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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  A8=Great! - 2005 Audi A8
  By Roger Lyman - September 28 - 4:04 pm

  I purchased my A8 a year ago and have found it to be a very pleasing car to drive. The car was certified and in the 18,000 miles Ive driven it, there have been zero problems. My car came with 19" wheels but I had a set of 18" from a previous car and when the tires on the 19s were worn, I replaced them with the 18" wheels. This resulted in a quieter and more compliant ride with no noticeable degradation of the handling (for my driving style). The A8 pleases me greatly and I plan to keep it for a while as I dont care for the newer "Big Mouth" front design of the 06 on models. Service is expensive but Audi does sell a prepaid package that is well worth the money. Overall, a great ride.

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  2002 A4 1.8T Review - 2003 Audi A4
  By audifan - September 27 - 10:00 am

  The 2002 A4 1.8T avant is our 3rd Audi since 1999 and first wagon. It has surpassed expectations. Functionality includes under-seat and side pocket storage, and a second cargo floor under the main floor; plus many hooks, nets, and pockets. The f/r power outlets are extremely well placed. There is even a built-in retractable cargo partition. Even the glove box has shelves! Ours has the sport package, heated f/r seats, convenience package w/moonroof, as well as cloth seats, which wear well and heat faster than leather. We also HIGHLY recommend the xenon lights. The feel of the headlight switch and radio knobs are well worth the price of admission.

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  Superb Quality, design - 2003 Audi A4
  By LanderHause - September 27 - 10:00 am

  An astonishingly refined auto. The design is sublime inside and out. Very smooth V6. One can get very emotional about a car like this.

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  2003 A4 - 1.8T Quattro - 5 MT - 2003 Audi A4
  By Chad N - September 27 - 10:00 am

  The car is extremely stable, quiet and fun to drive. AWD is the icing on the cake. A lot of people complain about the 1.8T engine as not "powerful enough"; I contend they should have bought the 3.0 V6 then. The 1.8T provides more than ample power and has plenty of go.. but its not a 220 HP v- 6. Compared to other entry level luxury cars, I feel the 1.8T with 5 speed manual is one of the better offerings. Ride and handling are very impressive. If your looking at any entry level german cars, you should at least drive an Audi. Its not for everyone, but I sure do like mine

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  Happy A5 owner - 2009 Audi A5
  By appetites1 - September 27 - 7:43 am

  Have all the toys in this car, have driven 7000 miles to date. Owned many cars in my 50 years of driving and this is by far the best. Enough performance and great quiet and comfort. Very smooth in every way. Getting 25+ mpg with no problems to date. If I could build it myself I would trade the mmi for touch screen nav, make the manual a little tighter shifting, but overall the best ride my wife and I ever had!

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  Love the new A4 - 2009 Audi A4
  By Bob - September 25 - 10:55 pm

  I traded in my 2002 A4 3.0 Quattro on a lease on a 2009 A4 2.0 Quattro. This 2.0 has plenty of torque. Cannot tell the difference with the new V4 from my prior V6, except the gas mileage is better and it is a quieter engine. I ordered the Premium Plus package with the navigator. I love the voice activated bluetooth dialing, the voice activated navigation, etc., and the backup camera with guidance. Audi came up with a winner. I am getting over 33 miles per gallon on the highway and around 28 in the city/suburbs. I am very happy with the vehicle. I loved my 2002 but, this is a big improvement. Only thing I miss from the 2002 is the storage compartments under the front seats.

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  Super satisfied - 2018 Audi S5
  By John Donnelly - September 24 - 9:55 pm

  More than enough horsepower. Handling is great

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  Shes beautiful - 2008 Audi A6
  By Wes - September 22 - 3:19 pm

  Ill agree with the editors reviews that the low-end torque is an issue. Shes just a bit slow off the starting line, but she shines once shes on the road. Theres plenty of pedal when you need it, and I think she runs the best slightly above the recommended speed limit. Ive owned Toyotas, BMWs and of course American cars. The Audi is my favorite to date. You wont be sorry, if you go this direction. Im always getting compliments on this car, yet you dont feel too "cocky" driving it.

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  Quiet and solid - 2009 Audi A8
  By jrh332 - September 21 - 1:39 pm

  Traded in a 2007 A8 with sport package for 2009 A8L. Miss the looks of the 20" wheels on 07 but passengers like the back seat better and the 09 19" wheels are easier to clean. Solid 24 mpg highway at 75 mph cruise. 15-16 mpg around town. Great cars and get a lot of positive comments from strangers about what a beautiful car. Quiet and solid. Cant imagine it getting much better than this.

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  Sophisticated Sport - 2009 Audi TT
  By Ken - September 20 - 1:19 am

  This car loves corners. It is fun to drive and makes my commute to work enjoyable. I decided on the Audi over Porsche, BMW, Lexus, Infiniti and have enjoyed the decision daily. Consistently surprised at how quickly I get up to traffic speed with torque to spare when I want to pass someone. Brakes are quick to engage without being too grippy. My wife and I had no plans to take our girls in it, but they love it. Lots of fun to drop off at school surrounded by monster SUVs and minivans. Booster shopping was a challenge. For as small and low as the car is, there has not been a grocery or Costco run it has not yet been able to handle. Thoroughly enjoying my mid-life crisis mobile.