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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  Awesome car.....except - 2001 Audi A6
  By Kelly Garcia - March 30 - 4:30 am

  I love this car, frustrating as it is. From the performance to the comfort and sound system it is a joy to drive. My wife and I have driven Passats for the last 5 years with virtually no problems. Well this Audi is a different story. From exterior water intrusion to interior electrical and mechanical problems, this car is surely testing my patience. My recommendation, never ever buy a used Audi that is not certified. Just as important, consider your proximity to the nearest Audi dealer, all warranty work must be done there! I admit the dealer has treated me very well. I just prefer not to be there! I still have a long way to go to reach my low reliabilty standard of my Jeep Grand Wagoneer!

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  great all weather car - 2004 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By steeltag - March 23 - 6:58 pm

  I bought this at 137k miles so some of the well known problems/maintenance had been performed already. It now has 145k miles and I really like it! superb all weather traction/capability, comfortable, quiet and powerful Since this is a 6 spd manual car, no troublesome auto tranny issues, but will need a clutch b4 long, Needs both front cv axles replaced (normal wear item), and some oil leaks fixed. I think this is a great USED car buy IF....proper maintenance has performed and you dont take it to the DEALER, get good independent mechanic.

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  Happy Audi Owner - 1998 Audi A4
  By joe - March 23 - 3:12 pm

  I bought my 1998 Audi A4 Avant from a dealer at with 45,000 miles on it coming of a 3 year lease. I have only replaced the front rotors and resurfaced rear with brake new pads. I have 75,000 miles on the car today. Maybe Im lucky. This is my 4th Audi in 12 years and the only real problem I had were the denso A/C compressors on the 90 series.

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  Never buy an Audi - 2005 Audi A6
  By Dr. Robert Hamps - March 19 - 8:23 pm

  I have had my Audi for a little over two months now and have had nothing but problems. My interior has peeled, various buttons have gone out including my electronic seating, my transmission has been replaced and I have had several leaks (oil and windshield wiper fluid each twice). I have done my research on these cars and will never be an owner of an Audi again. I have since traded my car in for a Lexus, which was worth it.

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  2005 Audi S4 - 2005 Audi S4
  By VW - March 14 - 4:49 pm

  Wonderful car, have been driving it for 4 weeks. I find myself taking the long way home just for fun. For those who want it all in a car that can be driven year round in the NE, this is it.

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  Beautiful Headache - 2001 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By Blackroad - March 8 - 2:00 am

  After two plus years and 46,000 miles, Ive got mixed feelings. I got the famous 45 mp wobble, a vibration that starts at that speed. The dealer balanced and aligned wheels repeatedly. I lost track of how many brake rotors they replaced. Finally the Audi rep had the dealer replace the TCM (computer software for automatic transmission) and it only wobbles above 65 mph. If that one problem could be resolved I could deal with the initial quality problems (all finally fixed) and I would love this car without reservation. But its like a nagging headache. I should have waited for a six-speed.

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  Fine until warranty expires - 1999 Audi A4
  By Gary Werner - March 6 - 11:44 am

  The 1999 Audi A4 2.8 quattro Sedan is a fun car to drive, most notably due to its incredible power and handling. Its front seats are very compfortable, and its controls are logically positioned and easy to access. The rear seats are a bit cramped, but OK for occasional use. It has lots of trunk space. Audis 50,000 mile warranty (even covers oil changes) is excellent assuming you drive enough miles per year to make use of the full warranty. Despite the fact that the car was carefully driven and exceptionally well maintained, problems began after the warranty expired. Major problems included fuel injectors (55,000 miles, $600), lower control arms (70,000 miles, $800), and both rear wheel bearings (80,000 miles, $650).

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  1999 A6 Quatro Sedan - 1999 Audi A6
  By Paul - March 5 - 8:36 pm

  My 1999 Audi A6 Sedan looks great anddrives great. I am glad that I purchased a 10yr / 100,000 mile bumper to bumper warranty though. In four years I have already broken even on my premium for minor problems such as a heated steering wheel short, failed water pump, and window glide failure. I intend to keep car to the end of my warranty so I expect this is a case where it pays to get the extra insurance of bumper-bumper coverate with a $0 deductible.

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  fun little machine - 1997 Audi A4
  By Pickle - March 3 - 3:25 pm

  I bought my A4 at 3 years old, and have run it up to 116,000 miles. It has been incredibly dependable but repairs arent cheap. The car always gives me plenty of (usually audible) signs that something needs attention. I have had to replace the CD player and all the ball joints...other than that, it has been great.

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  2001.5 A4 - 2001 Audi A4
  By Barry T - March 1 - 10:29 pm

  I havent had any problems with the car other than rear wheel bearings and front tie rod ends.