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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  nice "looking" car - 1999 Audi A6
  By firefighterlfd - March 31 - 2:00 am

  I love the interior. Heated steering wheel, front and rear seats. I only have 38,000 and the front stunts squeek. I had to change the water pump and thermostat $700 and the front fight CV boot $200 in less than a year. Seems like there would be a warranty for this type of vehical but nope 3 yr 40000.

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  i lOVE THIS CAR - 2000 Audi A6
  By bodie - March 29 - 2:00 am

  This is a great Sedan. For performance you cant beat it....Ita brialliantly fast

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  Reliable Horse - 1990 Audi 100
  By Liboz - March 28 - 2:00 am

  Great Warranty. after 200,000 miles new Transmission Performs well in the snow. Easy to service with local garage specialist in Audi.

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  Great car for 2 years!!! - 2001 Audi A4
  By Jane Smith - March 22 - 2:00 am

  For the first 2yrs it was great. Then 3 enigine coils went bad, gas sensor,temperature gague, the cam seal has a oil leak that the dealership fixed 3 times, the instrument panel went bad as well. I would not recomend this car to anyone. It is not reliable!

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  Love my Car - 1998 Audi A4
  By prcannel - March 20 - 2:00 am

  My first Audi. Reliable, comfortable,safe and somehow . . . lovable. My satisfaction with my A4 helped persuade at least 4 other friends to purchase their A4s, A6s and TTs. Ill never be able to go back to 2WD after driving Quattro!

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  A4, AWD, 3.0 Has Been Good to Me - 2002 Audi A4
  By Paul7321 - March 19 - 2:00 am

  Sorry for those of you who have had trouble. Maybe the A4 3.0 engine is little more friendly. I wouldnt trade mine for much of anything else on the market. One draw back, back seats lack room.

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  fun $$$$$ car - 1998 Audi A4
  By jspring - March 18 - 2:00 am

  Bought this car with 40000 miles and have spent $7000 in 2 plus years replacing almost every moving part - shocks,wheel bearings,ABS control module and complete front end . Have not touched engine nor transmission and hope to sell car ASAP

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  drivers car - 1999 Audi A4
  By 4 rings - March 13 - 2:00 am

  lots of fun to drive, quattro makes it super on most any surface. look for narrow dirt roads and have a blast. new version looks good but I like the "pinch" on the top of the trunk on mine better.

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  not again - 1996 Audi A4
  By not again - March 10 - 2:00 am

  I purchased the car with 50,000 miles and drove it for another 125,000 miles. I can not say enough about the handling and performance, but that is my heart talking. This car has been back to the dealer for this, that, and the other thing 5 times each. The only thing left original at 175,000 miles is the clutch and body. Even both catalytic converters were replaced twice. Service is a headache. I bet if I added up the service repair costs, they will be more that the car cost new. If you have the cash to throw at the car, by all means you will love the ride.

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  Twin Turbo Fast fun and practical - 2001 Audi S4
  By Zen Akita - March 10 - 2:00 am

  This car is safe, VERY Fast, handles like a super car and is Amazing in snow and rain. Is it the perfect car. I have found it to be. You may also.