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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  One of the Best BigEuro Sedans ever made - 1999 Audi A8
  By Brutus - July 8 - 2:00 am

  Understated luxury in an all-aluminum chassis and body. Its sportslike handling capabilities from this "big cat" is just one of great things about this Audi A8. After 3 years, it still is as beautiful as the day I picked it up and has the same tight and powerful drive feel too.

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  99audi a-6 review - 1999 Audi A6
  By ayr_aca_jst - July 8 - 2:00 am

  I drive my Audi A-6 100 miles each day to work. The drive seems time less as I listen to the Bose sound system--- its like being at a concert!! The ride and handling gives me that Autobahn feeling as I press into the curves with that Quattro drive system.Its the finest car I have owned in 35 years of driving!!!

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  Not enough power? Get a pickup. - 2004 Audi A4
  By Calgary Audi Guy - July 6 - 2:00 am

  I have a hard time reading reviews about this car that state theres not enough power . The 1.8T is a perfect match for this car, especially if you drive in adverse conditions as we do here in Canada on a regular basis. My A4 has about 1500 miles clocked and although by no means a rocket ship, is quite satisfying for an entry level LUXURY SPORT SEDAN. Want more power and the same level of sophistication? Get an S4. Before purchasing, I drove both the 3.0 and 1.8T. There isnt enough of a difference to justify the price for a 3.0. And you simply must get the Sport Package", Handles MUCH better and the lowered car just plain looks great.

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  Awesome Audi - 2002 Audi A4
  By Ignacio - July 5 - 9:00 am

  Awesome car

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  A perfect blend - 2002 Audi A4
  By Windsurfer - July 4 - 7:10 pm

  A perfect blend of luxury, sportiness and style. It has power to spare, the 6 speed manual is smooth as silk, the sport suspension and precise steering will make every ride exciting. The sound of the engine is musical and exciting, but not intrusive. The exterior and interior styling and detail is unmatched. In summary, an exciting car that will get your adrenaline going. Sorry Acura, Infinity, Lexus, Mercedes and all the other sedating cars.

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  Beware timing chain tensioner at 75k miles!! - 2014 Audi Q5
  By Peter Pan - July 4 - 3:27 am

  The 2.0l engine has a poorly designed timing chain tensioner which is prone to failure around 75k miles - and will take your engine with it. There is a class action lawsuit about the problem (google it). The car also does not hold its value well - I’m told due to lack of reliability and sky high repair costs. That said, until the timing chain failed it was fun to drive and had been pretty reliable. However, at 74k miles when the timing chain tensioner failed, the engine repair costs exceeded the blue book value of the car (4.5 years old). The navigation system was clunky, it had no USB ports, and poor user interface for such an expensive car.

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  Purchase off lease & happy - 2000 Audi A8
  By joebert - July 4 - 2:00 am

  I just purchased my A8 off lease. It is by far the best luxury size car Ive ever driven - Compared it to the BMW 740 an Mercedes. It has unbeliveable gas mileage for a 310 hp V8, a subtle but nice interior, great acceleration, great ride & handling and all time 4WD for those ski trips. The Bose sound system is exceptional an the navigation system is easy to use and accurate. The exterior design is a bit conservative but I like the understated affluence.

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  One Great Machine! - 2002 Audi A4
  By Landen111 - July 4 - 2:00 am

  Great fit & finish. Wonderful car for the price... Sells for at least a few thousand less than a comparably equipped BMW (plus it has quattro which BMW doesnt have). Luxury interior, sporty performance. It really is an enthusiasts car!

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  Third times still charming - 1999 Audi A6
  By Tom Finlayson - July 3 - 2:00 am

  Wow my three year lease went by quickly, thats how it goes when you are having fun. Our A6 came with all the goodies. Quattro All wheel drive awesome, for trips to Tahoe in the snow and around our hilly area when it rains. The stereo system with cd in- dash and changer has been faultless & sounds superb. One minor repair, a leak in a vacumn tube, quick in/out repair by dealer. With three small kids the car cleans up easy and looks like new afterwards. No breaking of gadgets that I have seen on other cars. This is our familys third Audi and we will buy again. Power/performance is good but not a speed sensation.

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  Very Happy! - 2002 Audi A6
  By Art123 - July 3 - 2:00 am

  To put my rating in perspective, I came out of 3 yrs in a BMW 535, and 3 yrs in a 540. This car is a very pleasant surprise. Very nice response from the twin turbo-kicked engine. Optional sport package suspension w/ 17" wheels and Dunlop 9090s provides excellent road handling in the twisties. Looking forward to the Quattro here in Minnesota. If the BMWs were "10/10ths", this 2.7T is 8.5/10ths, and for the money, Ill take it.