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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  Short review after 1400 miles- A6 - 2010 Audi A6
  By Mattsam - March 20 - 7:30 pm

  I purchased the 2010 Audi A6 3.0 supercharged early this year. WOW what a car. Im an Acura guy and looked hard at a RL, the ZDX, and another MDX (would have been my third) All are great cars with only the MDX considerably less expensive. They just didnt thrill me. I was leasing my first company vehicle and I have owned/driven many of the premium brands. I was always drawn to the Audi, I hardly see one on the road. The ride is plush, the gadgets are over the top cool, and the 3.0 supercharged engine is top notch. Its been in the shop once already for check engine (dirt in a sensor) but I dont care. Every time I drive it Im smiling ear to ear!

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  The best car for a smart man - 2005 Audi S4
  By Jim - March 19 - 11:23 pm

  Ive owned my S4 for over 30k miles now, so I think I can properly review it as a used car. Its a blast to drive if you drive it like it wants to be driven. You honestly have to take care to drive it slowly. I commute 3 hours round trip to DC everyday and while I hate my commute, if I just stomp on the gas in 3rd gear at 3k revs, it makes you smile like a teenager watching American Pie during a certain scene. Gun it in first and you almost feel uncomfortable. It throws you back and takes some getting used to. I typically drive conservatively, but if you downshift in this car and hear the growl, it just makes you smile. I give my car to my wife when Im out of town, and it scares her.

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  too early to regret - 2010 Audi A6
  By sk - March 19 - 7:54 pm

  Just got this a6 on a impulse was looking at the q5 when my wife saw the trunk w/fold down rear seats she was tired of SUVs. Took this for a test drive and the rest is history. We have had Acura 04tl performance wise the tl does not come close

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  Rock stable Dual personality - 2010 Audi S4
  By Steve M. - March 18 - 8:28 pm

  Complete control in any weather with the best tires. Very comfortable for a sports sedan that will cruse at 70 getting 26 MPG. Few compromises in design or function only in price to own and options lacking at $50K.

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  No more Audi for me - 2007 Audi Q7
  By DV - March 18 - 1:23 pm

  My 3 year lease on the Q7 is coming to an end an I will definitely not lease another one. From the start there have been problems. The car came without the A/C charged, the rear passenger handle fell off twice before it was finally fixed and my "leather seat cracked in the first year. My brakes have been squealing every time I brake for the last year and they said it was brake dust. They said to spray brake area when washed and then step on brakes hard a few times. It doesnt work. The sound drives me crazy. Ive had the same experience as others with the tires--had to replace before 25k miles. Overall car looks nice and is comfortable, but lots of quality problems.

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  High Maintenance Beauty - 2001 Audi A6
  By SeattleQD - March 18 - 12:57 am

  I love my Avant wagon. It is beautiful driving and looking car but more expensive than ever to maintain. I purchased the car with 57,000 miles on it and took excellent care of it. I even used premium Mobile oil. The catalytic converter went our at 70,000. I have paid out $5,000.00 in repair costs not including the converter which I never had replaced. If you have money to carry the cost of ownership go for it! The driving experience is like none other.

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  CVT- Rare Code - 2004 Audi A4
  By jjmiller - March 17 - 9:22 pm

  3rd week of ownership transmission shot. CVT with Rare Code GZE looked all over country finally found used. New $6000 Used $2500. Not how I wanted to start with Audi. Will sell once fixed. Dealer not helpful at all. Left me to find trans. so they wouldnt have to stand behind it. THANKS. Wont by Audi again.

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  Run, dont walk, away from this car - 2002 Audi TT
  By wildchilds18 - March 17 - 10:38 am

  I purchased this car on 12/16/2009. In February 2010 I had to replace the front brakes for $600, timing belt and water pump for $1,000. Now in March, The temp gauge sensor is not working ($115), fuel gauge sensor is not working ($650), the center display on dash is starting to go out ($1,800), throw out bearing is starting to go out ($2,000), brake lights keep getting stuck on, and last but not least it eats oil.

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  Pleasant Surprise - 1999 Audi A6
  By Bob - March 16 - 8:30 pm

  Lots of bang for the buck in mechanics, body, interior and creature comforts - and they all have worked with no trouble. No exterior noise at any speed, some gear noise at 35-45, handles precisely, always starts first time. Auto leveler works for any weight - up to cement bags and block filling rear. Designed and works for smooth driving gas efficiency is great for heavy car when alert to traffic lights and with light foot on brake and gas pedals. Cruises without effort, and rpm to spare for passing. Roof rack needs better connectors/tie-down points + paint protection. Headlight washers/rear wiper and defroster all still work well. Stable in ice/snow/slush/mud. Wife loves heated seats!

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  New Car - 2001 Audi S8
  By bwonger - March 16 - 6:24 pm

  This car is a sports car in a sedan body. Even though its technically a large car, it doesnt drive like one. The acceleration is almost instant and is plenty fast for all street driving.