first month. A second car was ordered and had the same problem. Audi of America called after the sale but had no comment or interest in finding the fix.

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  Perfect Car - 2004 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By nwPDXdriver - October 31 - 10:00 am

  Needed a car for suburban driving and the trips to the mountains. Handles well in snowy cascade conditions. The adjustable ride hight is a nifty feature when clearance is needed. The seats are extremely comfortable and there have been no reliability problems except realignment once.

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  Excellent Car!!!!! - 2004 Audi A4
  By Pezley - October 31 - 10:00 am

  After 4 MBZ SLKs my Audi is a much needed change. I almost forgot what a car in this class was suppose to be! Excellent ride, handling and fit! It is easy to see the outstanding attention to detail Audi has by the interior. Only one less than perfect comment - the cupholders. The in-dash holder does not hold cups correctly and falls out. The arm rest holders are, well, in the arm rest! Not very useable! However since this is my only less than perfect comment..I think I can live with it!

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  Audi A4 Turbo Sedan - 2001 Audi A4
  By Aleksandar Lujic - October 30 - 2:00 am

  Fun to drive. Great handling in tight turns and high speeds, great mileage, interior is very well styled and audio system is good. Beautiful exterior design, and center panel is awesome, glows red when lights are turned on.

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  German for Quality - 1999 Audi A6
  By Eddieonline - October 29 - 2:00 am

  Have only had the Avant 2.8 for a month, bought used with 32k. Audi builds a quality product that is extremely solid and well designed. I have to agree with previous reviews that it feels slightly underpowered while in a partial throttle acceleration from a standing stop, but if you get on it, the 200 ponies are definitely there. When the engine is cold, the trans does not want to shift at the normal times, but the tiptronic cures that. The car is a joy to drive on the highway - smooth as silk and good handling. I also prefer the tiptronic shifting in the mountains. The car conrner like it on rails, doesnt feel at all like a wagon.

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  A6 4.2L is tight! - 2003 Audi A6
  By Enachi - October 28 - 2:00 am

  I have owned Mercedes, a BMW and drove several Porsches before deciding on this car and have never had a single regret. The styling is second to none and the performance, especially in sport mode, is tremendous. I feel like I am in my old Cobra again. The engine even has a nice growl to it like its American counterparts.

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  Awsome car. - 2001 Audi TT
  By john g - October 28 - 2:00 am

  This car is the most awsome, capable and unique car I have ever owned.I have owned porsches, bmws,2 other audis and this has the best design and build quality of them all.

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  Awsome car. - 2001 Audi TT
  By John G - October 28 - 2:00 am

  This car is the most awsome, capable and unique car I have ever owned.I have owned porsches, bmws,2 other audis and this has the best design and build quality of them all.

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  Looks good, good mileage, but major engine problem - 2017 Audi Q5
  By Diane LeBlanc - October 28 - 12:52 am

  I do enjoy driving this SUV; its comfortable, good looking, and performs well. Instrumentation is overly complicated and requires some study if a driver is older. In the first week of owning it, the car developed a major engine problem that originated on the manufacturers assembly line. The repair was major, and I was advised by independent engineers that there is no assurance that this car could not have another major problem in the future. The dealer was sympathetic and offered me an Audi Care package and 12,000 new car warranty miles. They think this should cover my inconvenience, but I have no assurance that this Audi will hold up for the long haul. I dont think I got what I paid for.