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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  Squealing Brakes - 2003 Audi A6
  By 5speed6 - February 1 - 2:00 am

  I got an Audi A6 for a change of pace from a BMW 528. But, I am having a problem that has turned my likes into dislike. For the past 1500 miles, the brakes have been squealing terribly when braking. The dealer did an adjustment on them which Audi recommends for this problem. All they did was scuff up the pads and rotors with sandpaper. 30 miles later, and they were squealing again. Spoke to Audi customer service, and they consider this acceptable due to the nature of semi-metallic brake pads. They said there is nothing else they can do if there is no physical problem. So I get to drive around a $50K car that sounds like a city garbage truck when braking.

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  Great Car - Big Time Maintenence - 1997 Audi A8
  By Xialater - January 25 - 2:00 am

  Great car, I miss mine every day......I just wish it didnt cost a small fortune to maintain the car

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  AWESOME CAR - 2003 Audi A6
  By GTR_ALTIMA - January 25 - 2:00 am

  Overall this is a grate car for its money I got a very good deal too. Luxury and exclusivity is unsurpassable, performance could be better but I don’t expect much form a 3900lb car. Sport suspension is a just perfect, but steering and brakes are num. Lots of room and comfortable seats. Safety is unbelievable, a domestic car side swiped me, my car had a little dent, but the other car was completely smashed I got a crystal blue metallic, and for my knowledge there are only 3 in existence. Bose system could be better, but this is after a $2,000 after market stereo.

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  Love the car - hate the repairs - 1998 Audi A6
  By Liz in Des Moines - January 23 - 2:00 am

  This car drives like a dream. But with only 60,000 miles on it I have had to replace the water pump, replace all the valve gaskets and the rear differential gasket. I am averaging almost $400 a month in maintenance and repairs. I am really going to miss the comfort, luxury, and handling of this car when I trade it in on a more reliable, less expensive car to own.

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  up in smoke - 1999 Audi A6
  By up in smoke - January 22 - 2:00 am

  enjoyed my audi for almost 4 yrs with just routine mait. however on 012103 with app 62000 miles veh burst in flames while i was driving. veh was totally incinorated within 5 min.

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  Its OK, but.... - 2002 Audi TT
  By thompja53 - January 21 - 2:00 am

  The 180hp is weak. I was going to trade mine for a 2003 automatic but without the manual this is a dog to drive. For the same trade difference I got a new 350Z with about $7500 in options not on a similarily priced Audi. After 3 BMWs and one Audi, Ive had it with overpriced underpowered German quality.

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  4 wheel driftin - 1996 Audi A6
  By Brandon F1 - January 20 - 2:00 am

  Audis are great, fun in the rain, snow, anytime.

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  Fun to drive - 1993 Audi 90
  By 93-90S - January 17 - 2:00 am

  Bought car in Oct 96 with 50k. Inherited it with what I found out to be the common head (92 & 93 6 cyl) and front end problems. Cost $1400 in 97 to repair. 4th catalytic converter on left side and 2nd on right which I have found out is also a common problem. Audi would/will not do anything about it. Gave up on cruise.

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  rocket ship - 2003 Audi A6
  By rob62 - January 13 - 2:00 am

  wounderful sedan. perfect interior. not so great on gas. around 15 mpg in the city. sound system could be better. trunk space is great as well as snow driving. the feel of this car is firm and confident. a real workhorse. kick down to sport mode or use the tip and blast by most anyone. bad weather? see ya bmw.

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  Audi by JJ - 1999 Audi A6
  By JJJJ - January 5 - 2:00 am

  Solid construction - no rattles.