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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  The little wagon that could - 2008 Audi A4
  By frankclh - April 22 - 9:11 pm

  I have had several Audis over the past 15 years as well as several Jeeps. This latest purchase with the 3.2 is outstanding. Power, all weather ability with utility and sport car manors. This package does it all. The MMI is great. Did a three hundred mile loop from New York to Boston and got 29 mpg. Got it with the Audi Certified program so great deal with new car warranty. Very, very happy.

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  Amazing - 2006 Audi A3
  By Eli F. - April 21 - 6:00 pm

  I had a Mercedes-Benz C-Class coupe before this- that was a terrible car. The A3 is so much better. It has a much peppier engine, a more luxurious interior, its much better styled, and is less money. Love the innovation- I got mine with the Open Sky sunroof.

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  This is a great ride. - 1998 Audi A6
  By ChuckMal - April 20 - 10:12 pm

  I seriously considered Mercedes, BMW less so before buying the A6. No complaints or regrets, this is a great car. Comfortable, safe, fast, secure. Well soon be shopping for our next car, and because of our experience with this one, our bias will be for Audis.

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  Believer - 2003 Audi TT
  By CCC - April 19 - 8:05 pm

  I am 2 years into my used TT. It is picture perfect and fun to drive. 33 MPG on the HW 29 in town and I have a heavy foot. Best snow car I have ever owned (lived in CO for 29 years). Would get an extended protection plan as repairs are pricey. I love my car and always get asked about it.

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  Fantastic! - 2009 Audi A4
  By Melissa - April 18 - 11:24 pm

  Ive had my A4 Premium Plus for about 6 months and Im still completely in love with it. It is always so much fun to drive especially around turns on the parkway. Best car Ive ever owned, my old Mercedes does not even compare to this car. It hasnt failed me yet. Not to mention, heads turn when I drive down the street, the cars gorgeous!

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  Fun to Drive, Smooth Ride! - 2009 Audi A4
  By sla-ny - April 17 - 7:57 am

  Previously owned two 6-cylinder Jaguar X-Types. The Audi A4 ride is fantastic the 4-cylinder Quattro engine is very powerful. Tiptronic manual shift is fun (but dangerous-- must be careful to avoid speeding ticket)! This vehicle is beautiful, roomy, and hugs the road. Because its low to the ground you have to be careful when parking, so the front end isnt damaged by concrete barriers.

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  Awesome car - 1999 Audi A4
  By jona - April 15 - 10:00 am

  Poor mans BMW. Every single person that has been in this car said they would buy it instead of a BMW. Drive it in wet weather and there is no comparison - you cant even tell its raining this thing sticks to the ground so well. No sway around corners and it handles very confidently. Anyway, everyone and their brother is driving a 3-series (here in San Francisco).

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  Best car ever - 2004 Audi A4
  By audi 1.8t - April 13 - 1:34 am

  This car is better than any other. Has awesome stereo lots of bass sounds great. Has lots of power from a 1.8 t. Great sport suspension rides as if the car was riding on rails, love the smooth shifting. Really beats any other car. Great gas mileage, comfortable to drive over 1200 miles.

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  Lovely drive, a hit @ home - 2009 Audi A4
  By Rohit - April 12 - 11:00 am

  Looked at the Infiniti G37 and BMW 3 series before settling on the Audi A4. Owned an A6 over 10 years ago, and wasnt sure if we wed buy another Audi, but the A4 has bested all my expectations in the little time Ive had it. Didnt need AWD as we have a SUV at home, so I got the FWD with Sport package in Premium Plus trim. Car drives beautifully, hugs the road esp on turns, sounds great, and the LEDs turn heads for sure. The MMI is very easy to learn and the AMI and Bluetooth work like a breeze. The extended length also comes in handy. The next few years will tell me how much theyve improved the Reliability but so far so good.

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  Excellent Car!!! - 2003 Audi S6
  By rlw - April 11 - 11:57 am

  The car has great power and stability. Quattro handling is excellent in snow. The flexibility of the transmission from full auto, sport auto to pseudo manual with paddle shifters is great. I never think twice about power to maneuver. I look forward to driving the car every time. Also, the lower/wider stance keeps the car firmly gripping the road and gives it a great look. It is the perfect blend between utility and sport.