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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  Everything I Hoped For - 2004 Audi A4
  By drrich - February 22 - 10:00 am

  I did alot of research and wanted a convertible with front wheel drive for winter, a back seat for two, and looks that could turn heads. This car fills the bill and more. The top goes down fast, the car handles beautifully, and the controls especially on the wheel are great.I would recommend getting the wind screen for highway driving. It really makes a difference with your significant female other.The transmission is silky smooth and this car can pass anything on the road without a problem.In summary, it is a car that is fun to drive and great to look at

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  2017 Audi Q7 - 2017 Audi Q7
  By A. Osmani - February 18 - 10:30 am

  This car is a huge improvement from my previous 2014 Q7. Drives like a car, loaded with technology, and has a great interior with high quality finish. A little pricey, but so far very happy with the purchase.

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  great car - 2002 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By jeskali - February 14 - 10:00 am

  have only had car for a week but am extremely satisfied with it. am also a bmw owner and was skeptical reagrding audi. i could not have been more wrong. the car is powerful, tight, and built like fort knox. i highly reccomend this vehicle if you are looking for an all wheel drive wagon.

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  2 Sweeeeet! - 2002 Audi A4
  By shiney - February 14 - 10:00 am

  I recently purchased an A4 loaded, including the sport package. I have to travel often through the northern AZ mountains, and I cant seem to do it anymore without a big ole s*** eating grin on my face. This car is pure quality. The 1.8 T gives plenty of performance, especially when the transmission is in sport mode. Also the tiptronic option of driving it manually is way cool. I love this car.

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  VAG Got it right - 2002 Audi A4
  By dvdude - February 14 - 10:00 am

  I had a 99 Passat GLX that I bought used but I think the car had been abused, had plenty of intermittent electrical problems and annoying stuff like that but I loved to drive it. I stepped up to the A4, mainly because of better build quality. The car is a drivers dream. The attention to detail is stunning. Even though I took a loss to jump out of the Passat, I feel its worth it.

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  Awesome Car - 2005 Audi A4
  By ljb - February 12 - 11:06 pm

  My new audi is 3 weeks old. I tried just about every wagon on the market before buying this one. It handles beautifully, and has terrific pick-up, and has had no problems thus far (1500 miles).

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  Love It! - 2009 Audi A4
  By Firecracker - February 10 - 6:03 pm

  I got the premium plus package with navigation. Ive had the car for a few weeks and absolutely love it! The symphony style LED headlights are my favorite, everyone notices them. The 2.0T engine has plenty of power, I wouldnt want the 3.2L. Audi has done it again!

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  Loving it! - 2003 Audi A4
  By Pacaurora - February 9 - 2:00 am

  Bought my first convertible three years after moving to CA from NY. Second Audi and I picked it over the BMW, Saab and Mercedes for the style and build quality (the Mercedes, especially, felt very cheap). I dont find it as sluggish as some reviewers, but didnt test roadsters, so have no basis for comparison. The fit and finish are exceptional and the seating surprisingly comfortable (Im 62") for a convertible. Overall, very impressive car. Great engineering!

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  Errands are fun! - 2004 Audi A4
  By mulford - February 4 - 10:00 am

  Previous owner of 3 SUVs, my kids begged me to get a cool car. This car makes running around really fun. I am thrilled with the handling and gas mileage. I have the top down almost every day. Great vehicle.

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  Best in Class - 2005 Audi A4
  By GYGY - January 30 - 10:00 am

  The Avant 3.0L with quattro and Tiptronic is the best A4 and the best car in its class. Nice looking, top quality materials powerful enough, excellent handling and enough trunk for a family of three put this car in front of the competition. With 3000 miles already on board the short term reliability is outstanding, not a single problem. Also, I have high expectations for the long term, will see. Fuel consumption is going down, probably I have to wait 2000 miles more for the final data, but now is 20city/30highway.