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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  2017 Audi A4 sets luxury entry level - 2017 Audi A4
  By Steve Kimball - November 28 - 5:14 am

  A complete redesigned A4 reaches new levels of technology and luxury. The technology in this winner is state of the art. I almost feel like I need to go back to school and get an IT degree to get the most out of this amazing vehicle. Apple Car Play works like a charm the minute you plug into the designated USB port in the glove box. For you Android people it also handles Google Play (or whatever the comparable technology is named). The ability to load the Nav system where you would normally find your speed and RPM dials gives you the feel that you are the pilot in a 747. Speaking of the Nav system it is the best of any vehicle I have ever owned or system used. That includes Honda, Acura and Garmin. So many electronic gadgets that I urge you to check out this magnificent machine online. I am also surprised at how well it does on mpg -- I got 31.5 on highway driving. Im sure that will even improve on a longer trip. Very pleased with this purchase. My sales rep at Audi Natick, Kevin Schuster, was great. Only drawback is it takes premium fuel, but with this high performance engine its worth it. The 2017 A4 is a winner in every way.

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  New generation Audi - 2009 Audi TT
  By Topless - November 27 - 5:55 pm

  The new generation Audi TT Roadster is an exceptional sports car with blistering performance, superior handling and all the comfort features you could ask for. The price is high but residual value significantly tops the competitors. A must car for the discriminating buyer.

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  Fantastic car, minor niggles - 2007 Audi A4
  By b7a42007 - November 27 - 10:31 am

  After driving this car fairly hard and accumulating about 37,000 miles, I can honestly say it has been a great ride. The tires will wear down very fast if you push them hard - I had to replace my first set after just 10 months. Also, rear legroom is tight and I suggest changing the oil every 4,000 miles contrary to the dealer-recommended 10,000 mile interval. Wish the exhaust note was a little more inspiring too. Tires can squeak easy if pulling into traffic fast and ride can be a bit crashing on bad surfaces. Stability control is excellent and has saved me on multiple occasions from slipping off the highway ramps! Most important is how beautiful the car looks too!

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  Look forward to driving to work - 2006 Audi A4
  By ERad - November 25 - 11:10 pm

  This is my first Audi. Having spent a while looking around at other cars, I was sold on the Audi by its new looks alone. Once inside, on the road, and around the curves I knew it was the car for me. BMW lost me on their new 3 series re-design. Great sound system, convenient display of XM Radio data, toasty heated seats, & great dash design. The 2.0T is an engineering powerhouse when considering its fuel efficiency.

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  Incredible Vehicle - 2010 Audi A5
  By TXjohn - November 25 - 11:27 am

  The A5 design is outstanding and draws a lot of attention. Have had several people roll down their windows at a light and ask me about it. The 2.0T engine provides all the power needed and gets exceptional gas mileage... Im getting approximately 27 mpg on highway at more than highway speeds. Comfort: I have the sport package and the extra thigh support is outstanding. Highly recommend it. Plug the IPOD into the Bang and Olufsen system--it rocks. With this car in short supply by dealers.. Audi has a winner. And it just keeps getting better with this manufacturer. BMW and MB-- move over... Audi is HERE.

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  Hands Down Winner - 2010 Audi A4
  By Audi4Me - November 24 - 9:36 pm

  Lease was ending on a 2007 A4, and looked at the BMW 328, Mercedes 350C, and G37 as well as the 2010 A4 This car had the best balance of performance / luxury relative to price of anything I looked at (I have the Premium Plus and Sport Package). Dont be put off by the 4 cyl turbo - driven in "S" mode the car has as much, if not more, acceleration as the others and is a blast to drive. Im looking forward to three great years with this one!

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  A6 2.7T - 2002 Audi A6
  By Jarob - November 24 - 4:30 am

  This is one sexy automobile. I originally bought it for the safety but the performance and fun to drive features are definitly there. I took a long time to decide which car to buy and I dont think anything in this category comes close. The AWD is amazing with the car always firmly planted on the ground. Winters in the Northeast are tough but this car gives you peace of mind in any conditions. A+++++++

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  This Was A Good Decision - 2010 Audi Q5
  By Botts - November 23 - 7:50 pm

  Just picked up my Q5. This is the first luxury SUV that Ive owned. The last time I experienced quality like this was when I owned a Jaguar. The ride is terrific. Its solid, responsive and absolutely a ton of fun to drive. Audi has combined looks, performance and fun in their 2010 Q5! Ive started reading the owners manual to get up to speed. There is a lot to this car and it will take awhile to understand all the bells and whistles but its worth it. I bought a Meteor Gray (great color) Premium Plus and added 19" wheels and the B&O stereo. Im looking forward to driving this vehicle for a long time. Test drive one of these and youll see that Audi has it all over Mercedes, BMW & Lexus.

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  Magnificent suspension - 2009 Audi A4
  By Craig Euritt - November 23 - 7:08 pm

  The suspension on this car is magnificent! It handles curves like a slingshot, by far my favorite car so far.

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  Handling is beautiful - 2010 Audi S5
  By jeffy - November 22 - 7:33 pm

  I just got my S5in nov and what a purchase. The roar of the engine is awesome, the car loves to be driven fast, I have to keep a close eye on the speedometer, or before you know youre doing 100 no problem. The drive and handling is beautiful except that silly sunroof, Ill live though, I dont recommend this car because I dont want to see too many on the road. Just kidding get one.