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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  jackclt - 2016 Audi A5
  By jackclt - July 12 - 6:43 pm

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  Youll love driving this car - 1998 Audi A4
  By compcond - July 11 - 10:00 am

  Back to the dealer for service... lots of it. Mine was purchased new and has 48,000 miles on it. Ive replaced the computer, catalytic converter, cam tensioner seals, 5 instrument panels, 3 batteries, coolant reservoir, coolant temperature sensor, fuel guage sending unit, stereo, 2 speakers, and the alternator. Over $4,000 in billable repairs since the 3 year warranty ran out not including maintenance items.

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  joy of driving - 2004 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By john melendez - July 7 - 10:00 am

  I change a BMW-X5 2001 for this car.It has everything the BMW had plus I can used as a car when the hight is @ 4.8 inches. And as a SUV when the hight is @ 8 inches or so. Furthermore the gas saving compare a 13-17 to a 18-24mpg. Do not get me wrong I leve the BMW but a more money oriented me likes the allwheel allraod better. Now if BMW brings the % series Wogon n an allwhell mode. That will be topic for another conversation. Finally the audi does not have anything to fell sorry about the interors of the allroad they are great.. BUt the navegational system have room forimprovements

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  2017 A6 - 2017 Audi A6
  By Anne C. - July 4 - 4:10 am

  I have only had this car for a month but am still in love with it. The interior cabin is loaded and rides extremely smooth. The initial acceleration is a little sputtery but I believe it is due the emission auto off feature that comes standard. MMI system is easy and simple to use and I love the heads up display options and how easily you can change them.

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  No regrets - 2002 Audi A4
  By Michael Lam - July 4 - 2:00 am

  Im currently own two Audi A4s 2000 A4 and 2002 A4, and had driving both cars on daily uses. There are great improvement in handling of the new 2002 A4 (B6) compared to the old 2000 A4 (B5) plaftform. So far, there is no regret from me with the two Audi A4s in my garage.

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  Great car! - 2006 Audi A3
  By Dan - July 3 - 8:36 pm

  Just test drove the A3 6-sp manual and was pleasently surprised. The engine is great, inside is beautiful. Outside design is one of the best for the hatch. The car is a dream, smooth, quiet, fast, comfortable. It was 4 of us in the car, including a child seat in the back, behind the passenger, and enough room. With all of us and full tank, the car is accelerating in the 6th gear.

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  Sweet ride! - 2016 Audi Q5
  By Jacqui Lauritano - June 30 - 10:28 am

  I love the body style. Interior is somewhat lacking compared to the Mercedes GLC but still nice. Ride and handling is what you would expect from German engineering, flawless. I would definitely recommend this SUV.

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  Disappointed & Annoyed - 2003 Audi A4
  By benerasaka - June 29 - 2:00 am

  The vehicle has been brought for servicing four times to date ranging from minor problems to major problems. Life Quality Audi gave the worst service, which convinced me never to purchase another Audi again. Service consisted of unfulfilled promises.

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  2016 Audi A3 Love Mine! - 2016 Audi A3
  By LolaJade - June 23 - 12:18 pm

  I was worried going from an A4 to an A3 but for the value I got for the price this car is perfect! Carlsbad Audi is awesome to work with.

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  Perfect car except.... - 2003 Audi A4
  By nemo - June 23 - 10:00 am

  I traded in my 2001 1.8 A4 for the 2003 model. Yes, there is turbo lag, but I experienced this in the 2001 model anyway. With the 2003, you can use the "S" mode or use the Tiptronic shifter to get a faster acceleration to 1st gear. After first gear, this car flies. Handling is great on corners.