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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  Get used to it, and love it. - 2004 Audi A4
  By mangoon - March 24 - 2:00 am

  Excessive mechanical problems early (radio amp, roofliner, window closure, power steering) fixed by dealer. Audi extended warranty by 1 year for the inconvenience. No gears-strange initially, but a dream later on. CVT is deliciously smooth. Time the slight turbo lag, hit the gas a split second early. Computerized triptonic creates 6 “gears” to move through if you like. Punch through corners, enjoy quiet at speed. Power isnt extreme, but solid. I recommend the upgraded stereo and 17-inch rims, without sport suspension. The car is tight enough without it. Not everyone will have this car, but you dont want to be like everyone else, do you...?

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  I love this car! - 2005 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By Asheville - March 19 - 3:10 pm

  I have had my 2005 Auti allroad for a few months and I love it! I was rear ended in November, the car (2004 Accord) of the driver that hit me was close to being totaled, I drove away with a few scratches and hardly felt that I had been in an accident. I was very impressed by the safety of my allroad. The State Trooper commented on the way German Cars hold up in accidents.

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  Audi A4Q 2.0T - 2007 Audi A4
  By wingiwingbmww - March 17 - 6:50 pm

  My new 2007 A4 already been the shop 3 times. Need a new engine @ 2200 miles. Very unreliable machine. Very unhappy customer. Would not buy Audi again. Idle rough at morning start. Dealer said it is normal for all 2.0T.

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  Gotta love it - 2006 Audi A4
  By quest3 - March 13 - 8:46 am

  I obviously cant rate its reliability or build quality yet but I am loving this car inside and out. I had only 2 cars on my list an Acura TL and the 06 Lexus IS250 Awd(comes out 16 oct). Test drove the TL and really didnt get the "gotta have it feeling" well by chance I caught a glimpse of a ocean blue pearl A4 at the Audi dealer and decided to test drive.This was the longest test drive I ever took and had to have it. I actually waited 1 week as not buy on impulse but decided no need to wait for the Lexus if I love everything about this car. It feels so solid and smooth. The cabin is comfortable and beautifully laid out. Im only 58 so no problems for me with driver side. We love our A4.

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  Proud Owner - 2006 Audi A3
  By domenico - March 10 - 4:10 pm

  I cant find anything bad to say about it. Its been in Italy for over 6 years and just got here in the States. I test drove it, fell in love with it and bought it 2 weeks later. Its fun to drive, and the exterior makes a statement every time you see it. The interior is very comfortable, typical Audi style. Great buy, great fuel economy. I just got the base model, and it came with all the features I wanted. No leather, but great character!

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  WORST CAR IVE EVER OWNED - 1998 Audi A4
  By mnbeckertx - March 10 - 2:00 am

  Worst mistake Ive ever made was buying this car. Spent more time in the shop than I did driving it. The dealer gave me Toyota Corolla loaner cars - if at all (expected more after a great experience with BMW). I tried to get rid of this car for years, but was unable - nobody would give me any money for it. HORRIBLE RESALE VALUE

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  Love it and cannot leave it! - 2016 Audi Q5
  By Impressed - March 7 - 10:02 am

  We flip a coin to see who gets to drive our 2016 Audi Q5 on road trips. Cant say enough about all the positive aspects of this vehicle. Handling, comfort, interior, are all impressive. The sunroof is a great plus to this SUV as well, which filters to just let enough light in no matter what season.

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  The Ideal New England Vehicle - 2005 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By q - March 1 - 8:26 am

  I gave up my history of three SUVs for the allroad and have never looked back. The allaoad gives winter road handling with greater confidence than most SUVs. But there is no compromise on the pleasure of highway driving. Greater interior space than most of the current "trendy" SUVs (Volvo, BMW).

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  Excellent Engineering/Reliability - 2003 Audi A4
  By Sensational - February 28 - 10:00 am

  I have found the build quality of this car to be excellent. The stiffness adds to a rock solid ride. Very stable which is good. Good performance and looks as well. Interior quality is benchmark in the auto industry.

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  love my car - 2002 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By terry - February 27 - 9:33 pm

  I have never owned an Audi before my 2002 allroad. its a solid-feeling, safe car, which is very important to me because I have two small children. I feel in complete control with this car. My last vehicle was a Jeep Cherokee. It had too much play in the steering wheel. I wasnt comfortable on the turns to the extent that I never wanted an suv again. So, with this car I have the 4-wheel drive i need during the winter, but its low to the ground, comfortable and, again, solid.