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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  I never want to be without one! - 2016 Audi A7
  By Tom J - December 21 - 1:36 am

  This is my second A7, and the improvements in performance, reliability, style, and technology are significant. I chose this car above all German and Japanese equivalents, and it was no contest. Ease off the line and it rolls sedately forward. Crush the pedal and it pins you back in the seat, the engine giving a subtle growl that quickly becomes a roar. 70mph comes fast, as the steering, handling, and balance tighten. It is the best performing sedan Ive ever driven. Hit the gas out of the apex and it hunkers down and rockets out of the turn. The curve speed sign says 40mph? Try 70 and you will be fine. The interior is sumptuous, ergonomic, and classy without being fussy. The electronic systems are user-friendly but have layers and layers of functionality once you start exploring. In the snow, this car outperforms the most eager SUV. Speaking of SUVs, when you open the lift gate you have a storage cave that serves almost any cargo need. Every possible situation was contemplated with this car. This A7 feels like an extension of me--more so the longer I own it. And as with my 2012, the 2016 turns heads and solicits conversation wherever I go. I have the Mythos black with Nougat interior, and it couldnt be more compelling. The car exudes understated success and standing, and imbues the same upon its driver. My only fear is that one day Audi will stop making the A7. Its that good.

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  Disappointing - 2001 Audi A4
  By Eds A4 - December 16 - 10:00 am

  The car breaks down, the dealers cant figure out how to fix them, and Audi cant supply the parts. In addition, the resale value drops like a stone after purchase. Dont do it.

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  A-6 Avant exceeds expectations. - 2001 Audi A6
  By GAD - December 9 - 10:00 am

  Exceeds expectations in every manner. I needed a car to accommodate seven of which two are children under six. There is ample room with great responsiveness even when the car is full. The car is reliable. I am bewildered as to why anyone would not consider this car.

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  Awsome car! - 2009 Audi A4
  By PyroFire3546 - December 6 - 9:26 pm

  I bought the A4 Premium Plus about 2 weeks ago, and all I have to say is that it is absolutely amazing. I had looked at BMW, Mercedes, and Lexus, and this car defiintely blows them all away. End of story. The handling could not get any better; it is even better than the 2008 Audi A4. The steering is very precise and adapts to how fast or slow you are going. The ride is quiet and smooth, making it a very comfortable car. I could see myself sticking with Audis in the future. Even though the price can be high for some buyers, all I have to say is take a test drive and you will see that you get what you pay for. The car is amazing. I would not change a thing.

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  audi a4 quatro - 2004 Audi A4
  By jess saland - December 6 - 10:00 am

  The Audi is so much fun to drive I stay in the sport and manual tiptronic a lot as I have not had so much fun driving since I had a BMW convertatble. I use the car to commute to the train and I found that for $1500 more down and about $55.00 a month I can drive this hot car opposed to a Jeep Liberty! I needed the 4 wheel for the winter. I also have a ML320 which my wife uses but I dont mind traking this car to the city and going out with a customer. With the premium package black on black 50 tint 17 inch wheel sthe car is HOT!

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  2004 A4 Quattro 6M - 2004 Audi A4
  By BigDogA4 - December 6 - 10:00 am

  Wonderful to drive, bought because it will seat 5 (4 adults, 1 child)and average over 30mpg. Test drove many others before purchasing and love this car. 4 yr-50,000 mile warranty didnt hurt either. Very well laid out interior, Bose XM stereo is awesome! All wheel drive handles well on wet or dry roadways. Im 63" tall 230lbs. and it fits me well. Plenty of power from turbo. Did add a rear spoiler to set it apart from other A4s.

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  Love this Car.... - 2016 Audi S5
  By Ruben Ramos II - December 4 - 9:36 pm

  I was in the market for a car that has a reliable track record, is fun, luxurious and a looker. My first choice was a Porsche 911 C4S but I couldnt justify the expense (that is code for too steep of a price). So, why did I go this route? The audi S5 that has been in the market for a while. Yet, you dont see very many on the road. Its sexy, is quick and agile. It does have its limits as it is not "an all out" sports car but a luxury GT Coupe. Fun Factor and great looks: I thoroughly enjoy the ride quality and quickness. Quality of the interior is above board. Wow, it a reliable rendition of what a GT coupe should be.

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  awesome - 2003 Audi A4
  By audi luvr - December 4 - 10:00 am

  Awesome car, perfect in nearly every way, and with a price near many cars of lower quality or features it simply cant be beat. The car is a blast to drive with a slick and smooth transmission a strong economical engine, and great steering the car always asks for more. With a beautiful interior made of quality materials everywhere, the inside is bacially the most comfortable and safest vault ever. A new and sporty exterior its good looking from basically every angle without using cheap graphics or cladding to attract your attention.

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  Great performance, poor reliability - 2002 Audi A4
  By jenelson - November 27 - 2:00 am

  Problems included: The rear defogger didnt work and the rear window had to be replaced. When it rained, water would get trapped in the door wells and gush out onto our shoes when the doors were opened. The dealership couldn?t fix this. Audi customer service simply didnt care, and was often rude. An Audi service manager admitted to us that Audi was aware of this issue but had no solution. Audis official position was that the car was "performing as engineered". We recently noticed knocks and rattles and an overall loss of performance. The dealership determined that the entire transmission had to be replaced. At 12,500 miles, we had had enough and traded it in on a Passat.

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  Great car for anyone - 2003 Audi A4
  By Bo - November 27 - 2:00 am

  First you look at this car, you will fall in love with it. Thats exactly what i did, and i am still in love with it. The beauty of exterior and excellent interior design captivates you from the beginning. As the days pass by, you will fall in love with the driving quality and steering also. Great car for anyone.