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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  Great Car in Need of a Few Minor Fixes - 2003 Audi A4
  By ryki - June 18 - 10:00 am

  Have had the A4 V6 Cabriolet for 3 months. Very enjoyable to drive, and very tightly built. Have had a number of convertibles before, but this is the first 4 seater. Tested the BMW 3 series convertible and the Merc 320 clk convertible the Audi was the best allrounder. Good room in the rear with good leg room and a good size trunk (for a convertible) even with the top down.

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  2003 Audi A4 Quattro--Dont miss it - 2003 Audi A4
  By cindy shackelford - June 18 - 10:00 am

  This amulet red A4 3.0 is a head turner; sport suspension and 6cyl engine make for fun driving. Only complaint thus far is road noise and wiper noise are minor distractors.

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  7 yrs old and 90K miles and still like it - 2002 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By Chris P - June 10 - 12:56 am

  I really like this car. Mix of sporty, utility, and family wagon. Mine is 6 speed manual (rare) with the factory jump seats in the back (even more rare) so seats 7 (5+2kids). Its the best SUV.

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  Mostly good - 2004 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By rslau - June 5 - 2:00 am

  Great car, but had problem with the auto trans; it was replaced within a few thousand miles on the car. The dealer was great in helping me with this problem. The car has had not problem after this, and it swifts must better with the replacement - the lag time between pushing on the gas & the car starting to move has improved. I would buy another allroad, but most likely with the 8 cyclinder. The exterior & interior design is extremely nice, though the seats can be a bit uncomfortable at time - not enough side support. It is altogether a great car to drive in both good & bad weathers.

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  A very reliable car in all conditions - 2003 Audi A4
  By moshulu - June 5 - 2:00 am

  Feel so happy whenever I drive my A4. Handling is incredible, and you can certainly feel the tight grip that quattro gives you in all weather conditions. Interior is stunning, with all its features right at the place where they should be. Also.. WOW, what a look! Nicely done by Audi.

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  The perfect "wife car"! - 2017 Audi Q3
  By Alex B - June 1 - 1:59 pm

  I got this car for my wife, its her 2nd Q3. Previously she had the premium plus fwd. Honestly if you compare it to the average small SUV out there, this thing is absolutely fantastic. She loves how it looks, it drives better than competitors due to the Audi Quattro. There is nothing like a Quattro Audi, I drive one myself as well and even if you dont get snow its really nice the way it handles the road. The main thing about the Q3? It listens to the driver. Go try the x3 or the x1 or the lexus rx: theyre great cars but they have a mind of their own. The other thing is that we got an amazing deal thanks to Edmunds forums. I found out the residuals and the money rate, I followed advice on how to shop and I got a really great deal. Its a premium plus with the sport plus trim, which makes it look even nicer than stock. Anyways, we love our Audis and as long as I can afford to drive them I will. When I cant Ill switch to VW.

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  Great Car to be IN - 2004 Audi A4
  By johnny2you - June 1 - 10:00 am

  Just like it ALL. Interior finish is Amazing!!

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  In the shop 7 times for Sunroof/rattling issues - 2017 Audi Q7
  By Robert - May 20 - 1:09 pm

  Poorly made, bad fit and finish in interior. Horrible rattling after only 1500 mi. God knows what this car will sound like a year from now. This car was rushed to market, not ready for primetime. If you do not mind a car that will rattle over every bump, then this is your car, But if that sort of thing bothers you?- RUN dont buy

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  2001 ALLROAD - 2002 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By FARGOFRED - May 18 - 3:33 pm

  Elegant looks-inside and out. Very comfortable for long rides. An absolute joy to drive. Acceleration is very good (could be better with a V8) and handling is superb with minimum body lean, no tire squealing.

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  The Worst Car You Could Ever Buy - 2003 Audi A4
  By Unhappy in IL - May 17 - 2:00 am

  My 2002 A4 is a piece of junk. DO NOT BUY an AUDI A4. Two engine coils have failed after only 7 months of ownership. This is a known defect and Audi is recalling vehicles. Even if Audi has corrected this issue in 2003, their Corporate treatment of its customers is horrid. They did everything in their power not to make me happy. Your better off with another vehicle mfg.