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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  brake issues at low mileage - 2014 Audi Q7
  By Nick C - March 23 - 11:29 am

  Front brake noise first appeared at ~13K. Had an oil change done at 15K only find out that we are staring at brake job, pads and rotors, for both front and rear, estimated at $1,600. Both dealerships commented on this as "normal wear" and so did Audi Customer Care. Dealing with Customer Care is a joke. Apparently my 20+ year driving experience and owning multiple SUVs/trucks and not having the brakes shot at 15K means nothing. I suggested that the dealer pays for rotors and I pay for pads, so will hear back from Audi in a couple of days. Complaints about the breaks/rotors replacement at early mileage is something that various Audi forums cover well. Thinner break pads (7mm) vs. other luxury SUVs and softer break pad material, all seem to contribute to the issue of premature brake failure. Single use rotors, which are not supposed to be serviced until ~35,000 miles according to Audi Q7 Maintenance Schedule, need to be replaced with every brake job, which can drive the cost up to $2,000 for parts and labor. Im excited at the 2017 Q7, but who needs a brake job that soon, so may not be trading in next year.

• 

  brake issues at low mileage - 2014 Audi Q7
  By Nick C - March 23 - 11:29 am

  Front brake noise first appeared at ~13K. Had an oil change done at 15K only find out that we are staring at brake job, pads and rotors, for both front and rear, estimated at $1,600. Both dealerships commented on this as "normal wear" and so did Audi Customer Care. Dealing with Customer Care is a joke. Apparently my 20+ year driving experience and owning multiple SUVs/trucks and not having the brakes shot at 15K means nothing. I suggested that the dealer pays for rotors and I pay for pads, so will hear back from Audi in a couple of days. Complaints about the breaks/rotors replacement at early mileage is something that various Audi forums cover well. Thinner break pads (7mm) vs. other luxury SUVs and softer break pad material, all seem to contribute to the issue of premature brake failure. Single use rotors, which are not supposed to be serviced until ~35,000 miles according to Audi Q7 Maintenance Schedule, need to be replaced with every brake job, which can drive the cost up to $2,000 for parts and labor. Im excited at the 2017 Q7, but who needs a brake job that soon, so may not be trading in next year.

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  If the interior were better...... - 2006 Audi A4
  By jrex - March 23 - 1:30 am

  Overall this is a very nice vehicle. It handles extremely well. The ride is much better than expected. Very little noise from the road. Good pricing compared to BMW and Mercedes. I have always heard how great the interiors are on Audis but I am not very impressed. The plastic surrounding the center console looks cheap. The turbocharged four is excellent but noisy. It is quicker than the 200 hp in my Acura TSX but far more noisy.

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  Blazing speed - 2004 Audi S4
  By Suppe - March 18 - 10:00 am

  This car is a 10 all around.

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  Slick, Hot, Functionally Awesome - 2016 Audi A7
  By r levin - March 13 - 12:48 am

  love the car and edmonds blog tremendously helpful in negotiating the lease.

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  First time Audi Buyer - 2004 Audi A4
  By JAF - March 12 - 2:00 am

  My wife wanted four wheel drive and I wanted to keep my convertible. This car provides both! The 3.0 rides extremely well (better than my Mercedes C230), has more than sufficient acceleration, is quiet, has a great convertible top and looks super. It also feels bigger than the BMW 3 series. After doing a significant amount of research I am extremely satisfied with my decision.

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  audi allroad - 2002 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By tomallen - March 11 - 10:00 am

  Bought one of first in area. Love the six speed as it turns the wagon in to a sports car. Excellent handling for such a big car. Of course, wish the mileage was better, but we have averaged 20.3 in 15000 miles, burning plus grade. Used off road with pumps cranked up. Handled rocks and ruts quite well. Second Audi, the first being a 1996 A4. Can not say enough about innovation and quality (how far Audi has come in just a few years!) Audi always has been innovative and now it has the quality to boot., and is one of best marques on road, including BMW and Mercedes.

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  Allroad Review - 2002 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By TOM - March 11 - 10:00 am

  I dont need to say much but the Allroad is great! I have had it for about a year and everything about it is wonderful. Its 0-60 performance(6.8sec) is wondeful, its handling is outstanding and its looks are perfect. I took it up in the mountains and it easily went through creeks and mud and I love the fact how it rises up with the touch of a button. I did hesitate buying an Audi but I was convinced they changed(reliability wise) and that they did. Last I would like to say this car is just not a Wagon it has Suv/wagon appeal, Audis chrome affect looks, Porschea handling, and a beatiful interior to fit.

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  The renaissance vehicle - 2001 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By DJ95070 - March 7 - 10:00 am

  The allroad has been flawless. Great handling. Most impressive AWD system. Gets me from the coast to the coldest and snowiest places faster than any other vehicle - for the third year in a row. After 40k miles, its proven itself. Gas mileage has been 21.5mpg average for all my driving - and I love to accelerate!

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  Nothing comes close - 2004 Audi A4
  By Norby - March 7 - 2:00 am

  There is NO other car with interiors to match Audis quality and design. This was a huge factor in picking it over competition. 10 out of 10! Exterior is outstanding as well. I get tons of compliments, and this is a station wagon! Very modern, organic design thatll hold up over time.Car is quiet as a lexus, even at 80+mph. Smooth ride, good brakes. Performance is good. Of course it could use more power. Very well balanced in corners for such a heavy car. Quattro makes it fun in snow and rain. Cargo area is very usefull.Hauled 27 retaining wall blocks home from Home Depot with not problems. Great soundsystem, excellent controls and guages.