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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  WOW....Love this car!!! - 2010 Audi A5
  By thatguypeter - August 17 - 3:28 pm

  I bought this car 1 week ago and I love driving it. I just got my windows tinted and it makes the car looks really nice. One thing for sure is that it gets a lot of attention and stares from people, if you dont like that...do not buy this car. I love driving this car on the freeway...cant stop putting the petal to the metal...lol...I know a speeding ticket is coming soon. The car came fully loaded except for the Prestige and S package not installed. I love the NAV and Back-Up Cam on this car. Audi really improved the NAV System. Its very easy to use and accurate in getting you to your destination. This car makes it easy to chat with girls! One look and its an easy conversation starter!!

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  Livesaver! - 2007 Audi A3
  By washes - August 17 - 10:45 am

  We got the A3 because it was fun to drive and was a luxury wagon. Last week my husband was stopped in traffic on the highway and was rear ended by a Dodge Caravan going 50-60 MPH. The A3 is a total loss with over 19,000 in visual damage alone. The safety features in this car cant be beat, while my husband has some injuries he was able to walk away from a serious multi-vehicle accident.

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  Black Beauty - 2017 Audi A4
  By Zuri Edwards - August 17 - 3:04 am

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  Audi owner - 2009 Audi Q5
  By audialways - August 16 - 8:24 pm

  This is my sixth Audi and the second SUV. Although I love the Q7, I didnt need one that big. I traded it in for the new Q5 and I have thoroughly enjoyed it. Audis are very strong and safe cars to drive they handle the roads so well especially in these New England winters. There is a sense of security when driving them that I have not felt with other brands.

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  Beautiful - 2010 Audi Q5
  By Woozer - August 15 - 9:26 pm

  Just had my Q5 for one week. Perfect blend of performance, luxury and practicality. Love the engine sound and the way it handles, except when Im listening to the incredible B&O stereo. Cant wait to get through the break-in period. Still figuring out all the electronic controls. Love the bluetooth phone and ipod controls. Cant wait to get through break-in period and let her rip.

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  all roads Start" from here. - 2003 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By azeebabee - August 15 - 10:00 am

  Nothing beter for taking our long awaited vacation to MNs North Shore It is a magical place for its beatyful color vistas, Nice roads compred from last year should make thi one the bes ever,,no small thanks to our allroad and the many features that make a long roadtrip not only bearable but downright exceptional

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  Best in class - 2009 Audi A4
  By ca - August 14 - 8:38 pm

  Ive had the Audi for 2,500km so far. It is amazing. Fuel efficiency is great for a car with this much power. The 2.0 is more powerful than the 3.2 for the first 100km (60mph). I have the navi and tech pkg. Everything is voice activated. Back up camera is very handy. Proximity sensor locks and engine start are very convenient. EPS is nicely engineered. Audi side assist is handy. Seats are very comfortable. Breaks are high performance. I tested the Lexus IS250 and the BMW 328xi also. I have heard "Hey man nice car!" from over 10 people in 3 weeks. So that covers the exterior design. Red Bull must be more popular in Germany than North America (one of the cup holders is small).

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  Great car - 2009 Audi A4
  By stanhope - August 13 - 9:21 pm

  Turbo 4 provides plenty acceleration with good gas mileage. Handling is unreal. Considered the BMW 328 and Cadillac CTS. Both were great but did not appear worth the extra cost (insurance, maintenance and purchase price).

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  This car is a rocket!!! - 2015 Audi S4
  By Greg Budd - August 12 - 9:43 am

  It is a 2015 S4. Ive always driven sport/luxury cars including Volvo S60 R-Design, Infiniti G35 and G37 Sports and this is one of the best Ive had. Crazy fast, the sound and kick in the pants is intoxicating when you bury your right foot and that supercharger kicks in. Interior is one of the nicest and infotainment/MMI is the best for ease of use. If you love music as I do you have to go for the B & O sound system. Two minor complaints; front brakes needed to be done at 22,000 miles and I must be getting old because the seats arent as comfy after about 2 hours in the car. Up for a replacement this fall and the short list consists of the new Audi S5 Sportback, the Volvo S60 Polestar or the Lincoln MKZ with the 400 hp twin turbo. I know, its North American but I will know once I have driven it. UPDATE. The car goes back at the end of October and I am going for the Lincoln MKZ with the twin turbo 400 hp AWD. I am impressed with the car, only reason for changing from Audi is the Lincoln is a bit bigger, a bit softer (bad back) and its maybe just time for a change. I will miss the roar of the Audi when you put your foot into it but the 2018 Audi with the turbo instead of the supercharger is a bit more subdued anyway.

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  Great Car Minor quirks - 2009 Audi A4
  By JJM - August 11 - 7:35 pm

  Car is everything I expected. Fit & Finish is as good as it gets. So good in fact that the seams trunk to body are so tight you cant fit bike rack clips in between. Engine is smooth. Test drove the 2.0s not going to pay this much for a car that vibrates 3.2 is for me. Brakes are awesome. Keep your eye on the rear view in a panic stop. Tiptronic is fun. Quirks... The ipod interface is poor, I leave my keys in the car in the garage but not with this... the lights will not turn off, the homelink does not work until you turn the car on. Kinda dumb that you start the car before you open the garage door.