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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  Sold on the A4 - 2007 Audi A4
  By Ed - April 14 - 7:36 am

  First Audi and after 1500 miles, Im sold! Couldnt be happier with the drive and feel of the A4. Handles amazing, great gas mileage and an appealing look - both interior and exterior. Test drove the 325xi and not much difference - actually the interior styling and price are superior with the A4. The interior controls take a little getting used to (climate controls, audio, lights, and sunroof control).

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  Refreshed Q7 - 2017 Audi Q7
  By Kart Raghu - April 14 - 4:09 am

  The new Audi Q7 is more nimbler and more comfortable than its predecessor. Once in the vehicle it is hard not to take it out for a long drive. I am hoping Audi has invested in good parts and produce better reliability.

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  Absolutely love my 1.8T Ultra Sport - 2004 Audi A4
  By alamerican - April 13 - 10:00 am

  I looked very hard at the Volvo S60, Acura TL, and BMW 3 series. Audi without a doubt offered the best bang for the buck and in my opinion, nothing beats the A4s handling with Quattro. Plus once I got a look at the Ultra Sport package that sealed the deal. I can not count how many times people have commented on the look of my car. I have had the car 2 months now and have not had a single problem. Finally, I am very impressed with the gas mileage.

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  Vrooom Vrooom - 2013 Audi S4
  By David - April 13 - 4:17 am

  Love this car!

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  love my A8L - 2007 Audi A8
  By Steve manuel - April 12 - 2:28 am

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  Smooth Ride - 2003 Audi A4
  By shane819 - April 10 - 2:00 am

  Build quality is excellent, smooth ride!!

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  Threes a Charm - 2003 Audi A4
  By Steven Keller - April 10 - 2:00 am

  This is my third Audi A-4. The 2002 upgrade/update is impressive. Every detail is significantly improved. For the price (under $30,000), there is no better car (and that includes the BMW 3- series, Infiniti G35, Lexus IS300, Saab 9-3, and Volvo S60--my wife has one of those). I love it. Plus, the warranty is better than anyones. Read the fine print. In short, if you can find one, BUY IT!!! I have driven over 100,000 in my A-4s so I know what I am talking about. Dr. Keller

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  my 2002 a4 1.8t 5m - 2003 Audi A4
  By Ddog - April 10 - 2:00 am

  Sport package is factory lowered. Factory tires (Dunlop SP 9090) are not the best for the snow even in all wheel drive A4. 235/45/17 all weather are pricy, but 2003 models offer Pirrelli 4 season tires that are awesome for any conditions. 2002 chips to increase boost (over 200hp and 240 toprque) are still in development by many vendors. Some offer them, but be carefull

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  The 2005 Is A Mess & Ive Had Two! - 2005 Audi A4
  By GBH - April 8 - 10:00 am

  This car is a piece of @#&*! Ive had two 2005s. The first one made a noise so bad people in the lane next to me remarked. The dealer, no help from Audi, gave me a new one for another $1,500 bucks. The new one had the check engine light appear under 300 miles. The shop had it for 5 days, delivered it and the engine light appeared again. My service shop has put more miles on the car delivering it to me then Ive put on the car driving it. Under 500 miles and its going back tomorrow. This is a new identical car. The first one was a turbo, transmission, electrical mess. Audi refuses to stand behind their auto. Maybe your dealer will as good as mine and help you. Buy at your own risk.

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  New 2016 Q5 speed and comfort.. - 2016 Audi Q5
  By Gary P - April 7 - 7:01 am